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.
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“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.”
