The Catholic Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Rt. Rev. John Oyetola has called on members of the denomination to participate actively in the August 8, 2026, governorship election in Osun State and cast their votes according to their conscience.
Oyetola, who urged those of voting age to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, said they would be committing a sin if they refused to vote.
He spoke on Sunday in Otan Ayegbaju during the Mass marking the conclusion of this year’s annual Marian pilgrimage, which attracted participants from various states across the country.
Addressing the congregation, the bishop also warned against the sale of PVCs, describing such an act as “a greater sin.”
He said, “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, and it is a sin.”
He added, “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. You must play your own part. 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.”
The cleric emphasised the importance of skill acquisition for youths in the diocese to enable them to earn decent livelihoods.
He subsequently charged priests to engage youths in their various parishes and encourage them to acquire vocational skills at subsidised rates at the vocational school owned by the diocese.
Instead of begging for money, he advised the youths that they would earn a good income and maintain comfortable livelihoods if they learned a vocation.
“Parents, please send your children to us. They only have to pay a little, and we will take care of the rest.
“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 said.
He also implored Nigerians to use the coming Lenten period to show love to the less privileged by reaching out to them and meeting their needs.
PUNCH Online reports that this year’s edition, which featured healing services, confession and Rosary recitation, among others, had participants from Delta State, Edo State and the South-West in attendance.
Dignitaries present included the Osun State Commissioner for Commerce, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke; the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Benedict Alabi; and the immediate past Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, who represented the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji.
