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By Yemisi Hambali
Professor Binta Ajibola Sulyman, a Professor of Fine Arts and Art Education at Kwara State University (KWASU), has stressed the need to preserve indigenous cultural heritage, noting that it plays a vital role in promoting community cohesion and sustaining peace within society.
Professor Sulyman made the submission during the 21st Inaugural Lecture of Kwara State University titled, “The Ilorin Royal Dance Tradition (Ijo Ọlọ́mọ Ọba): A Catalyst for Cultural Identity, Artistic Expression and Creative Economy.”
She highlighted the close relationship between fine arts and traditional performative dance, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Ijo Ọlọ́mọ Ọba, a traditional dance deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Ilorin people.
According to the scholar, declining youth participation, poor documentation, inadequate institutional support, and the growing influence of Western cultural forms have contributed to the perception of traditional arts as outdated, thereby placing valuable cultural heritage at risk of extinction.
Professor Sulyman argued that preserving cultural traditions does not require resistance to modernisation but rather a careful integration of traditional values with contemporary realities. Such an approach, she noted, would enable cultural practices to remain relevant to younger generations while retaining their historical significance.
She also underscored the importance of incorporating indigenous music and performative arts into educational curricula, recommending that Nigerian schools give greater attention to the teaching and performance of traditional musical forms from the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
The inaugural lecturer noted that education remains one of the most effective tools for transmitting cultural knowledge across generations, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and cultural pride among young people.
Beyond cultural preservation, Professor Sulyman linked indigenous arts to peacebuilding and social development. She explained that cultural performances such as Ijo Ọlọ́mọ Ọba strengthen social cohesion, promote intergenerational dialogue, and reinforce shared values that contribute to peaceful coexistence within communities.
She observed that cultural heritage serves as a unifying force capable of bridging social divides and fostering mutual understanding among diverse groups, making it an important resource for community development and nation-building.
Professor Sulyman called for a holistic approach involving education, innovation, community participation, and institutional support to ensure the sustainability of Ijo Ọlọ́mọ Ọba.
She expressed optimism that with deliberate preservation efforts, the dance tradition would not only survive but also gain wider national and international recognition as a significant component of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
