The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State chapter, has cautioned political actors, aspirants, party leaders, and supporters against actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the State Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Opeyemi Akinade, the council urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace, service, and the preservation of Oyo State’s “Pacesetter” legacy as political activities begin to gather momentum.
IPAC noted that Oyo State has historically been recognised for intellectual politics and administrative excellence, warning that the state must not return to the era of political violence associated with the 1962 “Operation Wetie” crisis in the old Western Region.
According to the council, the destruction, killings, and unrest that characterised the period should remain a lesson for present-day politicians and supporters.
“We must collectively resolve that the ghost of the 1962 ‘Operation Wetie’ which ravaged Southwestern Nigeria will never be invited back into our streets,” the statement read.
“The chaos, arson, and loss of lives from that era serve as a grim reminder of what happens when ambition overrides the collective good.”
The council stressed that politics should be about service and sacrifice rather than confrontation and conflict, expressing concern over what it described as the rising tension in political discourse within the state.
IPAC also condemned the increasing disrespect towards elders and traditional institutions by some political actors and supporters, describing the trend as dangerous and contrary to Yoruba values.
The body stated that traditional rulers remain custodians of culture and stabilising forces in society, warning against dragging royal institutions into political attacks and public insults.
“In recent times, we have noted a growing trend of disrespect toward elders and our revered traditional institutions. IPAC condemns this approach in its entirety,” Akinade stated.
“Our traditional rulers are the custodians of our heritage and the stabilisers of our communities; dragging these institutions into the murky waters of political insults is a recipe for social instability and a departure from our Omoluabi values.”
The council further advised aggrieved politicians and aspirants dissatisfied with internal party processes to seek alternative political platforms instead of instigating crises capable of destabilising the polity.
According to IPAC, Nigeria’s democracy provides room for political participation through multiple registered political parties, stressing that violence and political intimidation should never be options.
“To any aspirant who feels displeased by the internal processes or choices of their current political party, do not resort to violence or destabilisation of the polity,” the statement added.
“If your current platform no longer aligns with your vision, the democratic path is to seek an alternative platform rather than triggering internal wars that endanger public peace.”
The council also called on security agencies to remain vigilant, professional, and neutral in the discharge of their duties, while urging residents of the state not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence for political interests.
IPAC appealed to politicians to embrace issue-based campaigns and healthy democratic engagement as the state prepares for the 2027 elections.
“Let us compete with ideas, not weapons. Let us engage in debates, not diatribes,” the council stated.
“As we move toward 2027, let the Pacesetter State lead the way in showing Nigeria that politics can be conducted with dignity, respect for tradition, and an unwavering commitment to non-violence.”
