The Modakeke community in Osun State has urgently appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and stop a series of attacks allegedly perpetrated by hoodlums in the area.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the President of the Modakeke Progressive Union (MPU), Prof. Peter Olawuni, highlighted the rising tensions in the community following the destruction of a welcoming signpost for visitors. This incident reportedly involved a group of about 17 individuals from the Mayfair area of Ile-Ife, who tore down the signpost at Modakeke’s entry point early Tuesday.
Condemning the act as a provocation, Olawuni reported the incident to Chief Oyeyemi Oriowo, the traditional Chief of Staff to the Ooni of Ife, as well as the Osun State Police Command, in hopes of preventing further unrest. He stated, “The demand of the Modakeke community is to let peace reign in the community. I think it is becoming too much for us, and we have experienced many incidents in Modakeke.”
Olawuni expressed frustration, noting that the community had previously met with Governor Adeleke on security issues concerning both Ife and Modakeke. He stressed the need for immediate intervention from both the governor and the president to restore peace.
Lawrence Omidiora, Secretary of the Ife Development Board, emphasized that dialogue is essential to managing the situation. He cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the perpetrators’ identities and urged community leaders to seek peaceful resolutions. “Fighting will not cause any positive development in both communities,” he stated, advocating for cooperative efforts to address differences and maintain peace.
The Modakeke community continues to seek governmental support to prevent further violence and promote harmony between the two communities.
