The Underdevelopment of Ile-Ife: A City of History Held Back By Neglect

By Olayinka Olatunbosun, Ph.D

Ile-Ife occupies a sacred place in Nigeria’s historical and cultural consciousness. Revered as the cradle of the Yoruba people, the ancient town is globally known for its rich traditions, archaeological treasures, and the iconic Ife bronzes that rank among Africa’s greatest artistic achievements. Yet, despite its immense historical significance and strategic importance, Ile-Ife today presents a troubling paradox: a city of origin struggling with underdevelopment.

For many residents and visitors, the signs are impossible to ignore. Dilapidated roads crisscross major parts of the town, making movement difficult and costly. Poor drainage systems contribute to flooding during the rainy season, damaging homes and businesses. Basic urban infrastructure—such as consistent waste management, street lighting, and potable water—remains inadequate for a town of its population and prestige.

Ironically, Ile-Ife hosts one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), a hub of intellectual capital and innovation. Yet, the economic and infrastructural benefits of this presence have not sufficiently transformed the host community. Many roads linking the university to surrounding neighborhoods are in poor condition, and opportunities to build a vibrant university-driven local economy remain largely untapped.

Residents often point to governance and planning failures as core contributors to the town’s stagnation. Over the years, Ile-Ife has suffered from inconsistent urban planning, weak implementation of development policies, and limited continuity between successive administrations at the local and state levels. Projects are frequently initiated without completion, while others are abandoned altogether, leaving behind wasted resources and public frustration.

Another major concern is youth unemployment. Despite the town’s intellectual environment, many young people struggle to find meaningful work, pushing them to migrate to larger cities such as Ibadan, Lagos, or Abuja. This steady brain drain deprives Ile-Ife of the very human capital needed to drive local development and innovation.

Tourism, one of Ile-Ife’s greatest untapped assets, also suffers from neglect. The town’s rich cultural festivals, historical sites, and museums have the potential to attract both local and international tourists. However, poor infrastructure, inadequate promotion, and limited private sector investment have prevented Ile-Ife from becoming a major cultural tourism destination comparable to its historical status. Community leaders and civil society groups argue that the underdevelopment of Ile-Ife is not due to a lack of potential but a lack of deliberate, coordinated action.

They call for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions, government authorities, the private sector, and the diaspora community. Strategic investments in infrastructure, tourism, small businesses, and skills development could reposition the town as a modern city rooted in ancient glory.

As Nigeria grapples with broader development challenges, the case of Ile-Ife is particularly symbolic. If the cradle of Yoruba civilization can remain underdeveloped, it raises deeper questions about national priorities, historical preservation, and inclusive growth.

Ile-Ife deserves more than symbolic reverence; it deserves tangible development. Until deliberate steps are taken to match its historical stature with modern infrastructure and economic opportunities, the ancient city will continue to stand as a powerful reminder that heritage alone is not enough to guarantee progress.

Dr. Olatunbosun is from Wakesan Compound, Ilare quarters in Ile-Ife.