Conference on Alaafin @80, Oyo empire holds

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7 years ago

Oba Adeyemi

UNESCO Category II facility, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), has announced a major conference to mark the 80th birthday of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

With the theme The Alaafin in Yoruba History, Culture, and Political Power Relations, the conference will hold from October 8 to 11 at the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

Two eminent historians, Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun and Professor Toyin Falola, the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin, US, are confirmed keynote speakers at the conference which also doubles as a tribute to the ancient kingdom and stool of the Alaafin.

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Towards having a successful conference, organisers have called for papers that will contribute to a better understanding of the role and position of the Alaafin institution in the growth and development of black history and culture in very significant ways.

A statement from the organisers, Profs Siyan Oyeweso and Tayo Adesina of the CBCIU and University of Ibadan respectively, disclosed that the conference will examine the role and depth of Oyo’s influence in the nurturing a Yoruba identity and consciousness among the Yoruba; Alaafin’s role in entrenching Oyo power, influence and culture in different parts of the world and how Oyo became powerful and well respected?

“We welcome well-researched papers, poster sessions and panels that highlight the role of the institution of the Alaafin in the developments that have placed Oyo firmly on the world map,” the statement said.

It added that themes and subthemes of interest for submission include Theoretical, Methodological, Conceptual and Philosophical Issues; Early History and Archaeology; Religious Culture, Rituals and Festivals; The Art of Oyo and Palace administration. Others are Military Tradition; Intergroup Relations; Pioneers of Change; Oyo and the African Diaspora, and Gender, Youth and Oyo Sub-Culture

Interested persons are to send 250-word abstract, proposals and other forms of contribution to alaafinoyoempire@gmail.com