Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State blamed the communal crisis in Ifon Osun, Ilobu, and Erin Osun for distorting historical facts.
Speaking at a two-day workshop on historical methodology at Adeleke University, Ede, to explore the diverse approaches and techniques that shape human understanding of history, the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner in the Osun Teaching Service Commission, Dr Abioye Oyewusi, charged stakeholders to embrace peace and allow the truth to prevail.
The workshop, ‘Cutting Edge Knowledge Production for 21st Century Historian and Diplomat,’ was organised in collaboration with the Historical Society of Nigeria and 11 other universities in the South West Zone.
The universities include Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State University, Ajayi Crowther University, Babcock University, Bowen University, Fountain University, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Kola Daisi University, McPherson University, Redeemers University and Adeyemi Federal University,.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Mary Alaba, the acting head of the department of History and International Studies at Adeleke University and chairman of the local organising committee, said the workshop was designed to foster an environment of collaboration and inquiry.
She says, “Our mission here today is to explore the diverse approaches and techniques that shape our understanding of history, and it gives me pleasure to see so many passionate scholars and individuals committed to this important field.”
Also speaking, the south-west vice president of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Dr Fidelis Egbe, and the chairman of the governing council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Siyan Oyeweso, commended the host institution and called for proper documentation of historical events to make them reliable tools for future use.
