Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on historians to uphold the accuracy of historical records to prevent communal conflicts.
Speaking at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, on Tuesday, during a methodology workshop themed “Cutting Edge Knowledge Production for 21st Historians and Diplomats,” the governor stressed the dangers of distorting historical facts. The event was organized by the Historical Society of Nigeria in collaboration with 12 universities in Southwest Nigeria.
Represented by Dr. Abioye Oyewusi, a commissioner in the Osun Teaching Service Commission, Adeleke linked recent communal crises in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun to the manipulation of historical narratives.
“The conference has come at a timely period. We must allow peace to reign in our society. The communal crises in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun are due to distortion of facts. Historians must uphold accuracy and avoid bias. No matter how emotionally attached we are to an issue, we must not distort facts,” he stated.
As part of efforts to address communal violence, the governor highlighted plans to enhance security through the State Security Trust Fund. Additionally, he announced the introduction of a Peace, Safety, and Security program in Osun schools to instill values of peaceful coexistence from an early age.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Prof. Solomon Adebola, described historians as key players in social transformation and sustainable development. He urged them to contribute to national peace and progress.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Mary Lewu, emphasized the importance of the workshop in broadening historical perspectives. Participants from 12 institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State University, and Babcock University, engaged in discussions on research methodologies.
The Southwest Vice President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Dr. Fidelis Egbe, and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. ‘Siyan Oyeweso, commended the initiative. They also called for proper documentation of historical events to ensure reliability for future reference.