The Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation has announced plans to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the historic Kiriji Peace Treaty of 1886, with a renewed push for the preservation and international recognition of the Kiriji historical landscape.
The anniversary, scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, will bring together traditional rulers, scholars, political and community leaders, policymakers, cultural advocates, development partners, young people, media practitioners and members of the Yoruba diaspora.
Themed, “140 Years of Peace, Unity and Yoruba Heritage: Reflecting on the Legacy of the Kiriji Peace Treaty,” the event is expected to examine the significance of the treaty and its relevance to contemporary efforts at conflict resolution, reconciliation and peacebuilding.
According to the Foundation, the Kiriji Peace Treaty remains one of Africa’s enduring examples of negotiated settlement and reconciliation and offers important lessons at a time when societies across the world continue to grapple with conflict, division and insecurity.
The Foundation said the anniversary would go beyond commemorating a historical event, stressing that it would serve as a platform to promote dialogue, peace, unity and reconciliation while preserving the historical memory of Kiriji for future generations.
A major focus of the Foundation’s long-term agenda is the development of Kiriji as a heritage city where history, culture, peacebuilding, education, tourism and sustainable development can converge.
It is also working towards the establishment of a Kiriji Peace Park, including a proposed Peace Treaty Park, which it envisions as a permanent symbol of reconciliation and peaceful dialogue as well as a centre for peace education, historical interpretation, cultural preservation, research and sustainable development.
The Foundation disclosed that it was also pursuing UNESCO recognition for the Kiriji historical landscape and the proposed Peace Treaty Park.
It said such recognition would strengthen conservation efforts, encourage academic research, promote responsible cultural tourism and position Kiriji as an important heritage destination for Nigeria, Africa and the international community.
The Foundation noted that its engagements with the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy were part of efforts to develop institutional partnerships towards achieving the objective.
The anniversary programme will feature Professor Banji Akintoye as keynote speaker and Professor Isaac Olawale Albert as guest lecturer.
The Foundation will also recognise 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 participation of traditional institutions, academics and other stakeholders reflected the collective responsibility to preserve an important chapter of Yoruba and Nigerian history.
It also highlighted its efforts to engage younger generations through initiatives such as the Kiriji Essay Competition, organised in partnership with Roving Heights.
The competition was designed to encourage students and young Nigerians to study the significance of the Peace Treaty and explore its lessons for contemporary society.
The President of the Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation, Dr Florence Funmilola Adeoye, alongside the Secretary, Arc Olurotimi Fafowora who are members of the trustees. Other executives and trustee and members of the Foundation, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Kiriji becomes a “living heritage” rather than a historical event confined to textbooks.
Other Trustee members of the Foundation include Prof Raymond Ogunade, Prof Soji Adejumo, Mr Joseph Abayomi Aworeni, Hon Raphael Elebute and 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 also urged stakeholders to support research, cultural tourism, the proposed Peace Treaty Park and initiatives capable of creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities connected to the heritage.
The Foundation stressed that the 140th anniversary should be seen as the beginning of a renewed commitment to transforming 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.
Signed:
Dr Florence Funmilola Adeoye
Kiriji Treaty: Foundation to Mark 140th Anniversary, Seek UNESCO Recognition
ByNews Editor > Raymon Jay
Sep 12, 2026