Professor Akinkunmi ALAO on "History, Law and Society in
Nigeria" as reported by SMB Sesan Johnson
In an auspicious and historical moment yesterday (Tuesday,
August 14, 2018) at the Oduduwa hall of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,
Nigeria; Professor Akin Alao delivered the 324th Inaugural Lecture of the
university. Significantly, it was the 11th by the department of History of the
great university. Dignitaries included the VC of the university, other key
officials, and professors from all shades of knowledge and from different
universities. The president of the Historical Society of Nigeria (Professor
Ogbogbo Chris B N) also graced the occasion. There were traditional rulers in
attendance. There was an assemblage of great academia such as Professor Oyefeso
Siyan, Professor Victor Edo, Professor Abimbola Adesoji, Dr Adetunji Ogunyemi,
Dr Saheed Amusa, Dr Alimi Shina, Dr Remijius Obinta, etc.
The professor of legal history themed his lecture
"History, Law and Society in Nigeria". Fundamentally, the crux of his
thesis is the connect between law, history and society. He professed that the
constitution of the nation has arbitrating roles to play in guiding the rubrics
of relationships and actions of the people in an organic society like Nigeria.
While historicising his thoughts; he pointed to the pre-colonial Yoruba's
belief system of 'iwa' and 'omoluwabi' that helped maintained social construct
and organic solidarity, as well as tranquility and harmony within traditional
legal frameworks of the Yoruba organic society. However, he berated the fact
that brutality of colonialism and westernisation had eroded these and replaced
these with individualism and capitalism premised on the hegemonic grandstanding
of the colonial master.
Professor Akin Alao cited historical instances in the
post-independence era where the Nigerian legal system had failed in its constitutional
duties to correct some anomalies in Nigeria's political history and conflicts
on constitutionality. But he opined that harbingers of the country's laws must
use it for social change and to uphold constitutionality. In addition, the law
of the nation must be utilised to orchestrate the needed developments and
progress the country needs.
Professor Akin Alao frowned at the delusion towards history
and the study of history. He argued that history is germane to social change
and nation building. Thus, in his disquisition, he opined that, inherent in
african indigenous legal and political frameworks are distinctive methodologies
and epistemologies that could be used in the service of economic and political
liberation of the citizenry. He advanced his thought by demanding that even
within the remix of localism and globalism, there should be a distinguishable
autonomous legal hybrid that is African in its imprimatur.
Distinguishably, professor Akin Alao made case for
pluriversalism in African historiography. He also promised to design programs
that will accentuate the study of history, particularly legal history in
Nigeria.
Significantly, his closing statement was that 'history
carries the soul of a nation and any nation that neglects its history is a
nation without a soul'.
I use this opportunity to say big congratulations to this
great, dynamic, resourceful and erudite professor of history. I am proud to be
one of your students, sir.
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