To preserve the culture and history of the Yoruba people of Ile-Ife, Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Dr. Maureen Tamuno, has unveiled a book titled, ‘Ile-Ife, Cradle of the World’.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Lagos, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, commended the author for the literary feat, saying it is time for Africans to start writing the history of their race and people to correct some erroneous impressions created about them, as well as distortion of historical facts by many foreign writers.
The monarch noted that the step has also become necessary to end activities of persons deliberately turning the facts upside down regarding the history of the black race.
He said: “Works like this one are necessary to correct many errors being peddled about the black race. For instance, some people who have only got one dynasty are claiming to be older than Ile-Ife, which has three dynasties and is thousands of years old.”
Ogunwusi described the author as an energetic go-getter, who has performed exceptionally as a diplomat in a male-dominated environment. Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Esmond Reid, pointed out that only black people are in the position to tell their stories better.
“Black people, wherever they are, know that Africa is home. Nigeria and Jamaica have many things in common and efforts are being made to further connect the black people in the Diaspora with the Motherland, Reid said.
The author said on her appointment as an Ambassador, she conducted research and found some linkages between Ile-Ife and the Caribbean and black people in the Diaspora.
The book reviewer, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, highlighted the importance of Ile-Ife to Yoruba culture, noting that an international conference on the town is scheduled for October this year.
