Yoruba Leaders Unveil Kiriji Peace City Plans

On September 22, Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and scholars convened in Ibadan, Oyo State, to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Kiriji Peace Treaty, which marked the end of the Yoruba war in 1886. The Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation (KHCF) unveiled the proposed layout for the Kiriji Peace City (KPC) during the event.

Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Co-Chairman and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, emphasized the lessons from the Kiriji war, highlighting the dangers of division among people with shared history and culture. She stated that while peace does not erase past grievances, it is essential for the future.

Awolowo Dosumu urged the Yoruba to choose dialogue over confrontation and to nurture unity while respecting individual identities. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Banji Akintoye, who underscored the significance of the peace treaty and its relevance today.