- Visits Olowu of Kuta’s Palace

Ahead of the forthcoming general elections in the State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, Tuesday, led a high-level delegation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the palace of the Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III).

The visit is a strategic move to deepen civic engagement and ensure a seamless Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, ahead of the election.

The visit also served as a platform for direct engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community stakeholders, as INEC intensifies its sensitisation campaign across the state.

The REC was accompanied by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Victoria Temitayo Adelusi, alongside Heads of Departments from the Osun State INEC office.

Together, they briefed the gathering on the modalities for the upcoming CVR and addressed questions from community members.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Agboke reiterated the Commission’s commitment to making the electoral process more accessible and inclusive.

He emphasised that the CVR exercise is a crucial opportunity for eligible Nigerians to register, update, or transfer their voter information ahead of the elections.

“INEC remains resolute in its responsibility to guarantee that no eligible citizen is disenfranchised. We are not waiting for the people to come to us, we are taking the message to them, beginning with our revered traditional institutions,” the REC stated.

He described the palace as a strategic partner in the electoral process, given its influence as a seat of traditional authority and grassroots mobilisation.

In his response, Oba Hammed Oyelude lauded the initiative and pledged the support of traditional rulers in mobilising residents, particularly the youth, to actively participate in the CVR and broader electoral process.

“The throne remains committed to fostering democracy, and we welcome every effort by INEC to promote inclusive participation. Our communities must understand that registering to vote is the first step in shaping their future,” the monarch said.

The engagement is part of INEC Osun's broader voter education drive across the state, aimed at boosting turnout and informed participation in the elections.