In a bid to deepen grassroots participation in the electoral process, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, paid a courtesy and sensitization visit to the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, at his palace in Ila-Orangun.
The visit forms part of a broader stakeholder engagement strategy by the Commission ahead of the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. According to the Commission, the online pre-registration portal is scheduled to go live on August 18, while physical registration at designated centres will begin on August 25, 2025.
Dr. Agboke, who was accompanied by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Victoria Temitayo Adelusi, as well as Heads of Departments, Electoral Officers (EOs), and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) from the three Local Government Areas within the axis, underscored the significance of traditional institutions in galvanizing civic participation.
“Traditional rulers remain powerful custodians of culture and vital channels for mobilising our people,” the REC stated. “The success of the CVR depends largely on awareness and local support, and this palace remains a key partner in that regard.”
He urged the monarch to support INEC’s efforts by encouraging his subjects to register and update their voter information, especially first-time voters and those who have relocated.
In his response, Oba Oyedotun pledged the full support of the palace in sensitising the people of Ila and its environs. The monarch commended INEC’s renewed focus on community engagement and promised to use all available traditional structures to ensure his people are well-informed and participate actively in the process. This engagement reinforces INEC’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration ahead of future elections.