The tranquility of Ile-Ife, Osun State, is threatened by a brewing land dispute between the indigenes of Ile-Ife and the neighboring Modakeke community. The Great Ife Movement, a group representing the interests of Ile-Ife, has raised an alarm over the alleged actions of the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, accusing him of attempting to install village heads, known as Baales, in communities they claim belong ancestrally to Ile-Ife. This move has sparked concerns about potential unrest and a disruption of the hard-won peace between the two communities.
At the heart of the dispute are several villages, including Toro, Alapata, Oyere, Onibambu, and Oduranyin, which the Great Ife Movement asserts fall under the jurisdiction of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the paramount ruler of Ile-Ife. The group contends that these villages are situated within Ife North Local Government Area, not Ife East, further solidifying their claim of ownership. They view the Ogunsua’s purported actions as a deliberate encroachment on their ancestral lands and an affront to the Ooni of Ife’s authority. The Movement has categorized the attempted installation of Baales as a criminal act of trespass, warning that it could incite disaffection among residents and potentially escalate into a breach of peace.
Adding fuel to the already tense situation, the Great Ife Movement alleges that Modakeke individuals have trespassed into Ayingun, Oke-Eso, within Ile-Ife territory, and deposited lorry loads of sand, presumably to erect a structure. This act is seen as a further provocation and an attempt to assert ownership over lands that the Ife indigenes maintain belong to them. The cumulative effect of these actions, according to the Great Ife Movement, is a calculated strategy by Modakeke to usurp their ancestral lands and destabilize the fragile peace that has been carefully nurtured between the two communities.
The Great Ife Movement has issued a stern warning to Oba Toriola and his agents to desist from any further actions related to the installation of Baales in the disputed areas. They have appealed to various stakeholders, including the state government, law enforcement agencies, political leaders, and respected monarchs, to intervene swiftly and decisively to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. The Movement emphasizes the urgency of maintaining law and order and preventing any actions that could potentially ignite a crisis or renewed conflict in the region. They have also emphasized the need to respect the established boundaries and traditional ownership of the lands in question.
While attempts to obtain a response from the Modakeke Progressive Union (MPU) regarding the allegations proved unsuccessful, a former Public Relations Officer of the MPU National Body and current Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Ife East Local Government, Venerable Debo Babalola, offered a plea for peace. He highlighted the shared commitment of both the Ooni of Ife and the Ogunsua of Modakeke to peaceful coexistence, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to foster harmony between the communities. Babalola shifted the focus towards addressing the common problem of farm raids plaguing both communities, suggesting a collaborative approach to tackle this shared challenge rather than escalating land disputes.
The land dispute between Ile-Ife and Modakeke has deep historical roots, marked by periods of conflict and uneasy peace. The current tensions underscore the fragility of the existing peace and the importance of proactive intervention to prevent a resurgence of violence. The competing claims of ownership, coupled with the alleged provocative actions by both sides, create a volatile situation that requires immediate attention from relevant authorities. A resolution requires a thorough examination of historical land ownership records, clear demarcation of boundaries, and ongoing dialogue between community leaders to foster mutual understanding and respect. Addressing underlying grievances and promoting economic opportunities that benefit both communities are crucial for establishing lasting peace and stability in the region.
