Abstract

This study examines the paradox of symbolic survival alongside functional decline in selected monumental and historic buildings in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Adopting a qualitative research approach, this study draws on in-depth interviews with elders, cultural custodians, artisans, religious practitioners, professionals, and younger community members, complemented by site observations and documentary review. Thematic analysis was employed to explore perceptions of cultural significance, patterns of use, conservation practices, and intergenerational transmission of heritage values. Findings reveal that while the buildings remain powerful symbols of Yoruba identity and ancestral continuity, their everyday sociocultural functions have substantially diminished. Emotional attachment to the buildings remains strong; however, declining youth engagement, weakened transmission of indigenous construction knowledge, and reliance on modern conservation materials contribute to a gradual process of sociocultural significance decline. The study demonstrates that heritage loss in Ile-Ife is driven less by physical decay than by a growing disconnection between historic buildings and lived social practice. The paper argues that conservation strategies focused solely on material preservation has limited potential in sustaining cultural vitality of the buildings. It concludes by advocating for heritage management approaches that is premised on integration of sociocultural activities and intergenerational knowledge transmission into daily community life, so as to ensure the continued relevance of historic buildings as living heritage.

Keywords: Historic buildings, Heritage erosion, Symbolic survival, Sociocultural significance, Ile-Ife, Yoruba heritage