Ololade Adeyanju/
A Nigerian-American archaeologist and cultural historian, Professor Akinwunmi Ogundiran, yesterday, held a photographic exhibition of his five-year archeological work at the site of Oyo Ile (Old Oyo and Bara).
Oyo Ile was the headquarters of the old Oyo Empire and the centre of Yoruba civilisation, while Bara is the final resting place of several Alaafins.
Ogundiran, whose research focuses on the Yoruba world of western Africa, Atlantic Africa, and the African Diaspora, is the author of a new book on Yoruba history, titled, ‘The Yoruba: A New History’.
The Professor of Africana Studies, Anthropology and History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA, has been leading the 10-year Old Oyo Archaeological Project in Bara, which began in 2017.
The exhibition, which was held in Oyo town, yesterday, attracted dignitaries from across the country.
Some of those in attendance include, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; Conservator General of the Federation, Ibrahim Goni and Chairman, Local Advisory Committee on Old Oyo National Park, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (rtd).
Alaafin, in his speech, promised his support for the archeological project and the authorities of Nigerian National Park Service in ensuring the preservation of Old Oyo and Bara heritage sites.
On his part, Ladigbolu appealed to relevant authorities to assist in developing Old Oyo and Bara into international tourist destinations.
Other highlights of the occasion included a tour of the photographic exhibition by dignitaries and presentation of the new book on Yoruba history to the Alaafin by the author.
During the tour of the exhibition, Ogundiran observed that Old Oyo, with a population of about 100,000, was one of the largest cities in the world.
More photos from the occasion:
