The Ooni Caucus of Eminent Yoruba Sons and Daughters has condemned the killing of seven persons by some gunmen from Modakeke at Toro village on Friday.
The Coordinator of Ooni Caucus, Akin Osuntokun, in a statement on Sunday decried the attempt to make the crime appeared as a renewal of the crisis between Ife and Modakeke people.
He said the attempt by those he called mischief makers was aimed at diverting the attention of security agencies investigating the matter from the real issue.
The statement read, “We commiserate with the families and community of the deceased and pray against any such recurrence, The Punch reports.
“Most worrisome regarding this untoward development is the attempt to make it serve the purpose of rekindling the feud between Ife and Modakeke. Those orchestrating the development should immediately cease and desist from such mischief for the sake of our common humanity and peace, unity and stability of Yorubaland and indeed Nigeria.
“We reiterate the patient investigative and peace promoting position of the Ooni palace and decry attempts to add communal colouration to the crime with an attempt to distract security operatives from unveiling the evil minds behind the devilish act. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.
“We extend our support and sympathy to Kabiyesi Oonirisa (Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi) as he brings to bear his trademark goodwill, tolerance, accommodating and patriarchal disposition on the unfortunate event.”
Recall that killing had caused tension in Ife and Modakeke on Friday and it was reported that some of those who took the remains of the slain victims to the mortuary has attempted to attack the Ooni palace, but we’re repelled.