A Glimpse Of Eminent Muslims

THE book, Eminent Muslims in Osun State: Essays in Honour of HRM Oba Raufu Olayiwola Olawale, Adedeji II, Akinrun of Ikirun, edited by Siyan Oyeweso, is an attempt by scholars across Nigerian universities to bring to the fore the individuals who have shaped societies in Osun State through the religion of Islam.There is no gainsaying the fact that Islam has made significant contributions to the Yoruba societies since the 18th Century and its hold on life remains evident. It should be added that it is one of the most significant changes experienced in Yorubaland and its legacies remain in politics and economy as well as educational system among the Yoruba.While the book is no doubt a worthy endeavour motivated by the need to fill certain gaps in knowledge particularly the role played by individuals in the course of historical change, its limitations are located in the thrust of the focal points.However, it resuscitates the unending debate of pre-eminence between the society and the individuals which historians have involved in for centuries. The place of individuals in shaping the course of history is established and this book obviously belongs to this school of thought. E.H Carr points out that the question of individual and the society is similar to that of the egg and a hen. Men and the society are involved in a complex society in which one is incomplete without the other. Without the society there cannot be men and vice-versa. Herodotus also points out that the essence of history is to bring to the fore the deeds of men and women for the sake of posterity.What are the bases for selecting these individuals that the book profiles'This is where critics raise the subjectivity claim. While this claim is valid, it should be stated that every intellectual endeavour as to the choice of topics as well as data to be obtained for such endeavour would share such criticism.The book contains 24 chapters of 334 pages detailing the religious, political and economic activities of eminent Muslim individuals (the dead and the living) who hailed from the state. This book takes cognizance of the fact that Osun State has too many eminent Muslim individuals to be discussed in a piece.As a matter of fact, it would be difficult for the contributors to pick people from all the towns that make up Osun State. The book is an introduction to history of eminent Muslim personalities in Osun state. It is not an all-encompassing account of eminent Muslims in Osun State and as such, it offers opportunities for future research by other scholars to write about Muslims they consider eminent in their estimation.Despite its limitations, the book is a study in religious history and the roles played by individuals in the entrenchment of Islamic culture and practice in the state. It is well written and the languages are lucid and easy to comprehend. The book is recommended for advancement of knowledge and scholarship for intellectuals and the general public.'Dr. Bamgbade lectures at Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
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