Police bias escalated Hausa/Yoruba clash in Ife, says Afenifere

Pan Yoruba social-cultural group, Afenifere, on Wednesday accused the police of bias in handling the recent crisis that engulfed Sabo Area of Ile Ife, Osun state.

The group disclosed this in Ile Ife, when members visited, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his palace.

Speaking during the visit, Ayo Adebanjo, who led the delegation to Ife, commended Ooni Ogunwusi for taken proactive measure that momentarily stopped the crisis.

He however condemned the role played by the police, which according to him, jeopardized the initial efforts to nip the crises in the bud and later escalated it.

Adebanjo, who was accompanied on the visit by Olu False, Yinka Odumakin, Iyiola Omisore and some other Afenifere leaders, said the purpose of the visit was to commiserate with all the parties in the crises.

According to him, both Yoruba and Hausa people lost lives and properties during the skirmishes, describing as “uncalled for” the arrest and subsequent parade of only Yoruba suspect arrested after the clash.

Responding, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, cautioned against inflammatory statements and frowned at harsh reactions that greeted the crisis from some quarters.

The monarch also warned youths never to allow politicians use them to cause mayhem calling on all stakeholders to allow peace and calm to reign in the town.