Ibadan to Host Global Symposium on 140 Years of the Historic Kiriji Peace Treaty

The Kiriji Heritage Conservation Foundation has announced an impressive lineup of eminent Yoruba leaders, scholars and statesmen for the symposium marking the 140th Anniversary of the Historic Kiriji Peace Treaty (1886–2026).

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The three-day event, scheduled for September 21–23, 2026, will bring together leading voices to reflect on the enduring legacy of the treaty that ended the protracted Kiriji War and ushered in a new era of peace among Yoruba communities.

The symposium, themed “140 Years of Peace, Unity & Yoruba Heritage: Reflecting on the Legacy of the Kiriji Peace Treaty,” will officially commence at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Serving as the Hosting Royal Father is the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, who is expected to welcome participants from across Nigeria and the Yoruba diaspora.

Renowned historian Prof. Banji Akintoye will deliver the keynote address, while Prof. Isaac O. Albert, a respected scholar of peace and conflict studies, will serve as guest speaker. Nobel

Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka will be featured in a special honorary session focusing on the significance of the Kiriji Peace Treaty and its relevance to contemporary peacebuilding.
Other distinguished guests expected at the symposium include former Nigerian President

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, alongside traditional rulers, academics, policymakers, cultural enthusiasts and members of the Yoruba diaspora.

According to the organisers, the symposium is designed to commemorate 140 years of the Historic Kiriji Peace Treaty, reflect on the lessons of peacebuilding and reconciliation, celebrate Yoruba heritage, culture and identity, and explore pathways for greater unity and sustainable development.

The event forms part of activities commemorating one of the most significant milestones in Yoruba history, highlighting the peace accord that brought an end to years of internecine conflict and laid the foundation for enduring cooperation among Yoruba kingdoms.

The organisers expressed optimism that the symposium will deepen public understanding of the historical importance of the Kiriji Peace Treaty while inspiring renewed commitment to peace, unity and cultural preservation for future generations.