The Ọò̩ni of ifẹ̀ , Aláyélúwà Àrólé Oòduà Ọlọ́fin Àdìmúlà Ọọ̀ni Adéyẹyẹ̀ Ẹnìtàn Babátúndé Ògúnwùsì. Ọ̀jájá II , has called upon academia in Nigerian universities to diligently document the history of the Yoruba race, rather than relying on biased historical accounts.
He emphasized that proper documentation would not only foster unity but also unveil connections across different ethnic groups. He cited evidence indicating that the Igbo race had migrated from Ile-Ife.
The monarch presented this challenge to the academic community while addressing journalists ahead of an International Conference on ‘Ile-Ife and Yoruba Civilization: Nexus between Tradition and Modernity,’ held at his palace in Ife.
The Ooni expressed that only about a quarter of the Yoruba race’s history has been documented. Therefore, he is collaborating with select universities to ensure the thorough documentation of the Yoruba history, aiming to enhance cohesion among Yoruba people globally.
“We have substantial evidence to suggest that the Igbo race has its origins here in Ile-Ife. There is Ile-Igbo here in the palace, which is not a recent creation but has existed for decades. For this and many other reasons, I believe we need a proper documentation of our history,” stated the Ooni.
“We are not involving the government in this project so that we can accurately compile all the facts. We must write our history properly and present things accurately for the benefit of future generations.”
Additionally, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, a renowned historian, explained that the conference’s purpose is to gather scholars to discuss the meticulous documentation of Yoruba history, with a specific focus on Ile-Ife as the race’s origin.
The Ooni of Ife holds the highest spiritual authority in Yoruba land and occupies the sacred stool of Oduduwa as Kabiyesi Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
