ART, SOCIETY AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE YORUBA SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA: A POSTCOLONIAL CULTURAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Art has been an integral part of society since the beginning of civilization. In South West Nigeria, art has played an immense role in the social and economic development of the region. Thus, this article discusses the relationship between art, society, and development in South West Nigeria, which is occupied by the Yoruba people, highlighting key examples, and also discussing how art can be leveraged for further development of the region while looking at the role of art and artist in southwest Nigeria. This study employs secondary methods in getting its data which includes journals, articles and relevant information. In this article explore were made to the importance of visual arts and the role of the artist in shaping society. This study examines how Yoruba art functions as a catalyst for social cohesion, economic growth, and cultural identity in Southwest Nigeria. Guided by postcolonial cultural theory, it analyses the ways traditional and contemporary art forms both preserve heritage and drive development while also revealing inherent tensions between spiritual authenticity and commercial exploitation. Drawing on a qualitative desk-based review of peer-reviewed sources, the research identifies four key mechanisms—tourism promotion, skill-building through education, political-religious legitimisation, and community advocacy—through which art contributes to sustainable regional development. Key findings show that while art has historically strengthened social harmony and generated economic value (e.g., via festivals), its full potential remains constrained by inconsistent policy support and limited integration of modern creative industries. The study concludes that targeted investment and artist–government collaboration are essential to convert cultural capital into inclusive development outcomes.