The recent controversy about the origin of some Obas and kingdoms in Yorubaland with regards to the Oba of Benin has brought to the fore the disadvantages of not teaching history in primary and secondary schools. But if history as we presently know it, or as it is wantonly skewed on social media, is taught in primary and secondary schools, we will probably be dealing with a lot of inaccurate accounts of what factfully and truthfully happened centuries ago. This is because most writers try to rewrite untrue accounts in ways that promote their culture and tribe.

Not long ago, I read a post on Facebook where the writer who is Igbo was questioning the origin story of kingdoms in Delta State who mostly trace their origin to the Benin Kingdom. These kingdoms include supposedly “Igbo Kingdoms” from Delta North to even across the Niger River. The writer cited language dissimilarities as evidence and could not believe the follow-follow nature of these kingdoms.

With this said, some historical accounts are not controversial or in doubt. One such story is how there is an Emir in Ilorin as opposed to an Oba, Alaafin, or Ooni. In Nigeria, whenever you hear emir, it is almost certain that it is a case of the conqueror ruling the conquered, where the indigenes are not ruling themselves – more like colonialism. In Ilorin, the conquered are the Yorubas, while in other places like Kano where the emirship is now like a ping-pong game, the conquered are Hausas.

The return of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to the throne can be said to be a joke that has gone too far, where politicians can easily dethrone and enthrone whoever is in allegiance with them regardless of who rightfully deserves it. As the new Kano emirate drama unfolds, there is the need for Hausas to reflect on the metamorphosis of their tribe from proud rulers of themselves to the present state of servitude across the West African sub-region.

Ata Ukuta – Editor, Towncryyers