Myths as History: a critique of the traditions of origin of Nigerian ethnic groups

Resumo

Historical consciousness has necessitated the need for the various Nigerian ethnic groups to find their roots, i.e. to trace their origins. Conscious efforts have been made to realise this aim.  For example, in 1956, the Yoruba Historical Research Scheme was launched by the government of the then Western Region, and was charged with the task of writing "an authentic history of the Yoruba peoples from the earliest assertainable time to the present, using all the modern techniques of recapturing the history of a non-literate society."