Massive Crowd Welcomes Ooni of Ife to Modakeke, Calls for Peace and Unity Across Yorubaland
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
It was a festival of culture and unity in Modakeke, Osun State, on Friday as the Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, paid a historic visit to the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, Ajibise Ogo I.
The royal visit, described by observers as a symbolic homecoming, drew thousands of residents who lined the streets in excitement to welcome the monarch. Traditional drummers, cultural troupes, and chiefs adorned in colorful attires danced joyfully as the Ooni’s convoy arrived at the palace.
“This visit signifies renewed peace and unity between Ile-Ife and Modakeke,” said one of the elders in attendance, describing the Ooni’s presence as a divine sign of reconciliation.
Ogunsua Commends Ooni’s Peace Efforts, Calls for Ife-Born Governor
Welcoming the monarch, Oba Toriola praised the Ooni’s fatherly leadership and his consistent dedication to peace-building across Yorubaland and beyond.
“Kabiyesi, you have brought peace to Yorubaland, from the North to the East and even abroad. You have allowed harmony to reign, and for that, we are grateful,” the Ogunsua said.
He, however, urged for tighter security across the region to curb bandit incursions and called for unity in actualizing the dream of producing an Ife-born governor in the next political dispensation.
Ooni: ‘No More Ife–Modakeke War Under My Reign’
In his response, the Ooni of Ife expressed gratitude for the visible development in Modakeke under Oba Toriola’s reign, including the completion of a new palace. He reaffirmed his commitment to peace and mutual coexistence between Ife and Modakeke communities.
“As requested, I will not be far away from Modakeke. This is my home. Let us forget the old rifts. Anyone who does not want peace to reign should be helped to stay away,” Ooni Ogunwusi said.
He emphasized that the historic Ife–Modakeke clashes belong to the past, warning that no conflict will ever erupt again under his reign.
“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,” he declared.
The monarch concluded his address with prayers for unity, progress, and prosperity across the communities, urging youths to embrace peace, hard work, and entrepreneurship.
Leaders Laud Royal Unity, Call for Dialogue Over Litigation
The President of the Modakeke Progressive Union (MPU), Professor Olawunmi, described the day as “heroic,” stressing that both royal fathers have shown rare statesmanship in promoting peace.
He urged that any lingering disagreements be resolved through dialogue rather than legal battles, saying the era of communal confrontation should never return.
Royal Delegation and Guests
Dignitaries present included HRH Oba Eludoja Elugbemi (Obalaaye of Iraye Kingdom), Lowa Ate of Ile-Ife, Arode of Ile-Ife, Oosa of Modakeke, Asipa Balogun of Modakeke, Balogun Iyalode of Modakeke, Professor Olawunmi (President, MPU), and other notable traditional rulers and community leaders.
Mini Foodstuff Price List for Nigeria News Today
| Item | Price (₦) | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50kg Bag) | ₦63,500 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Beans (1 paint) | ₦3,600 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
| Garri (1 paint) | ₦1,800 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Yam (1 tuber) | ₦1,100 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
| Tomatoes (basket) | ₦18,500 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Palm Oil (1 bottle) | ₦1,600 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
Compiled by The Bureau News Business Desk for “foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today” and “foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today.”
