Ibadan – The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, has called for violence-free elections in February.
Odulana made the call in Ibadan at the public presentation of a book entitled: “Election Law Practice in Nigeria”.
The book presentation was in honour of the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr Seyi Makinde.
The Olubadan who was represented by the Ekerin Balogun Olubadan, Chief Tajudeen Abimbola, urged the electorate to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner devoid of violence.
The monarch also advised politicians to play the game in line with the laid down rules and regulations of INEC.
Odulana, who warned Nigerians against violating the Electoral Act, said “people should vote peacefully and return to their various homes.”
In his speech, Makinde lamented the high rate of unemployment among the youths, saying that proper attention was not being paid to the problem of unemployment.
Makinde, who said that poverty was the main challenge facing the country, added that “fifty per cent of the youths in Nigeria are not gainfully employed.’’
“ When youths are faced with poverty, they lose hope in future prospects, therefore, they engage in status changing activities which will not augur well for society.
“They engage in activities that are inimical to the country’s future. By so doing, they engage in violence. It is a big challenge,” he said.
He, however, called on Nigerians to tackle poverty in the society so that the country could move forward.
