Ile-Ife community leaders under the umbrella of Ife Progressive Forum/Ife Action Council have condemned the ethnic clash that occurred between the Yoruba and Hausa communities in the ancient city last week.

Addressing journalists at Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday, the President of the council, Comrade Lawrence Olajire Awoyoyin, said the clash was really unfortunate and saddening.

He added that the council condemns all forms of ethnic clashes, militancy and insurgency anywhere in Nigeria.

The press conference was attended by prominent Ife community leaders like Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, Jaran of Ife; High Chief Adekola Adeyeye; Sheriki Hausawa of Ife, Alhaji Abubakar Mamuda Madagali; Okobarho of Urhobo Ifeland, High Chief Akpomedoye David; and Eze Ndigbo of Ifeland, His Highness Ezekiel Chinedu Onyejekwe.

Comrade Awoyoyin said: “It is our position that we are all creatures of Almighty God, hence we are all citizens of the world and we abhor bloodletting in all ramifications.

“It is in view of the above, the entire citizenry of Ifeland wish to express our abhorrence to the unfortunate clash between certain individuals around Sabo area of Ile-Ife which led to loss of lives and property.

“The love of the Ife people towards all ethnic groups from time immemorial is not in doubt. The crisis was an offshoot of a misunderstanding between two individuals at Sabo area of Ile-Ife. The misunderstanding was unfortunately hijacked by hoodlums in the area.

“In view of this, the fracas did not emanate from Ife community but was masterminded by hoodlums from the two aggrieved individuals.”

He added that the Truth and Reconciliation Committee set up by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, which consists leaders of all the ethnic groups in Ile-Ife, would meet tomorrow to unravel the root cause of the clash, prevent a re-occurrence and recommend appropriate compensation for all those affected.

He also assured that the committee would do everything in its capacity to instill confidence in all ethnic groups in Ile-Ife so that permanent peace would reign for all residents and visitors to Ile-Ife.

Sheriki Hausawa of Ife, Alhaji Abukakar Mamuda Madagali who was also at the press conference, expressed his sadness at the crisis.

He said his people were attacked and they were not even prepared to retaliate. He also appealed to Nigerians to come to their aid.

His words: “We are appealing to people to come to our aid and help us, our houses have been burnt down and we have nowhere to go.

“Even if when we travel to our states, they ask us when we will be going back to Ife. Ife is our home.”