Ife Crisis: Ooni Warns Against Inflammatory Comment, Politicisation of The Situation

By Abdulrofiu Agboola

Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has expressed his worries over the turn of the event in the ensuing crisis between Hausa and Yoruba in the ancient town of Ile-Ife, calling for caution on every comment from both parties.

Oba Ogunwusi who called for understanding on the crisis, said he has already contacted police authority to look into the mode of the arrest which has so far been centred on Yorubas in Ile-Ife.

The traditional ruler stated this today while receiving members of the Pan-Yoruba organization, the Afenifere at his palace.

Oba Ogunwusi commended members of the socio-cultural group for their concern, saying that their stand on the crisis has reaffirmed that Yoruba is the light of the world therefore.

He said with the concerns from difference Yoruba groups on the crisis, “the Yorubas must be seen as leaders that right the wrong”.

The foremost traditional ruler said the crisis should not be politicized for the sake of prosperity.

According to Ooni, “Before the crisis between the Hausa and Yoruba at Sabo in Ile-Ife, politicians did not see reasons to visit the area but when the crisis erupted, Sabo became the home of politicians all in the interest of politics”.

He, however, warned politicians to desist from using the opportunity to hijack the crisis for their political interest.

Oba Ogunusi also warned the Nigerian youths to desist from any criminal activities capable of causing crisis in the society, saying they should always see themselves as symbol of peace.

Speaking at the palace, the spokesperson of the Afenifere group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo posited that the mode and manner on which some suspects were arrested by the police was unacceptable to Yoruba race.

Adebanjo stated that group was worried over the incident, blaming the police authority for the lapses as well as the arrest during the crisis.

Adebanjo pointed out that the police authority was partial in the whole process, saying, “We Afenifere are not saying they should not arrest people but the arrest must reflect the two sides for fair and justice”.