Culture

Ooni of Ife Preaches Unity in Historic Modakeke Visit

By Web News 488

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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Culture

Modakeke Gets New Monarch

By Web News 2323

81-year old businessman, Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, has been installed as the new Ogunsua of Modakeke.

The installation rites for Oba Toriola which commenced in the early hours of Saturday had climaxed with the adorning of the symbolic Akoko leaf by the new monarch.

Speaking with the newsmen at the Ogunsua Market, Modakeke, where the last rites were performed on the new monarch, Oba Toriola, who was flanked by his wife, Comfort, said he was in line for 43 years before making it to the throne.

Hehowever assured of all round development of the community and called for cooperation of all indigenes.

Asked how he felt, Oba Toriola said, “I feel elated. I have been in line for 43 years. I am happy. People should expect all round development. I will work with all stakeholders.”

Also speaking, a retired Permanent Secretary in Osun state Civil Service, who is the Oluomo of Modakeke, Mr Fatai Kolawole, said Oba Toriola was well travelled, with good connections that could bring development to the community.

Adenitan Akinola

Culture

Oba Oyediran was an embodiment of wisdom – OSSG

By Web News 1601

Osun State Government has commiserated with the people of Modakeke community and the entire Council of Traditional Rulers in Osun State over the passing of the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Moses Oladejo Oyediran, Ajombadi III.

Oba Oyediran of Ajombadi Compound in Modakeke, who was crowned in December 2018 following the demise of his predecessor, Oba Francis Adedoyin of Olaogbin Ruling House, on August 4, 2018, joined his ancestors at the age of 95 years.

Reacting to the death of the monarch, Osun State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, described Oba Oyediran as a God-fearing royal father who was an embodiment of wisdom and fairness.

The government recalled the monarch’s role in ensuring that peace was restored to the community when a communal clash broke out last year.

Osun State government prays that God grant the entire Modakeke community the fortitude to bear the loss of its traditional ruler.

Abiodun Adeoye