By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
A group, Modakeke Think Tank (MTT), has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to quickly intervene and prevent the brewing resurgence of communal dispute between Ile-Ife and Modakeke in Osun State.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Kola Olabisi and Femi Oladosu, the group alleged that some individuals were planning to cause mayhem between the two communities.
They urged the Inspector-General of Police to direct the state Commissioner of Police to work closely with the state government with a view to investigating, arresting and arraigning the sponsors and foot soldiers of the avoidable mayhem in the overall interest of the two communities who have been cohabiting peacefully for ages.
Reacting to some allegation by the Chairman, The Ife Intellectuals, Prince Ademuyiwa Adeniran, that some bandits invaded Ife communities, killed Indigenes and stole valuables, as well as an alleged forceful takeover of over 100 villages, Modakeke Think Tank described the claims as ‘absolute falsehood.’
The group said: “We find it irritating and appalling that by this time in the history of our nation, a set of misguided and disgruntled individuals who have been fraudulently benefitting from any make-believe frosty relationship between Ile-Ife and Modakeke would find it convenient to fan embers of discord and disunity between the two communities for their selfish interest.
“We thank God that our revered father, His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and His Royal Highness, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Olubiyi Toriola, Ajibise-Ogo 1, are men of peace who would never allow their domains to be turned into a theatre of war respectively when other communities are seriously thinking of how their domains would be better than how they met it.
“While we are not foreclosing the existence of any likely misunderstanding among some individuals in both Ile-Ife and Modakeke, it is wicked and treacherous for the affected persons to elevate such infractions into communal affairs in order to whip up undue sentiment and subsequently rocking the lingering existing peace between the two communities.
“It is worthwhile to state that Modakeke which by providence is the closest child to the cradle of the Yoruba will never contemplate any untoward happening to Ile-Ife as whatever affects the cradle will not spare its neighbours of which Modakeke is the closest in terms of affinity.
“We want to make a passionate appeal to those whose preoccupation in the two communities is to cause disharmony, tension and crisis to redirect their priority by focusing on profitable ventures that would improve the existing peace in Ifeland.”