The people of Epe have described as false the allegation by the New Era OPC that the Elepe of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, supports the Gani Adams’ faction of the group.
A community leader, Chief Olohuntoyin Agbaje, who spoke for the residents, said the traditional ruler was only interested in the peaceful coexistence of residents.
The Chairman of the New Era OPC, Rasaq Arogundade, had alleged that the monarch’s support for the rival faction was the reason for attacks on members of his group in Epe.
Agbaje, who is the Bale Lumofin, said there was no truth in the allegation.
He said, “According to the monarch, the New Era group approached him sometime ago, seeking his support to operate in the community as a faction. But the monarch refused and he affirmed that he did not want factions in Epe. He said if they must operate, they must all come together as the OPC; that whatever difference they had, they should settle it and operate together as one.
“This group went against the advice of the monarch and recruited known cult members that were sent away from the community into their folds. The entire community saw them during their procession in the last community Ebi festival brandishing weapons and attacking innocent people tagged as their enemies.
“What we preach in Epe is unity and we would not encourage any man to cause disunity among our people. The unity we have presently was well fought for by our people and no man can jeopardise our long-time struggle for peace and oneness.
“We herewith warn the group against throwing insults on our king by sending warning to the occupier and custodian of our custom and traditions. It is a slap on us as a people.
“We the entire community are with our monarch on this and we say no man can act or operate within our community in factions; what we clamour and cherish is our unity and peaceful coexistence.”
He said the community would continue to resist any group that attempted to breach the peaceful coexistence in the community.
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