Researchers from universities in Nigeria and the United States have called on the government to urgently take steps to preserve the Sungbo-Eredo archaeological monument, which extends from Eredo, Epe in Lagos State to Ijebu in Ogun State. They aim to turn the site into a tourist attraction that will boost the local and national economy.
The experts made this appeal at the end of a two-day conference held at Augustine University, Ilara-Epe. The conference was sponsored by the US Mission in Nigeria through the Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).
The researchers, drawn from Augustine University, the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and Williams and Mary University in Virginia, USA, presented the findings of a LiDAR survey conducted on the monument to officials of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).
The Principal Investigator, Prof. Gerard Chouin, described the LiDAR survey as the first of its kind in Africa. “This is a significant milestone in the conservation and promotion efforts of this historic monument. Sungbo-Eredo is the longest, single pre-industrial territorial earthwork (ditch-and-bank system) known in Africa and beyond, encompassing an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometers,” he said.
Chouin urged the government not to let the efforts put into gathering the data go to waste, and to take steps to preserve the monument so that it can be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, expressed excitement about the collaborative efforts to preserve the cultural heritage represented by the Sungbo-Eredo monument. He emphasized the university’s commitment to advancing academic excellence and research in this area.
The Director-General of the NCMM, Mr. Olu Holloway, assured that the government would act with urgency to address the preservation of the monument. This sentiment was echoed by officials from the Lagos and Ogun state governments who were present at the event.
The Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Olukayode Ogunsanwo, represented by Prince Olusegun Osifeko, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Eredo LCDA, expressed happiness that efforts were being made to conserve the historical monument. He noted that the community is ready to support all efforts to preserve the site, which has the potential to boost the local and national economy, as well as provide employment opportunities for the youth.
The Baale of Eredo, Chief Adewale Olaonipekun, described the monument as a testament to the strength and resilience of their forebears, and pledged that steps would be taken to prevent encroachment and deforestation of the site.
