The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has commended the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, and residents of the town for sustaining peace, noting that the calm has paved the way for steady development.
Oba Ladoja spoke in Modakeke on Saturday at the grand finale of the 40th Akoraye Day celebrations, an annual fundraising event to support community development projects.
Addressing the gathering in Yoruba, the monarch said the Modakeke community had maintained peace for over two decades, a development he described as commendable and progressive.
According to him, the Ogunsua and a delegation from Modakeke paid him a courtesy visit shortly after his installation, where they discussed the historical ties between Ibadan and Modakeke and invited him to the Akoraye Day celebration.
“I promised to attend the event and today I have fulfilled that promise. I am happy to be here. In the past, what we often heard about Modakeke was conflict, but that has stopped for some time now. This shows the Ogunsua’s commitment to peace,” Oba Ladoja said.
He added that development could only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere, stressing that the current progress being witnessed in the town was a direct result of unity and cooperation among residents.
“There cannot be progress in an atmosphere filled with unrest. I commend your cooperation towards achieving communal goals. I know the governor has taken note of your needs,” he said.
Earlier, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, attributed the town’s steady growth to the counsel of its indigenes and their dedication to the development of the community.
He urged residents not to relent but to renew their commitment to initiatives that would further enhance the status of Modakeke among communities in Osun State.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was represented at the event attended by the wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Abiwumi Owoade, assured the people that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructural development in the ancient town.
Commending the residents for sustaining peace, the governor disclosed that approval had been granted for the construction of the Famia Road beside the AP/Orona/Itasin axis, as well as the completion of the two-kilometre Celestial/Ajape Road.
The event came amid renewed calls by the Modakeke community on the Osun State Government to rehabilitate several inner roads within the town, which residents said were in deplorable condition and affecting social, cultural and commercial activities.
The chairman of the 40th Akoraye Day Planning Committee, Prince Tunmbi Toriola, had earlier said the community planned to raise N1 billion during the celebration to address infrastructural deficits and fund key development projects.
Advertisement
