As Osun State prepares for its forthcoming governorship election next month, a unique cultural initiative aimed at promoting unity and peaceful coexistence is set to take center stage in the state.
Prince Adewale Laoye of Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drums) is organizing Drum for Peace, a peace-driven movement themed: “Promoting Peace Through Drums, Not Guns/Bombs” to drum messages of peace and unity into people’s minds before, during and after the poll.
The event which will hold on July 26, 2026, at Ede City Hall, Osun State shall attract eminent personalities from different fields of life.
The initiative also seeks to use the power of culture and traditional drumming to strengthen peace and encourage citizens to embrace harmony at all times.
The event will feature performances by singers, poets, traditional chanters, drummers, and other creative artists, with every performance centered on one message: Peace.
About 500 drummers shall showcase their artistic skills to demonstrate the peace-driven initiative.
Through music, spoken word, chants, and cultural expressions, participants will advocate unity, tolerance and communal harmony.
Attendees will also be served 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 also 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 emphasized that culture remained a powerful tool for social transformation and nation-building.
The Drum for Peace Movement also aims to remind people that communities thrive when dialogue replaces conflict and that peace remains the foundation for progress in every society.
“Individuals, organizations, and peace advocates interested in supporting or partnering with the initiative are encouraged to join the movement,” Prince Laoye said.
