Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has cautioned against the distortion of historical facts, emphasizing its role in fueling communal conflicts.
Speaking at a methodology workshop organized by the Historical Society of Nigeria in collaboration with 12 South West universities, Adeleke urged historians to remain objective in their narratives.
The event, themed ‘Cutting Edge Knowledge Production for 21st Historians and Diplomats’, was held at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, on Tuesday.
Represented by Dr. Abioye Oyewusi, a commissioner in the Osun Teaching Service Commission, the governor linked recent communal clashes in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun to historical distortions. He challenged historians to prioritize accuracy and avoid bias.
“The communal crises that happened in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun are about the distortion of facts. Facts should not be distorted on any account. As historians and future diplomats, I encourage us all: let’s always side with facts. No matter how we are emotionally attached to the subject, we should not allow the facts to get distorted,” Adeleke stated.
He further noted the deep cultural and emotional attachment to land in African societies, cautioning against its misuse.
“Not just for today, but for tomorrow. Part of the problem regarding the land issue is that our view as Africans, we are culturally and emotionally attached to the land. But when culture and emotional attachment to land become weaponized, it becomes a problem,” he added.
To address the cycle of violence, Adeleke announced plans to strengthen security through the State Security Trust Fund. Additionally, the state government aims to introduce a peace, safety, and security program at all levels of education, starting from primary school, to instill values of peaceful coexistence in young minds.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Prof. Solomon Adebola, highlighted the crucial role of historians in social transformation and national development. He urged them to contribute actively to peacebuilding.
Dr. Mary Lewu, the chairperson of the local organizing committee, explained that the workshop would explore diverse historical methodologies. Participants from Adeleke University, Adeyemi Federal University, Ajayi Crowther University, Babcock University, Bowen University, Fountain University, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Kola Daisi University, Obafemi Awolowo University, McPherson University, Osun State University, and Redeemers University engaged in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.
The South West Vice President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Dr. Fidelis Egbe, and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. ‘Siyan Oyeweso, praised the initiative and stressed the importance of proper documentation of historical events for future reference.
