Foundation unveils initiative to celebrate Kiriji peace treaty, hails FUOYE, UI for support support
* As DAWN Commission, monarchs, stakeholders endorse programme
* Urges more organisations, individuals to join historic initiative
By John Odunayo
The Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation has hailed the Federal University Oye Ekiti and the University of Ibadan for their significant contributions towards the forthcoming Kiriji Heritage Symposium.
The symposium, which is expected to bring together scholars, policymakers, traditional rulers, cultural practitioners, peace advocates, students and development stakeholders, is being organised by the Foundation as part of activities marking the 140th Anniversary of the Kiriji Peace Treaty.
It is billed to hold on September 21, 2026 at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria.
The Consultant to Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye, who spoke on behalf of the Foundation and its leadership, described the support from FUOYE and UI as a remarkable demonstration of institutional responsibility, cultural consciousness and commitment to peace and sustainable development.
Oyawoye reaffirmed the commitment of the Foundation, under the leadership of Dr Florence Funmilola Adeoye, to promoting peace, unity, heritage education, cultural tourism, community development and sustainable partnerships across Yorubaland and beyond.
The consultant said, “We sincerely appreciate the leadership and management of FUOYE and the UI for identifying with this historic programme as this will significantly contribute to the success of the symposium”.
She noted that the involvement of the two leading universities reflected their recognition of the historical and contemporary relevance of the Kiriji Peace Treaty and the importance of preserving its lessons for present and future generations.
FUOYE has demonstrated its commitment to the preservation of Yoruba history, peacebuilding and cultural development through a financial contribution towards the successful hosting of the programme.
UI has also extended substantial institutional support to the Foundation by offering accommodation to invited guests attending the symposium from different parts of Nigeria and the diaspora.
According to her, the support will enhance the academic quality, international participation and overall impact of the symposium.
Oyawoye who said that the commemorative programme had continued to receive robust backings, said, “The growing endorsement from the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, our revered royal fathers, academic institutions, cultural leaders and development stakeholders is an indication that the message of the Kiriji Peace Treaty remains relevant.
“It is a message of reconciliation, unity, collective responsibility and sustainable progress,” she said, as she expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers and institutional partners who had publicly endorsed the programme and committed themselves to its success.
The Consultant stressed that “the symposium will provide a strategic platform for reflecting on the causes, consequences and lessons of the Kiriji War, while examining the relevance of the peace treaty to contemporary conflict resolution, regional integration, cultural preservation and development”.
While appreciating the institutions and individuals that had already supported the initiative, the Foundation appealed to government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists, cultural institutions and well-meaning individuals to provide further financial, technical and logistical assistance.
“We are calling on more organisations and individuals to join this historic initiative. Additional sponsorship and partnership will enable the Foundation to accommodate more participants, expand the reach of the symposium, produce educational and historical materials and properly document this important aspect of Yoruba history for future generations,” Oyawoye stated.
