Mutual Understanding Between Osogbo, Ido-Osun Save Communities from Clashes

The Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Jokotola, has stressed that mutual understanding between Osogbo and Ido-Osun remains crucial to preventing communal clashes, following a viral video showing a group allegedly conducting a “biblical cleansing” at a sacred site in the community.

The monarch said the incident, which reportedly involved a group led by Prophet Odedoyin Ezekiel, was strange and unacceptable, noting that such actions had never occurred in the history of Ido-Osun.

Oba Jokotola explained that the community has long maintained peaceful coexistence among traditionalists, Christians, and Muslims, especially during traditional festivals such as Obalufon and Osun, where all residents respect laid-down rules and regulations.

“The traditional aspect of this has never caused conflict. In Ido-Osun, you don’t see traditional worshippers clashing with Christians. Whenever it is time for our festivals like Obalufon and Osun, everyone — Christians and Muslims — respects the rules,” he said.

The royal father, however, expressed concern over the identity of the individuals involved in the incident, stating that they are unknown to the community and its recognized religious bodies.

“We don’t know this person. We don’t know their origin or their church. Even the Christian Association has denied them. The chairman informed us they are not their members,” he added.

Oba Jokotola further disclosed that the palace had invited the leadership of the church linked to the incident, but they failed to honour the invitation.

“We invited the church management, but they have not come forward. If they are hiding and refusing to make themselves available, why should they remain in this community?” he queried.

The monarch said the palace has condemned the action in its entirety, warning that it will not tolerate any activity capable of triggering communal or religious crisis in Ido-Osun or across Osun State.

He reiterated that the situation is no longer about religion but a sensitive communal issue that could strain relations between Ido-Osun and Osogbo if not properly handled.

“If there is no mutual understanding between the two communities, this issue can cause a communal crisis. People may begin to see it as a conflict between Ido-Osun and Osogbo,” he warned.

Oba Jokotola therefore called for calm and urged all stakeholders, including residents, religious leaders, and authorities, to embrace dialogue and respect community traditions to sustain peace and harmony.