Tension Mounts in Akure over Attempt to Cut Sacred Tree

                     

The disquiet in Akure over the mourning rites of the late monarch, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, continued Wednesday as tension enveloped Isikan area of the Ondo State capital. The monarch joined his ancestors last Sunday at the age of 63. 

Tension has been brewing in the town following the clash between the youths of two quarters, Isolo and Akure, over the observance of mourning rites in the state capital.

The Isolo youths have been resisting the moves by Akure youths to impose the mourning rites of the late monarch on the entire town. The former argued that they are not under the rule and control of the late monarch and so should not be forced to observe his mourning rites.

We gathered that the latest tension arose over the alleged resolve of the Akure community to cut the sacred Ose tree in front of the palace of the Iralepo of Isikan, Oba Joseph Olu Ojo, as part of the traditional funeral rites for the late monarch.

According to the tradition, once the tree is cut, it means that Isikan has a new Oba or that the Oba had joined his ancestors.

Already, the rumour was rife on Tuesday that Oba Ojo had died whereas the monarch was hale and hearty.

When We visited the community yesterday, the Isikan youths vowed to resist any attempt by the Akure community to cut the sacred tree, stating that Akure and Isikan are two distinct communities with distinct traditions and customs.

Speaking with journalists in his palace, Ojo urged the people to allow peace to reign in Akure communities while the traditional rites for the departed monarch last.
The monarch said the period should be seen as a moment of sober reflection and should not be used to cause further division among the communities in Akure kingdom.

He added that Akure communities had agreed to close all markets for seven days in honour of the deceased monarch.

According to him, though Isikan and Isolo are not expected to be affected by the mourning of the monarch, they agreed to close all shops and markets for seven days in order to allow peace to reign in the state capital.

The monarch said the Isikan people agreed to this because of the respect they have for the administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who had done a lot to change the face of their community and they would not do anything to disturb the peace of the land.

The monarch also disclosed that the three communities within Akure had signed an undertaking to embrace peace during a meeting with the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Bamiduro Dada.

Ojo however warned that the people of Akure community should not push their luck too far by attempting to cut the sacred tree as threatened because Isikan has its own customs and tradition that are different from that of Akure...