Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on historians to uphold factual accuracy in their work to prevent communal conflicts and ensure societal harmony.
Speaking at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, on Tuesday, during a methodology workshop themed “Cutting Edge Knowledge Production for 21st Historians and Diplomats,” Adeleke emphasized the critical role of historians in shaping narratives that promote peace. The workshop was organized by the Historical Society of Nigeria in collaboration with 12 universities across Southwest Nigeria.
Represented by Dr. Abioye Oyewusi, a commissioner in the Osun Teaching Service Commission, Governor Adeleke linked recent communal conflicts in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun to the distortion of historical facts. He urged historians to resist bias and remain committed to safeguarding historical integrity.
“The conference comes at a crucial time. We must allow peace to prevail in our society. History allows facts to speak for themselves, but unfortunately, many historical facts are being distorted. The communal crises in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun resulted from such distortions. Facts should never be altered to suit any narrative,” Adeleke stated.
He further noted that emotional and cultural attachments to land should not be weaponized, as they often escalate disputes. To address the recurrent cycle of violence, Adeleke revealed plans to strengthen security measures in the state through the Osun State Security Trust Fund.
Additionally, he announced the introduction of a Peace, Safety, and Security Education Program across all levels of the state’s school system to instill conflict resolution skills in young learners. “Let our youth understand the importance of peace from primary school,” he added.
Delivering his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Prof. Solomon Adebola, described historians as key players in social transformation and sustainable development. He urged them to uphold their professional responsibility by contributing to national peace and progress.
Dr. Mary Lewu, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, welcomed participants drawn 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 Redeemer’s University.
She emphasized that the workshop aimed to explore diverse historical methodologies and foster intellectual engagement among participants. “Through discussions and knowledge-sharing, we seek to challenge perspectives and deepen historical understanding,” Lewu noted.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Fidelis Egbe, Southwest Vice President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, and Prof. ‘Siyan Oyeweso, Chairman of the Governing Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, commended the host institution and underscored the need for meticulous documentation of historical events to preserve them as reliable references for future generations.
The methodology workshop served as a platform for scholars and historians to refine their research techniques and reinforce their commitment to truth, historical integrity, and national unity.
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