Ondo communal crisis: Olubaka condemns incident, applauds government, police

By Adeboye Ado
The Olubaka and the Paramount Ruler of Oka-Akoko, Oba (Dr.) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye OON, has called on the communities involved in the recent communal clash in the area to sheath their swords.
In an interview with The Hope, Oba Adeleye, who condemned the incident, noted that he had called on the warring communities involved in the clash to allow peace to thrive, adding that several meetings were held to avert violence before the vicious clash escalated and claimed lives.
The royal father said, “I strongly condemn the communal clash, especially as we held a series of meetings with the people of Ebo and Owake before the unfortunate incident.
“These meetings were convened in my palace, where I made concerted efforts to pacify all parties involved to ensure that peace would prevail. It is disheartening that despite these efforts, violence still erupted, leading to unnecessary loss and suffering.
“In addition, I took the extra step to meet with stakeholders to mediate and appeal to both sides for restraint.
“Unfortunately, these genuine and collective appeals for peace were ignored, and the tragic consequences are now evident for all to see. The disregard for our efforts reveals the need for stronger commitments to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution among community members.
“I must extend my gratitude to the State Government and the police for their prompt and effective intervention in de-escalating the situation.
“Their efforts prevented further loss of life and property, and I call on them to continue monitoring the situation to forestall a recurrence. I also urge the people of Ebo and Owake to embrace dialogue, reconciliation, and unity as a way forward.
“It is crucial that we all work together to ensure this kind of incident does not happen again. Violence solves nothing; instead, it destroys relationships and hinders development in our communities.
“I appreciate the police for their assiduous efforts because the Ondo State Commissioner of Police sent the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations to the area, and the Commissioner of Police came himself. The presence of the police doused the tension to the lowest ebb.
“I assure everyone that the perpetrators of this heinous act will be identified and brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
“Let us remember that peace is the foundation of progress, and it is only by working together in harmony that we can build a better future for all.”