Igbafe: A Legacy of Nigerian Historiography and Public Service
The study of Nigerian history has been profoundly shaped by the scholarly contributions and public leadership of Igbafe. As a distinguished academic and statesman, he dedicated over four decades to documenting the socio-economic and political evolution of the Benin and Edo people, ensuring that the complexities of African historiography—the study of how history is written—were preserved for future generations.
Key Facts
- Academic Tenure: Taught at the University of Ife, University of Benin, and Benson Idahosa University.
- Specialization: Foremost authority on the history of the Benin and Edo people.
- Public Service: Served as Commissioner for Works and Transport and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture in Bendel State.
- Major Works: Authored seminal texts on British administration in Benin and the biography of Agho Obaseki.
- National Impact: Member of the Nigerian National Constitutional Conference (1994–1995).
Academic Career and Evolution
Igbafe began his academic journey in July 1964 as an assistant lecturer at the University of Ife (now known as Obafemi Awolowo University). Within the department of history, he rose steadily through the ranks, becoming a lecturer in October 1967 and a senior lecturer in October 1971. His influence extended beyond the classroom into university governance, serving on the governing council from 1970 to 1972 and holding leadership roles as a hall master at Fajuyi Hall and Obafemi Awolowo Hall.
After a period of government service, he joined the University of Benin as a professor of history in April 1978. His tenure there was marked by significant administrative leadership, including two terms as the head of the history department and two terms as the dean of arts. He also contributed to the management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and chaired the University of Benin Press.
Even after his official retirement in December 2006 at the age of 70, his passion for education remained. In October 2007, he joined Benson Idahosa University as a professor of international studies and diplomacy.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Contributions to Public Service
Igbafe's expertise was frequently sought by the Nigerian government. In November 1975, under military governor George Agbazika Innih in Bendel State, he was appointed Commissioner for Works and Transport, later transitioning to Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture in June 1976.
At the national level, he played a pivotal role in the Nigerian National Constitutional Conference of 1994–1995. During this conference, he served on the publications committee and chaired the committee on power sharing. Additionally, he provided leadership as the chairman of the board of directors for both the Bendel Broadcasting Service (now Edo Broadcasting Service) and the state-owned Ethiope Publishing Corporation.
Impact on Nigerian Historiography
As a leading authority on the history of the Benin and Edo people, Igbafe's research provided the foundational framework for modern scholars. Over 40 years, he supervised hundreds of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral theses, while publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals worldwide.
His research focused on several critical areas of Nigerian history, including the socio-economic foundations of the Kingdom of Benin, the colonial experience, and the history of the Etsako people. His most influential works include Benin under British administration, 1897–1938: the impact of colonial rule on an African kingdom and The nemesis of power: Agho Obaseki and Benin politics, 1897–1956.
| Period | Role/Achievement | Institution/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1964–1975 | Lecturer & Hall Master | University of Ife |
| 1975–1978 | Commissioner (Works, Transport, Culture) | Bendel State Government |
| 1978–2006 | Professor of History / Dean of Arts | University of Benin |
| 1994–1995 | Delegate & Committee Chair | National Constitutional Conference |
| 2007–Onward | Professor of International Studies | Benson Idahosa University |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Igbafe's primary areas of historical research?
His research primarily focused on the history of the Benin and Edo people, the economic impact of British colonial rule in Benin, the biography of Agho Obaseki, and the history of the Etsako people of Edo State.
Which universities were associated with Igbafe's academic career?
He taught and held positions at the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University), the University of Benin, and Benson Idahosa University.
What roles did he hold in the Bendel State government?
He served as the Commissioner for Works and Transport and later as the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture.
What are his most significant published works?
His most seminal works are "Benin under British administration, 1897–1938: the impact of colonial rule on an African kingdom" and "The nemesis of power: Agho Obaseki and Benin politics, 1897–1956."
How did he contribute to Nigeria's national constitutional development?
He was an elected delegate to the Nigerian National Constitutional Conference of 1994–1995, where he chaired the committee on power sharing and served on the publications committee.