Modernization and its effect on cultural heritage in south-western Nigeria

Abstract

The Yoruba of Nigeria have some rich cultural heritages which have been impacted by Western acculturation. Two Yoruba communities, Ado and Igede-Ekiti with such valuable cultural heritage were used for this study. The effects of Western acculturation and modernization which may be through Christianity and formal education were examined. It was discovered that these cultural elements and activities have negatively been impacted on. Some cultural practices are either going or have gone into extinction while others are gradually abandoned. This research highlighted some of the traditional activities of the people of Ado and Igede-Ekiti, and examined the impacts of westernization on them. Findings from the research indicated that modernization has both beneficial and adverse effects on the entire tradition of the people but the negative impacts are more pronounced. This research suggested some solutions to the problems facing cultural activities and recommended that, in this contemporary period, urgent measures should be taken to salvage and rescue these heritages using modern methods and equipment. This will help national integration and development.

Keywords: Westernization, indigenous, values, tradition, contemporary