The Ife-Modakeke Conflict: Historical Legacies, Cultural Divergences, and Sociopolitical Tensions

(Hardback)

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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.

Reviews

Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyis The Ife-Modakeke Conflict Historical Legacies, Cultural Divergences, and Sociopolitical Tensions is 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 insights from multidisciplinary vantage points, Oyeniyi presents the reader with the richest and most compelling research extant, not only on the Ife-Modakeke conflict but also on the general subject of conflict resolution and peacemaking in Africa. * Femi J. Kolapo, Professor of History, University of Guelph, NG *
Oyeniyi combines multiple conflict theories, employs a longue dure approach, and applies multidisciplinary research to examine the complex origins, evolution, and impact of the conflict. With his reliance on diverse sources and his clear writing style, Oyeniyi outlines how to build long-term peace and brings the conflict between two of the several sub-ethnic groups within the Yoruba ethnic nationality into new focus. Policy makers and students of peace and conflict studies, ethnic studies, Yoruba studies, Nigerian history, and African studies, as well as anyone interested in an accessible account of the Ife-Modakeke conflict, will find this book invaluable. * Mohammed Bashir Salau, Professor of History, University of Mississippi, USA *
The Ife-Modakeke Conflict is rich, insightful, detailed, and beautifully woven. This book is a must read and a useful resource toolkit for students and scholars in African History, Politics, Conflict and Security studies; as well as anyone interested in understanding the role of identity construction, identity politics in conflict generation, and conflict management in traditional and contemporary African societies. * Olajide Akanji, Professor of Security Studies, Politics & International Relations, University of Ibadan, NG *

Author Bio

Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyi is associate professor of history at Missouri State University, USA.