The Modakeke community in Osun State has reached out to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking urgent intervention to address a surge of attacks by suspected hoodlums. Prof. Peter Olawuni, the President of the Modakeke Progressive Union, voiced this concern on Wednesday, highlighting the need for government action to ease rising tensions following the destruction of a signpost welcoming visitors to the town.
Olawuni reported that the latest incident occurred early Tuesday morning, when around 17 individuals from the Mayfair area of Ile-Ife vandalized the signpost at the entrance to Modakeke. He condemned the act as a provocative gesture and stated that he has informed the traditional Chief of Staff to the Ooni of Ife, Chief Oyeyemi Oriowo, as well as the police, to help defuse the situation.
“I contacted the Divisional Police Officer, who said he had alerted the Area Commander. After assessing the damage, we were advised to manage the situation with caution, which is why we convened a meeting at the palace yesterday,” Olawuni explained.
He emphasized that the primary goal of the Modakeke community is to restore peace, asserting that the frequency of these incidents has become intolerable. The community has previously engaged with Governor Adeleke on two occasions regarding security concerns in both Ife and Modakeke. “We even met with the deputy governor, expressing that these provocations are unacceptable. We are now urgently appealing to Governor Adeleke and President Tinubu for immediate intervention.”
In response to the ongoing tensions, Mr. Lawrence Omidiora, Secretary of the Ife Development Board, stressed the importance of dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts. He cautioned against jumping to conclusions regarding the origins of the perpetrators. “If the incident occurred as reported, it suggests that someone might be trying to instigate conflict between our communities. It’s unjust to assume that those responsible came from Ile-Ife; such assumptions stem from past animosities and suspicions,” he stated.
Omidiora emphasized the need for cooperative efforts to achieve peace, asserting that violence would not benefit either community. “We must find ways to address our differences constructively, as ongoing conflicts will only hinder development for both sides. We are committed to working together to maintain peace, recognizing that there are shared routes and interests between our communities.”
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