By Muftau Ogunyemi
Adeleke Adedoyin-Adegbite, the Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agents for the conduct of a peaceful election in the town.
Adedoyin-Adegbite made the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at his palace on Saturday in Ikare-Akoko.
The traditional ruler said the information he got from those at the various polling units in the town showed that the electoral body and security agents meant well for the country.
Adedoyin-Adegbite attributed the peaceful conduct of election in the town to the engagement and sensitisation of the people to the need for peaceful elections.
“People have begun to understand the importance of voting without violence.”
He called on the electorate and political parties to shun violence and accept the outcome of the election at the end of the day as the will of God.
“INEC and security agencies must be commended for the way they conducted the election in the town.
“It’s true that traditional rulers are not supposed to take part in politics, but at the same time for the betterment of the country, Ondo State, Ikare-Akoko and our constituency, it is necessary for us to educate our people on the importance and benefits of the election.
“So, what we have done in terms of sensitisation of our people has paid off today because people came out massively to cast their votes.
“With this development now, Nigerians will decide and I pray that the best candidate emerges as our President,” Adedoyin-Adegbite said.
Also speaking, Mr Ojo Emmanuel, an 80-year-old retired local government worker, who cast his vote at Ward 2, Unit 009 in Ikado, applauded INEC and security agencies.
“Today’s election will determine the progress of the country.
“I came out to cast my vote because of the love I have for the country in spite of my sickness and my age so that we can have a better Nigeria. I pray for the peace in the land.’’
Similarly, Mr Emmanuel David, a 90-year-old man, said he came out to vote for the progress of the country and to put a stop to the suffering of the people.
“Hardship and killings everywhere, Since I was born, I have not experienced the way people died in the hands of kidnappers these days
“So, if we vote for our own, I believe that things will change for the better in our land,” he said. (NAN)