A revered monarch in southwest Nigeria has urged all politicians and the electoral commission not to inflame tensions as the presidential election results are announced on Saturday.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, urged them to “behave maturely” in order for peace to reign.
The ruling APC party’s candidate, Bola Tinubu, is currently leading the vote, while the opposition PDP and Labour Party have called for a new election, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission of malpractice (Inec).
The king, who is also co-chairman of Nigeria’s National Council of Traditional Rulers, urged Nigerians to be patient while they await the outcome.
The kingdom of the Ooni of Ife is located in modern-day Osun state.
“Nigerians have suffered enough, and any form of uproar will exacerbate the already harsh living conditions for Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable among us,” the Ooni said in a statement released by his palace.
“I also urge our youth to resist any pressure to be used as thugs by unpatriotic elements.”
