Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyi examines the complex interplay of history, culture, and politics that have shaped the longstanding conflict between the Ife and Modakeke communities in Nigeria.
This book argues that the roots of this conflict extend beyond immediate sociopolitical grievances and are deeply entwined with historical legacies and cultural divergences that have evolved over centuries. Using archival materials, oral histories, and contemporary narratives, Oyeniyi illustrates how colonial legacies, ethnic identities, and local power dynamics have contributed to ongoing tensions. The analysis reveals how historical grievances are often reframed in contemporary contexts, influencing community relations and political alignments. Ultimately, this book sheds light on the necessity of understanding historical contexts to address current conflicts, offering insights into conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies that are informed by a nuanced grasp of local histories and cultural identities. This book contributes significantly to the broader discourse on conflict in Nigeria and Africa, emphasizing the importance of historical awareness in contemporary sociopolitical landscapes.
Examines the complex interplay of history, culture, and politics that have shaped the longstanding conflict between the Ife and Modakeke communities in Nigeria.
Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyiis associate professor of history at Missouri State University, USA.
Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyi'sThe Ife-Modakeke Conflict Historical Legacies, Cultural Divergences, and Sociopolitical Tensionsis the first book-length monograph on the fraught intercommunal relation between two neighbors, the Ife and Modakeke peoples of Nigeria. This study evinces the most comprehensive historical context for understanding the dynamics of the long-drawn conflict. In his rigorous, systematic, and exciting use of diverse and telling evidence, skillful interrogation, and application of theoretical insl&