Osun governorship election: Ooni drums for peace 

By Clement Omanibe, Abuja

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, recently joined legendary Yoruba art and culture maestro and Drummer of Peace, Prince Adewale Laoye, to drum for peace in the state.

The monarch, who is the father of the Yoruba heritage and custodian of its culture and traditions, demonstrated the passion when he threw his weight behind the Drum for Peace initiative recently organised by the Founder and Director of Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drums), Prince Adewale Laoye, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.

The epoch-making event themed: “Promoting Peace Through Drums, Not Guns/Bombs, drew thousands of participants from different parts of the country, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, youths, community leaders, representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Orientation Agency, civil society organizations and stakeholders.

Scores of artists, poets, chanters, and singers captivated the audience with their skilful performances, adding glitz and glamour to the colourful event.

The prestigious event, which attracted the largest gathering of drummers in Nigeria, was curated by Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni of red19 global.

The Insight gathered that the event was fundamentally intended to drum messages of peace and unity into people’s minds before, during and after the poll.

At Ede City Hall in the ancient city of Ede, Osun State, where the event took place, participants from different ethnic groups used their traditional drums, dance and cultural performances to promote peaceful coexistence and democratic participation in the election.

While addressing the participants, the Ooni who was represented by his wife, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.

We are gathered because we all share something greater than our differences.

He reminded them that they, too, had the potentials to become future leaders through hard work, discipline and perseverance.

The monarch also urged the youth to concentrate on building their future rather than allowing politicians to use them to cause unrest during elections.

While stressing that vote is supposed to be a phenomenon of peace and unity, Oba Ogunwusi said in Yoruba parlance: “Dibo ma ja ogun konibo,” which means: “Vote not fight. Election is not a war.”

Representatives of the three major ethnic groups (Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo) stressed that elections should strengthen unity rather than divide communities. They also encouraged eligible voters to collect their PVCs, resist vote buying and shun any form of political violence before, during and after the election.

The organiser, Prince Adewale Laoye, while addressing the participants on the theme: Promoting Peace Through Drums, Not Guns/Bombs, noted: “Drum for Peace is an initiative borne out of our shared conviction that peace is the greatest heritage we can preserve for ourselves and for generations yet unborn.”

He added: “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.”

Prince Laoye who further stressed the relevance of the Drum for Peace Initiative to the governorship election on August 15 also noted: “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. That is why we have chosen the drum.”

“For centuries, the drum has been the heartbeat of our people. Before newspapers, before radio, before social media, our drums spoke to our communities. They announced celebrations, warned of danger, united families, welcomed visitors, and called people together in times of need.

“Today, we return to that powerful symbol. 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.

“Our theme, “Promoting Peace Through Drums, Not Guns/Bombs,” is more than a slogan. It is a call to conscience. It reminds us that no election is worth the blood of any citizen. No political ambition is greater than the life of a young man or woman. No disagreement should rob our communities of the harmony we have worked so hard to build.”

Prince Loye expressed profound gratitude to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for his unwavering commitment to preserving peace, promoting culture, and advancing the development of the state.

Never allow yourselves to become instruments of violence in pursuit of someone else’s ambition.

While drumming the message of peace, Prince Laoye stressed: “To our political leaders and actors, regardless of party affiliation, I respectfully appeal to you today. Your supporters listen to your words. Your followers imitate your actions. Let your campaigns inspire hope instead of hostility. Let your speeches build bridges instead of walls. Let this election be remembered not for violence, but for maturity, civility, and respect.

“To our young people, you are the heartbeat of this nation. Never allow yourselves to become instruments of violence in pursuit of someone else’s ambition. Your future is too valuable to be sacrificed for temporary political gains. Be ambassadors of peace in your homes, your schools, your communities, and across social media.

“As we celebrate our culture today, let us also remember that peace is not built in one afternoon. Peace is built through our daily choices. It is built when we choose dialogue instead of confrontation, understanding instead of suspicion, forgiveness instead of revenge, and love instead of hatred.”

“May the rhythm we create today echo throughout Osun State and across Nigeria. May our drums become symbols of hope. May our voices inspire unity. May our actions preserve peace.

“Together, let us prove that the sound of drums will always be louder than the sound of violence.”