14/12/2025
HISTORY OF MODAKEKE TOWN
Modakeke is a town in Osun State, Nigeria, with a rich history rooted in the 19th-century upheavals of the Yoruba people. Its origins are closely tied to the collapse of the Oyo Empire, which led to the migration of its people to various parts of Yorubaland, including Ile-Ife.
Founding of Modakeke
In the early 19th century, following the fall of the Oyo Empire, a group of Oyo refugees settled in Ile-Ife. The reigning Ooni of Ife, Oba Akinmoyero, welcomed them and allocated land outside the city walls for their settlement. This area was inhabited by storks, known locally as "Ako," whose distinctive cry—"Mo-da-ke-ke-ke"—inspired the name Modakeke, meaning "the stork has a place".
The Modakekes, also known as "Akoraye," meaning "the stork has a place," established a thriving community. They were recognized for their military prowess and agricultural skills, contributing significantly to the expansion of Ife's territory .
The Ife-Modakeke Conflict
Despite the initial harmony, tensions arose over land ownership, taxation, and governance. The most significant conflict occurred between 1997 and 2000, triggered by the creation of the Ife-East Local Government Area and the relocation of its headquarters from Modakeke to Oke Ogbo in Ile-Ife. This decision led to violent clashes, displacing many residents and causing extensive property damage .
In response, the Nigerian government, under President Olusegun Obasanjo, brokered a peace agreement in March 2000, establishing a 27-member committee to mediate the conflict. The peace accord, signed in February 2009, elevated the Ogunsua of Modakeke to the status of Oba, fostering a renewed sense of unity between the two communities .
Modakeke celebrates its heritage annually during "Akoraye Day," held every December. This event showcases the town's rich cultural traditions, including music, dance, and storytelling, reinforcing community bonds and preserving its history .
Today, Modakeke stands as a testament to resilience and cultural pride. While challenges persist, the town continues to thrive, honoring its past while looking toward a harmonious future with its neighbors in Ile-Ife.