Former lawmaker and respected son of Ile-Ife, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, has strongly refuted claims that he described the people of Ile-Ife as “sheep,” insisting that he would never use derogatory words against his own people.
In a response to comments attributed to Prof. A. A. Adediwura, Makinde clarified that his remarks were metaphorical, aimed at highlighting recurring patterns of self-sabotage within the community, not to demean its people.
“I can never describe the people of Ile-Ife as sheep, nor use any derogatory words against my own people. That would be to insult my own blood, my own name, and my own origin,” Makinde stated.
Makinde expressed disappointment that his words were taken out of context, urging scholars and leaders to focus on proffering solutions rather than creating unnecessary controversies.
“Rather than make a mountain out of our people’s challenges, I expected us to proffer solutions from your own perspective,” he said.
He emphasized that the real issues confronting Ile-Ife are federal presence, infrastructure, jobs, tourism, and unity, stressing that these challenges should unite stakeholders rather than divide them.
Makinde noted that the wounds of the community are not about one party or one man, but about a series of wrong decisions across affiliations that have made Ile-Ife a case study for outsiders.
“Prof, the crown is heavy. But our responsibility to the next generation is heavier. Let’s sit and work,” he urged.
The former lawmaker reiterated his respect for scholars and leaders of thought, but called for collective responsibility in addressing the pressing developmental needs of Ile-Ife. His message was clear: the people of Ile-Ife deserve unity, progress, and solutions—not divisive interpretations of words spoken in the spirit of advocacy.
