In an era where the relevance of traditional institutions and values is often questioned, Professor Siyan Oyeweso’s books stand as a testament to the enduring significance of Yoruba cultural and governance structures.

It is, therefore, not surprising that a royal reception and book launch is being hosted on Saturday, April 19, in his honour by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi as the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State.

During the event, four books examining the roles of eminent Yoruba Muslims, the evolution of higher education, and the historical narratives of Ede as a city would be launched.

The title of the books are: Expanding the Pantheon of Yoruba Gurus in Nigeria, Eminent Yoruba Muslims, Perspectives on higher education and Good governance in Nigeria and lastly Ede Mapo Arogun: celebrating a city, its history, monarchy and people.

With his works, Oyeweso bridges the gap between historical precedents and contemporary challenges, thereby encouraging a re-examination of governance models, urging a return to foundational principles that prioritize societal well-being and ethical leadership.

No doubt, Oyeweso stands as a distinguished historian whose scholarly contributions have significantly enriched the understanding of Yoruba history, culture, and the dynamics of nation-building in Nigeria.

His extensive research and publications, which are reflected in the four new books, delve into various facets of Yoruba society, offering invaluable insights into the lives of influential figures and the evolution of societal structures.

The book, Expanding the Pantheon of Yoruba Gurus in Nigeria, according to the author, is not just about persons who have done well for themselves while alive; it is also about individuals whose impacts continue to be felt in the poli.

“They are men and women whose contributions reflect the Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi and Iwapele. They have consistently shown the capacity for leadership and, as gurus, can be considered unique makers of history who have made giant strides and exceptional impacts in daily life and national life.

“The volume is a biographical attempt at select individuals’ lives, works and contributions to nation-building. These individuals were carefully selected across diverse fields to document what they did differently, how they did what they did and how what they did made a difference to society.” Oyeweso stated that the book’s primary objective is to learn and unlearn from the life experiences of those featured in the publication.

“Numerous works in recent times have attempted, in biographical terms, to examine individuals whose impacts on the national stage have been exceptional. However, the book differs in many ways. It is a collection of essays that takes a deep dive into the contributions of prominent Yoruba men and women from the intelligentsia, traditional institutions, the medical field, military, legal practice and even politics.

“One thing that binds all these individuals together is that they are emblems of nation-building. Given the importance of biographical studies in understanding the evolution, dynamics, changes and continuities in human activities, the selection and choice of these personalities make this book very interesting and highly rewarding for readers.

“This is because, for the first time, some of the personalities documented in this volume do not have biographies of theirs. So, this work provides avenues to knowing as much about them as possible through their life works or contributions to society.

“What makes this collection of essays attractive is its innovative approach to scholarship and viable structural arrangement in sections that make it easy to read and understand. From individuals who made history in their lifetime and traditional rulers who were and are modernising agents of the kingship institution to women who, against all odds, broke glass ceilings to stay afloat and tread where men dread, nothing seems to be neglected.

“The book’s title is another aspect that gives the book away in so many ways. First, as observed earlier, many books have been published on different eminent and prominent Nigerians. While these works are highly appreciated, they do not come close to the ideas in this book. This is hinged on the fact that this work not only selects individuals who, in most cases, are globally renowned yet have no micro or macro studies on them but also tells their stories in ways that bring to the fore their impacts on society.

“In other words, what this book has done is to bring to readers up-to-date accounts of the lives of these men and women of great impact as well as expand on others whose immense contributions to national life and nation-building are yet undocumented.”

Oyeweso maintained that the overriding objective of this book is to build the next generation of great men and women through the eyes of these pantheons.

“In their footsteps, the next generation of leaders could tread. Nations must continue producing great men and women to help society improve. It is hoped that this book and all the lessons it provides through the individuals therein will offer the much-needed elixir capable of transforming our society and championing the importance of hard work at all times.”

