The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has urged politicians and their supporters in Oyo State to shun violence and embrace peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council’s President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, made the call in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan on Saturday.

Ajewole expressed concern over recent clashes involving political supporters in the Molete area of Ibadan, warning that such incidents could undermine peace and security across the state.

“We urge politicians not to return Ibadan and Oyo at large to the era of wanton killings and destruction of lives and property,” he said, calling on candidates and their supporters to respect the rights of others, regardless of political affiliation.

He urged political parties to focus their campaigns on policies and development plans, encouraging candidates to present their manifestoes and explain how they intend to address the needs of the electorate.

Ajewole also called on political leaders to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements and actions that could heighten tensions during the campaign period.

“Political ambition should not be pursued at the expense of the lives and property of the people,” he said, adding that maintaining peace in Ibadan and Oyo State was a collective responsibility.

The council further urged security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that anyone found responsible for political violence was brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The appeal follows an attack on supporters of Accord Party governorship candidate Oriyomi Hamzat during a procession in Molete, within Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, on Wednesday.

The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online, saying Hamzat’s supporters were ambushed during what he described as a peaceful procession.