Obasanjo Decries Neglect, Extinction Of Cultural Heritages In Nigeria

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over the seeming neglect and gradual extinction of cultural heritages in Nigeria, particularly the rich cultural heritage of Egbaland.

Consequently, he tasked the organisers of the Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to use the upcoming event to revive and showcase the region’s historical landmarks and notable personalities.

Obasanjo made the call while hosting members of the Lisabi Festival Committee, who visited him at his Penthouse located within the precinct of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, ahead of the 2026 edition of Lisabi Festival scheduled for March 16.

The former president emphasised the need to preserve, renovate and promote key heritage assets in the region, warning against their continued neglect and deterioration.

His call to action aims to reposition Egbaland as a global tourism destination, highlighting its rich history and cultural significance.

The former President emphasised the need to preserve sites such as the publishing centre of the first newspaper in Nigeria, the “Iwe Irohin” House; the Abeokuta Prison Goals, and Madam Tinubu’s storey building.

Obasanjo emphatically warned that neglecting these monumental edifices would erase the past glory they facilitated in the developmental strides of past Nigerian heroes.

“There is no doubt that Egba is blessed with notable personalities and historic sites which must be preserved and given a facelift to enhance tourism. Their stories should be properly documented and projected to the world”.

In his remarks during the visit, Chairman of the Lisabi Festival Committee 2026 and Asipa of Egbaland, Navy Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji (rtd.), explained that the purpose of the visit was to brief the former President on the forthcoming festival and the proposed Lisabi Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art & Heritage Exhibition.

“We are also here to seek your blessings on the cultural and festival tours, which will include a special exhibition of traditional herbs (Ewe ati Egbo) and medicines. We also request, Sir, our Baba, to deliver a lecture on the role of traditional herbs from Egbaland”.

The Coordinator of the Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art Exhibition, Olusanya John, presented a detailed itinerary and exhibition plan, emphasising that all key sections of Egba would participate in hosting the tours and visits during the festival period.

Obasanjo, however, accepted the invitation and the assurance that the lecture would be delivered, even as he pledged his support for the event’s success.