The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan, has called for restrain over inflammatory comments that could further polarise the relative peace that has returned to the town, as Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural group visited the town to commiserate with the people.
The royal father, while commending the group for their concern and proactive move over the unfortunate incident, however, appealed to them to be conscious of any comment that could aggravate the present situation in the town.
He also warned the people of Ile-ife not to allow the issue to be politicised, saying Nigeria belongs to everybody irrespective of tribe or language.
According to him, there are thousands of Yoruba extraction in the North, as well as many of the Northerners in the South West, and other parts of the south, which necessitated the need for mutual cohesion.
Enitan, however described the South West region as the least volatile and peaceful among many cities of the world, where Muslims and Christians live without acrimony for centuries.
“I want to thank and appreciate the efforts of Afenifere and their concern over this issue, they are part of us, and hold them in high esteem.
” What makes this incident most unfortunate is that the region remains practically peaceful among many cities of the world, where the adherents of the two leading religions cohabit without friction”, Enitan said.
The group, while making remarks through the leader of the delegation, Chief Ayo Adebanjo expressed displeasure over the clash, noting that it is unacceptable and regrettable.
Adebanjo added that the pattern of arrest by the police so far has the potency of aggravating the issue if not curtailed.
He observed that the arrest was obviously sectional and partial against one ethnic group, calling on the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim to thread with caution and ensure justice, in order not to make the peace efforts counter-productive.
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