In a significant move to strengthen grassroots participation in the electoral process, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, on Tuesday paid an advocacy visit to the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba (Dr.) Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
The visit, part of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) intensified campaign for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), aimed to leverage the traditional institution’s influence to boost citizen enrollment.
During the meeting, REC Agboke highlighted the critical importance of inclusive civic engagement and issued a urgent call to action for all eligible voters in Ijesa land who are yet to register.
“The electoral process is strengthened by every single voice. We are therefore appealing to our revered monarch to use his influential stool to mobilize his subjects to register and ensure their voices are represented at the polls,” Dr. Agboke stated.
He assured the community that INEC is committed to making the exercise seamless and inclusive. “Special arrangements are in place to give priority attention to the aged, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable groups. We are determined to leave no one behind in this process,” the REC added.
In his response, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup expressed his appreciation for the visit and pledged the full support of the traditional institution.
The monarch assured the Commission that the palace would actively encourage wider participation, emphasizing that voter registration and active citizenship are fundamental to community development.
“This is a collective responsibility. We will use our influence to support INEC’s sensitization drive and ensure our people understand the power of their vote,” Oba Haastrup said.
The advocacy visit to the Owa Obokun palace is a key part of INEC’s broader strategy to partner with traditional rulers across Osun State. The commission believes that such collaborations are essential to building trust, boosting voter registration numbers, and ultimately strengthening the integrity of the electoral process.
