Management Challenges of Cultural Property in Nigeria

• Main Authors: JT Gbadegesin, G Osaghale
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AfricaJournals 2014-01-01
• Series: African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
• Subjects: Cultural Properties; Heritages; Management; Nigeria
• Online Access: http://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_27_vol._3_1.pdf

The thrust of this article is to fill the lacuna in extant literature on the need to appraise the management of traditional/cultural properties in Ile-Ife (historical source of Yoruba race) in Nigeria and the need to ensure sustainability in order to register the values of the cultural identity for global appreciation. To accomplish the aim, questionnaires were administered on the stakeholders: traditional royal stools, museum staff and families of ancient priests (owners of sacred sites) to elicit information. The data obtained were analyzed using simple descriptive and inferential statistics. The study confirmed that the special properties' (sacred heritages) owners and royal stool (traditional rulers) are the most participating stakeholders in the management of cultural properties in Yorubaland. Also, there are three most influencing factors; lack of effective management plans/strategies, lack of continuity in the cultural heritage sustainability and lack of full participation of all the stakeholders in the sustainability of cultural heritages. It implies that the posterity, sustainability of cultural heritages is anchored on effective management strategy and the gradual neglect of special properties such as cultural heritages is tantamount to the loss of value and economic returns which could really create wider opportunities in the emerging economies.