The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders in Oyo State on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to the development, security, education and political advancement of the region.

The council stated this in a communiqué issued after its meeting held at the residence of its leader and former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, Dada Bamidele, in Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The communiqué was signed by Jare Ajayi, Remi Adegbola and Sola Ailako in Ibadan, the state capital.

It enjoined politicians to ensure that peace was maintained as they embarked on political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

The elders, according to the statement, deliberated on various issues affecting the region and the state, including security, the economy, education, politics and social issues.

The council said, “On security, we commend retired Brig Gen Kunle Togun (retd), Primate Samson Ojoawo and Mr Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Igboho, along with others, for their various efforts meant to ensure that the region is safe and secure for law-abiding citizens.

“After appreciating the Federal and Oyo State Governments as well as security agencies on the successful rescue of the recent Oriire Local Government abductees, the Oke-Ogun elders express the hope that the governments, security agencies and other stakeholders will ensure that such a thing does not happen anymore.

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The council stated this in a communiqué issued after its meeting held at the residence of its leader and former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, Dada Bamidele, in Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The communiqué was signed by Jare Ajayi, Remi Adegbola and Sola Ailako in Ibadan, the state capital.

It enjoined politicians to ensure that peace was maintained as they embarked on political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

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The elders, according to the statement, deliberated on various issues affecting the region and the state, including security, the economy, education, politics and social issues.

The council said, “On security, we commend retired Brig Gen Kunle Togun (retd), Primate Samson Ojoawo and Mr Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Igboho, along with others, for their various efforts meant to ensure that the region is safe and secure for law-abiding citizens.

“After appreciating the Federal and Oyo State Governments as well as security agencies on the successful rescue of the recent Oriire Local Government abductees, the Oke-Ogun elders express the hope that the governments, security agencies and other stakeholders will ensure that such a thing does not happen anymore.

“We also express our hope that other people in captivity would be freed within the shortest time possible.”

The OCE further appreciated the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for the Federal University located in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area of the region, and pleaded that needed funds be released to the authorities of the institution for its smooth operations.

It called on those occupying public offices to ensure that the best interest of the region was served at all times, just as it reaffirmed the long-standing aspiration of Oke-Ogun people to produce a governor for the state. The council added that the objective would be pursued through dialogue, constructive engagement and democratic processes. It resolved to engage political aspirants from Oke-Ogun who had secured tickets to contest forthcoming elections.