Catholic Bishop Urges Osun Residents to Participate in 2026 Polls
The Catholic Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Rt. Rev. John Oyetola, has issued a strong spiritual and civic charge to residents of Osun State, declaring that refusing to vote in the upcoming August 8, 2026, governorship election is tantamount to committing a sin.
Speaking on Sunday in Otan Ayegbaju during a Mass marking the conclusion of this year’s annual Marian pilgrimage, Bishop Oyetola called on all eligible voters within the denomination and the state at large to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process.
The pilgrimage, which featured healing services, confessions, and Rosary recitations, attracted Catholic faithful from across the South-West, as well as participants from Delta and Edo states.
Addressing the congregation ahead of Osun state governorship election coming up later this year, the cleric did not mince words regarding voter apathy and the commercialization of votes.
He warned that while abstaining from voting is a sin of omission that contributes to bad governance, selling one’s vote is a “greater sin.”
“Election is coming, and I want to say that everybody who is of voting age must vote. If you don’t have your card, go and get your Permanent Voter Card.
“You must vote according to your conscience. If you don’t vote, you are committing a sin. Your vote is what we need to change things right now. If you don’t vote and things are not good, you are part of those who have been spoiling the country,” Bishop Oyetola said.
He further admonished the congregation to leave the outcome to God after performing their civic duty, rather than being discouraged by cynicism.
“If you vote and you say your vote doesn’t count, it is not your fault. Leave them to God. God knows how to deal with them when the time comes, but you must vote…
“Please, don’t sell your card. If you sell it, it is a greater sin. No amount they offer you should make you sell your vote,” he added.
Beyond politics, the Bishop emphasized the critical need for skill acquisition among the youth in the diocese. He charged parish priests to actively engage young people and encourage them to enroll in the diocese’s vocational school, where training is offered at subsidized rates.
Bishop Oyetola argued that vocational skills are a dignified alternative to begging or dependency, particularly for young women.
“I don’t want to see our children hiding or begging for money. It is not dignifying, particularly for our ladies. Don’t be at the mercy of any man. Be proud, make money for yourself and live a decent life,” he urged.
The event was attended by several high-profile political figures, including the Osun State Commissioner for Commerce, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke. Also present were the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Benedict Alabi, and the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, who represented the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
As the Lenten season approaches, Bishop Oyetola concluded by imploring Nigerians to use the period to show love to the less privileged and meet the needs of the vulnerable in society.
