₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Government has responded to a petition alleging the distortion of Yoruba history in Nigerian school textbooks, particularly over claims that Ile-Ife—the ancestral home of the Yoruba people—was founded or first occupied by the Igbo.

The petition, titled Petition to Defend Yoruba History from Ethnic Distortion in Nigerian Textbooks, was submitted by the Concerned Citizens of Yoruba Origin and Supporters of Truth.

It was signed by the group’s National Chairman, Otunba Abayomi Odunowo, and addressed to the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), National Assembly Committee on Education, state education ministries, and other institutions.

According to the petition, two books—Standard History Studies for JSS 1–3 by Tony and Ijeoma Duru, and The Igbo: People, History and Worldview by Dons Eze and Chinedu Ochinanwata—contain false narratives that present Ile-Ife as originally settled by the Igbo before Oduduwa allegedly invaded and drove them out.

“The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to a petition titled ‘Petition to Defend Yoruba History from Ethnic Distortion in Nigerian Textbooks,’ submitted by the Concerned Citizens of Yoruba Origin and Supporters of Truth, through its National Chairman, Otunba Abayomi Odunowo,” the Ministry said.

“The petition raises concerns over alleged historical inaccuracies in a history textbook authored by Tony and Ijeoma Duru, and published by Tones Publishers. The publication is said to contain claims regarding the founding of Ile-Ife that have been described as misleading and potentially harmful to national unity.”

The statement further said, “The Ministry wishes to clarify that the said textbook was not authored, commissioned, or approved by the Federal Ministry of Education.

“It is not among the instructional materials approved for use in public basic education institutions across the country, and the Ministry is not in any way affiliated with the publication.

“The Ministry appreciates the vigilance and concern of stakeholders regarding the potential of such content to misinform learners and provoke ethnic tension.

“While these concerns are valid, it is important to note that the Ministry is not responsible for materials that fall outside its regulatory framework.”

The Ministry, in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations, stated that officially approved instructional materials are developed to meet national education standards and promote equitable access to quality education.

It also noted that the issue would be investigated in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and other agencies.

“All necessary steps will be taken to address the anomalies identified and to ensure a fair and timely resolution that respects historical truth and promotes unity,” it said.

“The Federal Ministry of Education remains fully committed to providing quality, inclusive, and culturally respectful education that fosters peace, understanding, and national development.”

Bhella5:
The people that specializes in churning out knock offs and inferior things. We know them. When we were growing up we used to know made in Aba products, all fake.

givedemwotowoto:
The biggest distortion of history in Nigeria was the “Igbo coup” lie propagated by a group of people who are well known for their treacherous evil ways.

Goodvibes007:
The books below. They were all over twitter last week and two weeks ago.

I am glad the government is now being pro active.

flokii:
When we say it here that those people have an agenda to take over Yorubaland, some think we are crazy or we don't know what we are saying.
Their antics of moving to Yorubaland en masse is the first pointer that they seek to take over our lands.

From the history of Nigeria right since Independence, all their actions have been to suppress, dominate and displace Yoruba people from Yorubaland.
This is the reason why I stand strongly with PBAT to correct all the mistakes of the past and return us to regional government.

flokii:
When we say it here that those people have an agenda to take over Yorubaland, some think we are crazy or we don't know what we are saying.
Their antics of moving to Yorubaland en masse is the first pointer that they seek to take over our lands.

From the history of Nigeria right since Independence, all their actions have been to suppress, dominate and displace Yoruba people from Yorubaland.
This is the reason why I stand strongly with PBAT to correct all the mistakes of the past and return us to regional government.

Goodvibes007:
They have been pushing this for a while now claiming yoruba towns with "Igbo" in it and also Obatala.

MightySparrow:
I his and confused identity. They want to steel Lagos, a d now it is Ile - Ife, soon they will attempt Ibadan, Oshogbo, Ijebu, Abeokuta, Ado - Èkìtì, Akure....

Over ninety monarchs had ruled in Ile - ife before Oduduwa: Lereola ọmọ Orafe onile iná.

When someone wants a wrong inheritance, he must tell wrong history.

Villagesquare:
You are just insecure no Igbo man is interested in taking any place. Igbos are not terrorist in nature but business minded people that just want to expand and continue creating wealth. Some of you that just conclude in your head that Igbos are taking over doesn't know anything about Igbos.

LordBiden:
They made it fake because they feel you might not be able to patronize the original.

MightySparrow:
I his and confused identity. They want to steel Lagos, a d now it is Ile - Ife, soon they will attempt Ibadan, Oshogbo, Ijebu, Abeokuta, Ado - Èkìtì, Akure....

Over ninety monarchs had ruled in Ile - ife before Oduduwa: Lereola ọmọ Orafe onile iná.

When someone wants a wrong inheritance, he must tell wrong history.

richie240:
Nigerians go hear wien from this ppl if their wishes come true walahi.

Person wey never hold knife wey don dey threaten you wey hold gun; what if he manage hold the gun??

'Ndi-obidients' I salute una o.
Na only una go drag other ppl property with boldface and still dey complain say den nor like una.

Iwaeda, your ppl don come again o.

iwaeda:
Most of you can't think beyond your capacity. Iam not Ibo, my family house is around Fashola's house around Onala playing ground. My family Church is Holy Trinity Ebute-Ero. Ti awon politicians bati ra opolo yin, elo lo erosy2000.