Prince Adewale Laoye of Aafin Ilu, also known as the Palace of Drums, is set to lead a peace-driven movement in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The initiative themed “Promoting Peace through Drums, Not Guns/Bombs” will bring together over 500 drummers and non-drummers for a cultural peace gathering scheduled for July 26, 2026, at Ede City Hall.
The event aims to use traditional drumming to strengthen peace and encourage citizens to embrace harmony before, during, and after the election period.
According to the organisers, performances from singers, poets, traditional chanters, drummers, and other creative artists will centre on one message: peace.
Through music, spoken word, chants, and cultural expression, participants will advocate for unity, tolerance, and communal harmony.
Attendees will also hear peace messages and keynote addresses from security personnel, INEC representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders who will speak on the importance of peaceful electoral participation and social cohesion.
The gathering is expected to bring together community leaders, adults, youths, traditional rulers, and people from all tribes and ethnic communities residing in Osun State.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Prince Adewale Laoye emphasised that culture remains a powerful tool for social transformation and nation-building.
The movement aims to remind people that communities thrive when dialogue replaces conflict and that peace remains the foundation for progress.
The initiative comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, with the Osun State Police Command convening stakeholders’ meetings to curb rising political violence ahead of the poll.
Traditional institutions have also weighed in. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to promoting peace and discouraging electoral violence, urging youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence.
Individuals, organisations, and peace advocates interested in supporting or partnering with the initiative are encouraged to join the movement.
