Traditional rulers, scholars, and prominent Yoruba leaders recently gathered in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the Kiriji Peace Treaty. The event, organized by the Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation (KHCF), featured the unveiling of the proposed Kiriji Peace City (KPC) layout. This modern city aims to honor the end of the Yoruba war in 1886. The celebration brought together dignitaries, including Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Co-Chairman of the KHCF and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, addressed the gathering. He emphasized that the Kiriji war and peace initiative offer valuable lessons. According to Awolowo Dosumu, the war serves as a warning about the dangers of deepening grievances, failed dialogue, and mistrust. He encouraged the Yoruba people to cherish their individual identities while recognizing their shared heritage.
Professor Banji Akintoye, a foremost historian, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the significance of the Kiriji Peace Treaty as one of the most important documents in modern Yoruba history. Akintoye noted that the treaty represented a courageous attempt to create a framework for coexistence among contending forces. He emphasized that the treaty taught the Yoruba people the value of courage in making peace and transcending past grievances.
Akintoye further stressed that the Kiriji war and peace treaty offer valuable lessons for contemporary society. He noted that disagreements are inevitable, but permanent division is not. The historian encouraged the Yoruba people to work together, preserve their history, and promote cultural relationships. Akintoye also emphasized the role of traditional rulers as custodians of memory and guardians of identity.
The president of KHCF, Dr. Florence Folami-Adeoye, explained the foundation's mission to preserve and develop Kiriji. She envisioned a world-class Kiriji Heritage and Peace Destination, where history can be experienced, and culture can flourish. The destination aims to promote peace, courage, reconciliation, and human possibility.
The Kiriji Peace Treaty was signed on September 23, 1886, marking the end of the Yoruba war. The treaty represented a significant milestone in Yoruba history, demonstrating the courage and wisdom of the parties involved. The anniversary celebration served as a reminder of the importance of peace, dialogue, and cooperation.
The event concluded with a call to action for the Yoruba people to prove themselves worthy of the peace treaty. The speakers emphasized the need for continued dialogue, understanding, and unity. They encouraged the younger generation to learn from the lessons of Kiriji and work towards building a brighter future.
Key points
- The Kiriji Peace Treaty is recognized as one of the most important documents in modern Yoruba history.
- The treaty taught the Yoruba people the value of courage in making peace and transcending past grievances.
- The anniversary celebration aimed to promote peace, courage, reconciliation, and human possibility.
