The Ede Elders Council has urged politicians in Ede, Osun State, to embrace peace and focus on the development of the ancient town rather than pursue divisive and self-serving political interests.
President of the council, Sulaimon Ademola Adebayo, made the call in Ede during a parley with political stakeholders following a recent confrontation among different political groups in the town.
Adebayo said responsible leadership requires sacrifice, tolerance of opposing views and the ability to manage political differences without resorting to violence.
According to him, the recent tensions were triggered by conflicting interests surrounding the establishment of a project in the community, a development that almost disrupted the peace traditionally enjoyed in the town.
In a statement issued by the Director of Publicity of the council, Ayodele Adeyemo, the elders reminded the feuding parties that Ede has long been known for unity and peaceful coexistence.
The statement quoted the elders as reiterating the popular saying, “yara kan soso ni Ede,” which signifies the inseparable bond among the people of the town.
The elders also frowned at what they described as the misuse of social media to spread discord and tarnish the reputation of individuals, warning that such actions could threaten the unity of the community.
Adebayo further noted that the immediate concern of residents should be providing assistance to victims of the recent windstorms that destroyed several houses and rendered many residents homeless.
He appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency to urgently provide relief materials to those affected by the disaster.
He also called on individuals, government institutions and Ede indigenes at home and in the diaspora to mobilise support and donate essential materials to the victims.
Meanwhile, leaders of the two political groups involved in the disagreement, Adeyemi Elliott and Lukman Afolabi, commended the elders for their timely intervention.
They also acknowledged the role played by the Timi of Edeland, Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, in ensuring that peace and tranquility were maintained in the town.
The two political leaders further pledged to conduct an assessment of properties destroyed by the recent tornado in order to present the plight of affected residents to relevant agencies at both the federal and state levels.
2026-03-16