He called for security agencies to step up security measures for the electorate and ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during and after the gubernatorial and state Assembly polls on Saturday. Babalola urged gubernatorial candidates to caution their supporters to stop violent attacks and counter-attacks, noting that violence could threaten voter turnout and suppress participation in the election.
Babalola appealed to politicians to allow the electorate to decide their fates at the polls without threats of violence or killings. He said that no blood of any individual is worth the aspiration of any candidate or political party.
Babalola noted that the senseless attacks and killings in the Ile-Titun area of Ibadan South East Local Government of the state ought not to have happened and that the perpetrators of this act should be brought to justice. He warned that Oyo State should not be allowed to descend into a "war of political thugs" and the killing of innocent citizens and residents.
The NUJ Chairman also tasked journalists to be wary of their "mad rush for breaking and unverified news" and to filter and verify sources of information before pushing it out. He urged journalists to carry out diligent investigations before reporting and warned bloggers and social media influencers to refrain from being used as tools in the hands of desperate politicians.
Babalola emphasized the ethics of journalism and professionalism, which dwell on objectivity, fairness, and factual reportage of events to ward off sensationalism and prejudice that could set the state on fire.
Babalola called on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the violence are brought to justice. He emphasized that every life matters and that those responsible for the despicable act should be made to face the music accordingly. Babalola noted that politicians should not be happy that those they plan to govern are being killed because of power tussles.
He said that the NUJ views the development as condemnable, ugly, and ungodly. The chairman noted that the security agents should ensure that the culprits of this act are brought to justice. He urged residents of the state to participate in the election without fear, conduct themselves peacefully, and avoid committing any election-day offences.