Researchers from universities in Nigeria and the United States have asked the government to preserve Sungbo-Eredo and develop it into a tourist attraction for significant revenue.
Sungbo-Eredo is an archaeological monument stretching from Eredo in Epe, Lagos State, to Ijebu in Ogun State.
The experts made this statement after a two-day conference at Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, sponsored by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria through the Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The researchers, drawn from Augustine University, the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and William & Mary University in Virginia, USA, were led by Principal Investigator, Prof. Gerard Chouin.
Chouin’s team presented the LiDAR survey conducted on the monument to officials of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, noting that this was the first LiDAR survey of its kind in Africa.
He said, “This marks a significant milestone in the efforts to conserve and promote this historic monument. Sungbo-Eredo is the longest single pre-industrial territorial earthwork (ditch-and-bank system) known in Africa and beyond, covering an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometres.
“The data collected will be instrumental in generating public interest in the conservation of Sungbo-Eredo and in guiding public policies to organise and enforce the preservation of the monument,” he said.
Chouin urged the government to ensure that the efforts put into gathering this data were not in vain, emphasising that preserving the monument was crucial for its potential listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, stated, “The event marked the unveiling of findings from the first archaeological LiDAR survey of the historic Sungbo-Eredo monument, highlighting a significant achievement in cultural preservation. Organised in collaboration with the Ife-Sungbo Archaeological Team, the workshop emphasised Augustine University’s commitment to academic excellence and research. Building on the success of a previous workshop, the event showcased the importance of international collaboration.”
The Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr Olu Holloway, assured that the government would urgently address the preservation of the Sungbo-Eredo monument, a sentiment echoed by Lagos and Ogun state officials. The Alara of Ilara-Epe, represented by Prince Olusegun Osifeko, expressed optimism about ongoing efforts, noting the monument’s potential to boost the local economy and create jobs.
The Baale of Eredo, Chief Adewale Olaonipekun, highlighted the monument’s historical significance and emphasised the need to prevent encroachment and deforestation.