A renowned Yoruba Historian, Prince Adelegan Adegbola has advocated for the proper documentation of the History of the Yorubas and their culture.
He made the submission during the launching of his new book titled ‘SOOKO AWODEYI OF OGBOORU DYNASTY – THE FOUNDER OF ITA-AKUN KINGDOM’ held at the Water Shed Event Centre, Ibadan recently.
Prince Adelegan who also doubles as the President, Oduduwa Cultural Foundation stated that “it is better to have History because of its importance in national development while citing the History of Religion, Journalism, Law, Chemistry and Geography as reasons the study of History is very important and should be put into proper consideration. He also maintained that no one can do anything without History”.
Adegbola further pointed out that with the knowledge of History, people can be properly taught on the importance of cohabiting together without crisis while reiterating that the book was written in order to prevent crisis and have proper records.
“When you have record, if anybody says something contrary, you will be able to tell them what is the truth because the records, facts and figures will be there. Whatever I have done, it is based on records.
“If you don’t know Yoruba History, that means you don’t know it. You cannot be in New York or London and say you will write the History of Yoruba. The history about Yoruba must originate from within the Yorubaland itself”.
The renowned Historian counselled the Yoruba people to take the issue of their history very serious because it is about their past. He stated that “no person should be allowed to become an Oba or a Chief without having his History traced to the Yorubaland.
The book reviewer, Professor Adisa Ogunfolakan from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, urged the Yoruba people not to lose focus and should not forget about their history and culture.
He identified the lack of the knowledge of Yoruba History by the sons and daughters of Yorubaland as the reasons behind the problems facing it now.
He advised the Yorubas to do away with foreign culture and religion creating problems for them while urging the Yoruba traditional rulers to uphold the Yoruba Culture and Traditions. He warned that “any Oba who does not want to uphold the Yoruba Culture and Traditions should not be regarded as an Oba in Yorubaland”.
Speaking further at the event, the National Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barrister O.J. Irabor opined that people should document their history and genealogy.
He advocated for the return of history as a subject to be taught in schools.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
