Yoruba youths on Tuesday has protested the involvement of an Ibo archaeologist in the ongoing excavation project at the historic Ita Yemoo archaeological site in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The protesters accused certain Ibo intellectuals of allegedly attempting to distort Yoruba history through academic reinterpretations and archaeological findings.
Expressing their concerns, the protesters said the choice of an Ibo archaeologist for the excavation was “provocative” and “disrespectful” to the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
“Ita Yemoo is a sacred site that speaks to the ancient civilization of Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba people. We cannot fold our arms while outsiders, particularly those with a track record of historical misrepresentation, take charge of unearthing and interpreting our past,” they said.
The group alleged that previous works by some Ibo scholars have downplayed the antiquity and indigenous nature of Yoruba civilization, creating what they described as “a dangerous narrative shift” in academic circles.
They are calling on the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Osun State Government to immediately replace the archaeologist with a Yoruba expert, or at least ensure a joint oversight panel made up of Yoruba historians, traditional authorities, and cultural custodians.
The Ita Yemoo site is globally recognized for yielding terracotta sculptures and artifacts dating back centuries, offering critical insight into Yoruba artistry, metallurgy, and spiritual traditions.
The latest protest reflects growing tension in heritage management across Nigeria, where ethnic identity, academic research, and historical narratives often collide.