The title of the second book is Eminent Yoruba Muslims, which the author said seeks to complement Prof. T.G.O Gbadamosi’s The Growth of Islam Among the Yoruba (1841- 1908), a book, which, since publication in 1978, remains very fresh and indispensable to our understanding of Islam in Yorubaland.

“In fact, with the partial exception of .O. Danmole, Saka Balogun and Musa Abdul, not very much has been done by historians to extend the frontiers of knowledge on this aspect of Yoruba history beyond Gbadamosi’s work. The only way to arrest this inertia is through specific case studies of some Yoruba Muslim communities and their leaders.

“This we have done in the present enterprise Thus this book is an attempt to fill, to a limited extent, the gap in our knowledge of the history of the Islamisation of Yorubaland. It brings to the fore the heroic deeds and achievements of 19th century Yoruba leaders, who, through their resilience within a discriminatory environment, and adoption of strategies, ensured the survival of Islam and protected Muslim interests in Yorubaland.

“Included in this book are biographic studies of three 19th century Yoruba muslim monarchs: Timi Abibu Lagunju of Ede, Oluwo Momodu Lamuye of Iwo, and Baale Buraimo Edu of Epe. This book also contains biographical profiles of the 19th century Lagos Muslim merchant-prince and philanthropist, Muhammed Shitta-Bey, and thę Ijebu Muslim generalissimo and wealthy trader Balogun Kuku and Ibadan Muslim sympathisers and leaders like Baale Opeagbe, Osi-Balogun Osundina, Otun Alli Laluwoye, and Aare Momodu Latoosa.

“Also included in the volume is a collective biography of four contemporary Islamic scholars and professionals of Lagos extraction: Alfa Idris Animashaun, El-Hajj Saka Tinubu Jibril Martin and Imam Muhammed Lawal Basil Agusto.”

Oyeweso, however, noted that the book did not comprehensively cover the whole of South west because Muslim leaders in places as Oke-Ogun, Egba Province, and Ondo Province were not extensively treated.

“Indeed, the volume has been prepared with the hope that it will pave way for more detailed research on these and other local case studies,” he observed.

The third book is titled Perspectives on higher education and Good governance in Nigeria and it provides critical insights into two of the most important structures of national life.

The author noted that higher education is the-life blood of any nation without which development eludes the citizenry while good governance contributes to the sustenance and sustainability of nation building.

“The overriding objective of the book is to bring together a number of distinguished scholars, experts and opinion moulders who have very rich understanding and broad knowledge on the subject matter and have provided both critical and insightful positions on how to chart the way forward.

“It is a truism that the country faces some of its most critical challenges in its chequered history. Government and private sector intervention in education has recorded little impact and it appears that very little can be done to mitigate this challenge; yet here is a challenge that must be tackled to mediate development.

“In the same vein, the task of good governance in many sectors of the economy pushes us to avoid pitfalls and to achieve development; there must be some level of attitudinal changes and emphasis on institutional strengthening. It is based on these that this volume has been compiled.”

The last but not the least of the books is titled, Ede Mapo Arogun: A Celebration of a City, Its History, Monarchy and People is a compass to an understanding of the rich history and heritage of the people of Ede.

The book, according to Oyeweso, establishes the political, military and socio-cultural significance of Ede within the larger context of both Yoruba and Nigerian history.

“It is the story of a religiously plural society or town with a multiplicity of religious practices but largely tolerant and accommodating of other faiths. It points to Ede as One Room (Yarakani’Ede). The book brings to the fore the politics and diplomacy of choosing a traditional African monarch and sees the institution of monarchy as a vehicle for effective security, good governance and grassroots development.

“It is also the story of iconic individuals, change-makers and influencers who have impacted significantly on Nigeria history. Most significantly, the book establishes the town as a major centre of knowledge production in Nigeria and Africa, given the number of Federal and Private tertiary institutions located within the town. The book is part celebratory, part entertaining and part historical.”