Preserving Heritage: Kiriji War Performance to Ignite Unity and Cultural Revival

In a bid to revive history and culture, a mesmerizing stage performance recounting the epic Kiriji War of the 19th century, one of the longest civil wars in human history, is set to captivate audiences across the South West in the coming months.
The ambitious project, a collaboration between the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) and Legendary Productions, an esteemed international art and culture concern, is helmed by renowned artist Abiodun Abe, whose artistic contributions have garnered acclaim in Nollywood and international film festivals.
According to a press statement signed by Adewale Adeoye and Segun Balogun, Chairman and Secretary of the Publicity Committee respectively, the project will feature over 50 top artists from around the world, joined by over 10,000 participants at various levels.
Described as a massive undertaking that will involve months of an artist residency, the performance serves as a stepping stone toward the establishment of the first Yoruba Museum of War History. The statement emphasized the significance of the Kiriji War as a pivotal event in Yoruba history, encompassing struggles for justice, liberty, and an egalitarian society. It further stressed the aim of the project to bring together artefacts, weaponry, and historic materials associated with the war, currently dispersed and disorganized, within the proposed museum.
Highlighting the rich and remarkable civilization of the Yoruba people, the press statement acknowledged the extensive documentation of their history dating back to the 9th century. It underscored the unique role of Yoruba history in shaping African and black heritage, instilling a sense of dignity, respect, and recognition worldwide.
The Kiriji War, spanning from 1776 to 1886, stands as a notable cultural, political, social, and economic milestone in Yoruba history. The press statement emphasized that wars are not waged by the impoverished, but by brave and heroic individuals and nations with prosperous economies.
The media team emphasized the unique characteristics of the Kiriji War, such as the preservation of innocent lives, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Cease fires lasting for months were observed, demonstrating principles of diplomacy and humanity. The statement highlighted the war’s diverse aspects, ranging from political unity, preference for federalism, and cultural significance to military science, intelligence gathering, and tales of courage and resilience.
Technological innovations and scientific advancements played a pivotal role in the Kiriji War, with both parties employing creative strategies, military tactics, and imported weapons from Europe, particularly Hamburg in Germany. The signing of the peace treaty in 1886 united prominent Yoruba Obas and revitalized the Yoruba Nation with a renewed sense of brotherhood and common ancestry.
The press statement concluded with thought-provoking questions about the burial grounds of the war heroes, the locations and syllabi of military schools, and the impact of the war on global diplomacy. These inquiries shed light on the extensive influence of the conflict, including the involvement of British intelligence and its subsequent impact on expeditions in Africa and Asia.