Kiriji Treaty Foundation Marks 140th Anniversary In Ibadan, Seeks UNESCO Recognition

The Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation has unveiled plans to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the historic Kiriji Peace Treaty of 1886, with a renewed campaign to secure international recognition for the Kiriji historical landscape and transform the site into a major heritage and peacebuilding destination.

The anniversary will be marked on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, under the theme, “140 Years of Peace, Unity and Yoruba Heritage: Reflecting on the Legacy of the Kiriji Peace Treaty.”

The Foundation said the event would bring together traditional rulers, scholars, political and community leaders, policymakers, cultural advocates, development partners, youths, media practitioners and members of the Yoruba diaspora to reflect on the significance of the treaty and its relevance to contemporary peacebuilding.

In a statement signed by the Foundation’s President, Dr Florence Funmilola Adeoye, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that Kiriji becomes a “living heritage” rather than a historical event confined to textbooks.

According to the foundation the Kiriji Peace Treaty remains one of Africa’s notable examples of negotiated settlement and reconciliation, offering valuable lessons for societies grappling with conflict, division and insecurity.

It said the anniversary would not merely commemorate a historical event but would also provide an opportunity to promote peace, dialogue, unity and reconciliation while preserving the historical memory of Kiriji for future generations.

A major component of the Foundation’s long-term vision is the development of Kiriji as a heritage city where history, culture, peacebuilding, education, tourism and sustainable development would converge.

The Foundation also disclosed plans for the establishment of a Kiriji Peace Park, including a proposed Peace Treaty Park, which it described as a permanent symbol of reconciliation and peaceful dialogue, as well as a centre for peace education, historical interpretation, cultural preservation and research.

It said efforts were already underway to secure UNESCO recognition for the Kiriji historical landscape and the proposed Peace Treaty Park, noting that international recognition would boost conservation, academic research and responsible cultural tourism.

The Foundation added that it had been engaging relevant institutions, including the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, to build the institutional partnerships required to advance the initiative.

The anniversary programme will feature Professor Banji Akintoye as keynote speaker and Professor Isaac Olawale Albert as guest lecturer.

The Foundation will also honour the contributions of eminent Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside traditional rulers and other distinguished personalities.

The event is being co-chaired by former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Alani Ipoola Akinrinade (retd.), and Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu.

The Foundation said the involvement of traditional institutions, academics and other stakeholders underscored the collective responsibility to preserve an important chapter of Yoruba and Nigerian history.

It also disclosed efforts to involve younger generations in the preservation of the heritage through initiatives such as the Kiriji Essay Competition, organised in partnership with Roving Heights.

The competition, according to the Foundation, is designed to encourage students and young Nigerians to study the significance of the Peace Treaty and examine its lessons for contemporary society.

The President of the Foundation, Dr Florence Funmilola Adeoye, and the Secretary, Arc Olurotimi Fafowora, both members of the Board of Trustees, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Kiriji becomes a “living heritage” rather than a historical event confined to textbooks.

Other trustees include Prof Raymond Ogunade, Prof Soji Adejumo, Mr Joseph Abayomi Aworeni, Hon Raphael Elebute, Dr Toyin Ogundeji and Prof Olubukola Oyawoye, who also serves as consultant and anniversary coordinator.

The Foundation called on government institutions, traditional authorities, academic communities, cultural organisations, development partners, the private sector, media organisations, host communities and members of the Yoruba diaspora to support efforts to preserve the Kiriji historical landscape.

It urged stakeholders to support research, cultural tourism, the proposed Peace Treaty Park and other initiatives capable of creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities connected to the heritage.

The Foundation stressed that the 140th anniversary should mark the beginning of a renewed effort to transform the memory of Kiriji into a living legacy of peace, unity, cultural pride, education and sustainable development.

It said, “When we preserve our history, we preserve our identity; when we teach our history, we empower our future; and when we learn from the peace of the past, we give the future a better chance of peace.”

The Foundation concluded with the Yoruba maxim: “Àṣà wa ni ìdílé wa; àlàáfíà ni ogún wa” — Our heritage is our identity; peace is our inheritance.