Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba cultural groups gathered in Ede, Osun State, on Sunday to advocate Osun Poll Peaceful Voting, calling on residents to reject violence, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate peacefully in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The appeal was made during the Drum for Peace programme organised by the Founder and Director of Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drums), Prince Adewale Laoye, at Ede City Hall.

Also read: Adron Group celebrates construction icon Muraina Banjoko at 65

The event brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth groups, security agencies, civil society organisations and cultural performers, who used traditional music and dance to reinforce messages of peace, unity and civic responsibility.

Participants from the three major ethnic groups urged eligible voters to resist vote buying, shun political violence and exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

Representing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi encouraged young people to avoid being used as agents of political violence, stressing that discipline and hard work offered a better path to leadership.

“You can also become a governor tomorrow if you continue to work hard and build yourselves. Do not allow yourselves to become tools in the hands of politicians. Face your lives and your future because violence only destroys destinies,” the monarch said through his representative.

The royal father also reminded residents that the PVC remains the strongest instrument for influencing leadership in a democratic society.

“You have power, and that power is your PVC. Use it wisely by voting for the candidate of your choice. Vote, but do not fight. Democracy should unite our people, not divide them,” the message added.

The Ooni commended Prince Adewale Laoye for using culture as a platform for peacebuilding, noting that traditional drumming has long served as a powerful tool for communication, reconciliation and social harmony.

In his welcome address, Laoye described the initiative as a timely effort to reinforce the importance of peace ahead of the governorship election.

“It is with immense gratitude and great joy that I welcome every one of you to this historic gathering, Drum for Peace, an initiative born out of our shared conviction that peace is the greatest heritage we can preserve for ourselves and for generations yet unborn,” he said.

Laoye emphasised that the gathering transcended political, ethnic and religious divisions, arguing that every resident shares responsibility for protecting peace in Osun State.

“Today, we are not gathered because of politics. We are not gathered because of ethnicity. We are not gathered because of religion. We are gathered because we all share something greater than our differences.

We share a common humanity, a common future, and a common responsibility to protect the peace of Osun State and Nigeria,” he stated.

Highlighting the significance of the forthcoming election, Laoye urged political actors to focus on ideas rather than confrontation.

“As our dear state prepares for another gubernatorial election, history reminds us that elections should be contests of ideas and visions, not battles fought with hatred or violence. Democracy flourishes where peace exists, and development can only thrive where people live without fear,” he said.

Explaining the symbolism behind the programme, Laoye said drums have historically united communities and were deliberately chosen to amplify a message of peace.

“Our drums will not call for conflict. Our drums will not encourage division. Our drums will not spread fear. Instead, every beat you hear today carries one message: Peace,” he said.

He added that the programme’s theme, “Promoting Peace through Drums, Not Guns/Bombs,” underscored the belief that no political ambition should come at the cost of human lives.

The event also featured appeals from representatives of various cultural organisations. Madam John Bosco Mbari of the Good Character Is the Virtue of a Good Woman Group urged eligible voters, particularly members of the Igbo community, to collect their PVCs and vote peacefully.

“Go out and vote in peace. No quarrelling, no fighting, no shooting. Let’s all go out and vote because the PVC is our power,” she said.

Elizabeth Haruna Ishaku of the Hausa Group Dancers advised women to seek divine guidance before voting and avoid actions capable of inciting violence.

Similarly, Fabekun Abiodun Olamilekan of the Damilare Agbasaga Onilu Oonirisa Group appealed to residents not to allow themselves to be recruited for political violence.

“I pray that we do not experience bloodshed on election day. Whoever has registered for PVC should go and collect it because the PVC is the power we have on election day, and we should not be deceived by merchants of vote buying,” he said.

The Drum for Peace initiative comes as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

In recent weeks, electoral authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly urged political actors and supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the poll.

Also read: Adron Group celebrates construction icon Muraina Banjoko at 65

By bringing together diverse ethnic communities under one cultural platform, organisers said the programme sought to demonstrate that peaceful elections remain essential to democratic progress and sustainable development in Osun State.