Stakeholders Converge in Idanre for Peace Dialogue as NOA Champions Violence-Free Elections
The historic Owa’s Palace in Idanre Kingdom became a centre of reflection, dialogue and renewed commitment to peaceful democratic participation on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as stakeholders from across political, traditional, religious and security institutions gathered for a crucial engagement on “Violence-Free and Responsible Balloting: Pre and Post-Election.” The stakeholders’ dialogue was organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the Idanre Development Foundation (IDF) and the Idanre Local Government Council, drawing participants determined to safeguard peace and stability within the community.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the State Director of the National Orientation Agency, the NOA Officer in charge of Idanre Local Government Area, Mrs. Busola Olumide-Atiba warmly received participants and emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining democracy. She expressed profound appreciation to the Local Government Chairman, political leaders, party representatives, royal fathers, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), religious leaders, security agencies, youth leaders, Iyaloja groups, community stakeholders and members of the media for honouring the invitation. According to her, their presence clearly demonstrated a shared commitment to protecting the peace, unity and democratic integrity of Idanre communities.
Mrs. Olumide-Atiba described the engagement as both timely and necessary, especially in light of recent political unrest witnessed within the Local Government Area and the growing political agitations in the lead-up to future elections. While acknowledging that democracy naturally allows for differing opinions, political competition and advocacy, she stressed that such expressions must always be pursued through lawful, peaceful and responsible means. She reminded participants that elections should never degenerate into hostility, division or violence but should instead serve as a peaceful avenue through which citizens freely express their aspirations for leadership.
She further called on political actors and party leaders to demonstrate maturity and responsible leadership by discouraging inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of threatening public peace. She also urged traditional rulers, as custodians of culture and moral authority, to continue using their revered positions to promote dialogue, calm tensions and foster peaceful coexistence among their subjects regardless of political affiliations. Religious leaders, she added, must continue to preach messages of peace, tolerance, forgiveness and unity within their congregations and communities.
The NOA official also charged the INEC to strengthen transparency and credibility in the electoral process, while calling on security agencies to remain vigilant, professional and impartial in safeguarding lives, property and the sanctity of elections. She particularly addressed the youth, describing them as the strength and future of the nation, urging them not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence or political disruption but rather become ambassadors of peace and responsible civic participation.
Also speaking during the event, High Chief Odunwo Adetuyi, representing the Idanre Traditional Council of Chiefs, described the meeting as timely and vital for the progress of the kingdom. He stressed that true development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect. The respected chief called on all sons and daughters of Idanre, including residents from other ethnic groups such as Hausa and Igbo communities, to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence, noting that much had already been said and done to promote harmony within the community.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Idanre Divisional Headquarters, Olofin, DSP Barr. Monehin Oladele, also commended the National Orientation Agency for what he described as a bold initiative aimed at correcting anomalies within the political space of Idanre. He urged residents to embrace peace and work collectively toward development. According to him, it was unimaginable that Idanre people would engage in conflict over elections taking place in neighbouring states like Ekiti or Oyo, adding that the town is blessed with responsible and industrious indigenes who must not allow political differences destroy their unity.
Representing the Chairman of Idanre Local Government, Hon. Barr. Smart Omotadowa, Mr. Felix Teniola conveyed the chairman’s appeal to all political stakeholders to ensure absolute peace and togetherness across the local government area.
He emphasised that whatever cannot be achieved through peaceful engagement cannot be achieved through violence or conflict, urging political leaders and supporters alike to prioritise unity above partisan interests.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre Local Government, Hon. Adekunle Akinlalu, described the initiative by NOA as a well-thought-out intervention capable of strengthening democratic dialogue in the local government area.
He commended the National Orientation Agency for its proactive role in promoting peace and noted that for such accords to be effective, political leaders and office holders must consistently participate in discussions that shape the political climate of the community.
He urged all sons and daughters of Idanre to see themselves as one family irrespective of party affiliation.
Representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), WOWICAN, Muslim community, Youth groups, student groups, Hausa and Igbo communities also lent their voices to the peace campaign, offering prayers and pledging their support toward any initiative that promotes unity, tolerance and the collective good of the Idanre people.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Samuel Olugbenga Oke of the Faculty of Law, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, provided a historical analysis of political crises in Idanre, tracing the roots back to the First Republic and examining more recent developments, including the tragic incident of February 18, 2026, which reportedly claimed four lives.
He noted that Idanre people are known for their strong communal bond and should never allow political differences to tear the community apart.
Professor Oke identified factors such as the winner-takes-all political culture, monetisation of politics, impunity, inter-party indiscipline and disenfranchisement as major drivers of electoral violence in Nigeria.
He therefore called for deliberate reconciliation efforts, urging stakeholders to reach out to families affected by the recent crisis as part of genuine efforts toward healing and forgiveness.
He also emphasised the need for traditional institutions to take firm and principled positions in guiding the community toward lasting peace.
The dialogue ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to promote tolerance, dialogue and responsible political engagement, reinforcing the collective determination that elections in Idanre must never again become a source of violence but rather a celebration of democratic choice and community progress.
The meeting concluded with stakeholders collectively taking a “Peace Pledge”, openly and collectively reaffirming their commitment to promoting peaceful, responsible and violence-free elections in Idanre LGA.