A 420-year-old tortoise, known as Baba, has died at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, sparking concerns about Nigeria's cultural heritage. According to palace oral history, Baba was brought from Oyo-Ile and had become part of the kingdom's oral history and tourist memory. Despite his remarkable age, Baba's death received little attention, with only a modest column in a newspaper. This lack of reaction has raised questions about the country's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
The death of Baba serves as a metaphor for a country in danger of becoming culturally forgetful. Nigeria is rich in culture, but its transmission to future generations is a challenge. The country's cultural heritage is drowning in entertainment, and there is a risk that traditional practices and languages will be lost. UNESCO warns that around 40 per cent of the world's languages are at risk of disappearing, and Nigeria is not immune to this trend.
Despite the challenges, some cultural traditions in Nigeria continue to thrive. The Durbar festival, which showcases horsemanship, royal authority, and community memory, was held in Ilorin and Maiduguri in 2026. However, the festival was suspended in Kano due to security concerns and disputes over the emirate. The Grand Durbar and cultural exhibition in Borno were also affected by insecurity.
The impact of insecurity on cultural heritage is evident in Plateau State, where the Nzem Berom and Pusdung festivals were postponed due to conflict. Communities cannot celebrate their cultural heritage while counting their dead, and repeated postponements can lead to the loss of cultural practices. However, some festivals have successfully adapted to modern times, such as Ojude Oba in Ijebuland, which has retained its traditional elements while gaining national visibility.
Lagos has also provided an example of how cultural heritage can be preserved and promoted. The Fanti Carnival, which celebrates Afro-Brazilian heritage, returned in 2026 with community participation and institutional support. Additionally, the Detty December festival has become a major entertainment event in Lagos, showcasing the city's vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
However, the challenge lies in balancing modernity with tradition. While popular culture has mastered the machinery of attention, traditional cultural practices are often left to survive on sentiment. There is a risk that the new will overshadow the old, leading to the loss of cultural heritage. UNESCO's emphasis on intergenerational transmission highlights the importance of young people in keeping languages and cultural practices alive.
The institutions responsible for cultural preservation have a crucial role to play in promoting and protecting Nigeria's cultural heritage. Festivals and languages are intertwined, and the loss of one can have a significant impact on the other. As Nigeria continues to evolve, it is essential that its cultural heritage is preserved and transmitted to future generations.
Key points
- Nigeria's cultural heritage is at risk of being forgotten due to a lack of attention and transmission to future generations.
- The death of the 420-year-old tortoise, Baba, serves as a metaphor for the country's cultural forgetfulness.
- UNESCO warns that around 40 per cent of the world's languages are at risk of disappearing, and Nigeria must take steps to preserve its cultural heritage.
