By Mojisola Oladele
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, received a jubilant welcome in Modakeke, Osun State, during a historic visit that underscored a renewed commitment to peace and collaboration between the two communities.
Thousands of residents lined the streets as traditional drummers and cultural troupes heralded the Ooni’s arrival at the palace of the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola.
In his address, Oba Toriola praised the Ooni’s dedication to harmony across Yorubaland.
“We see what you are doing across Yorubaland, in the North, East and even abroad. You have allowed peace to reign, and for that, we are grateful,” Oba Toriola stated.
The Ogunsua then shifted focus to two critical local issues as he called for enhanced security measures, citing reports of bandit incursions, and made a direct political appeal.
“Kabiyesi, the time has come for an Ife-born governor. Let us work together to achieve this,” Oba Toriola declared.
President of the Modakeke Progressive Union, MPU, Professor Olawunmi, described the day as “heroic,” crediting both monarchs with demonstrating an “uncommon commitment to peace.”
Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed gratitude for the visible progress in Modakeke under Oba Toriola’s reign, specifically noting the construction of the new palace.
He assured the community of his continued support and promised to attend the forthcoming Akoraye Day celebration.
“As requested, I will not be far away from Modakeke. This is my home,” the Ooni said, urging a final break from past conflicts.
“Let us forget old rifts. Anyone who does not want peace to reign should be helped to stay away.”
He directly addressed those who might exploit the harvest season to stir tension under the guise of the historic Ife-Modakeke rivalry, firmly stating that such acts belong to the past.
“No war can ever happen again between Ife and Modakeke, not under my reign as the Arole Oduduwa. Those who cause trouble are thieves, not our people,” Ooni Ogunwusi declared.
The event concluded with the Ooni praying for lasting peace, unity, and progress, while urging the youth to embrace hard work and shun violence.
The gathering included numerous high-ranking traditional leaders from both Ife and Modakeke among whom were the Obalaaye of Iraye Kingdom, Oba Eludoja Elugbemi, the Lowa Ate of Ile-Ife, Arode of Ile-Ife, Oosa of Modakeke, Asipa Balogun of Modakeke, Balogun Iyalode of Modakeke.
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