Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has warned against the misrepresentation of historical facts, linking recent communal clashes in the state to misinformation.
Speaking on Tuesday at Adeleke University, Ede, during a methodology workshop titled “Cutting Edge Knowledge Production for 21st Century Historians and Diplomats,” Adeleke highlighted the crucial role historians play in preserving historical accuracy.
The workshop, organized by the Historical Society of Nigeria in collaboration with 12 universities from South-West Nigeria, aimed to enhance historical research and documentation methods.
Represented by Dr. Abioye Oyewusi, a commissioner in the Osun Teaching Service Commission, Adeleke attributed communal conflicts in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun to distorted historical narratives.
“We have witnessed communal clashes in recent days. History allows facts to speak for themselves, but many historical accounts are being altered,” Adeleke stated.
He urged historians and diplomats to remain objective, emphasizing that facts should never be manipulated.
“No matter how emotionally invested we are in a subject, we must ensure that history is not distorted,” he added.
Adeleke also pointed to Africans’ deep cultural and emotional ties to land as a key factor fueling territorial disputes.
“Our cultural and emotional attachment to land is significant, but when it is weaponized, it leads to conflicts,” he said.
To address these tensions, he announced that the Osun State Security Trust Fund would be used to enhance security in affected communities.
Adeleke University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Adebola, stressed the importance of historians in shaping societal progress, emphasizing that their work must be rooted in truth to prevent conflicts stemming from misinformation.
Dr. Mary Lewu, chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, noted that the workshop aimed to explore diverse approaches to historical study.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fidelis Egbe, South-West Vice President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, called for improved documentation of historical events to ensure reliability for future generations.
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Chairman of the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, commended the initiative, urging historians to uphold the integrity of historical records.
The workshop brought together scholars from 12 universities, including Adeleke University, Federal University of Education (Oyo), Ajayi Crowther University, and Obafemi Awolowo University.
Participants emphasized the importance of accurate historical documentation and objective reporting to prevent conflicts fueled by misinformation.