By Tolulope Olurotimi
In a striking turn of events, the anticipated Mopa Day 2025 celebration was abruptly cancelled, igniting controversy within the community. Reports indicate that Chief Muyiwa Ibeun was notably excluded from the invitation list, a decision many argue reflects a growing disconnect between him and the Mopa populace. Despite the cancellation, community members gathered at the originally planned venue to demonstrate their unity, transforming the day into a collective prayer for peace.
The cancellation has raised significant concerns, with some locals interpreting the exclusion of Chief Ibeun’s name from the invitation as a clear rejection of his status as the Elulu of Mopa. Critics suggest that this act underscores a broader attempt to assert dominance and control over community affairs. The Community Management and Support Committee (CMSC) has accused Ibeun of employing reconciliatory committees to sabotage Mopa Day, interfering with the Mopa Women’s Society (MWS), and using court injunctions to hinder community celebrations. They further allege that he seeks to rewrite Mopa’s history and erase shared achievements in development.
The press release from CMSC outlines a troubling pattern of behavior attributed to Ibeun, who they claim has historically undermined MWS and stifled community initiatives, including allegedly creating rival organizations. The committee has urged the community to remain vigilant against Ibeun’s maneuvers, cautioning against attempts to monopolize power and silence dissent within the traditional governance structure.
In light of these developments, the CMSC has called upon the Mopa populace to resist Ibeun’s actions, which they fear could incite violence and destabilize law and order in the community. They have also appealed to the Mopa Traditional Council (MTC) to concentrate on its cultural preservation duties rather than becoming embroiled in political and corporate matters.
As tensions mount, the CMSC is advocating for sincere reconciliation and unity, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing collective interests over personal ambitions. Pastor Adeyeye underscored this sentiment, urging all community members to engage actively in dialogue to ensure fair representation and justice.
The cancellation of Mopa Day 2025 has ignited a passionate debate surrounding leadership, tradition, and development within the community, as stakeholders grapple with the implications of the dispute. The CMSC has reiterated the need for meaningful peace and development as the community navigates this turbulent period, highlighting the necessity of allowing MWS to function independently according to its constitution.
With the future of Mopa hanging in the balance, the ongoing conflict highlights the critical need for committed and effective leadership among local stakeholders, as the community strives to overcome divisions and uphold its rich heritage.
