The Role of Griot Tradition in Preserving Yoruba History: Evidence from Oyo State

The griot tradition, represented in Yoruba culture through the institution of the akewi and oriki chanters, serves as one of the primary mechanisms for preserving historical consciousness in communities without written traditions. This study examines the role of griot tradition in preserving Yoruba history among selected communities in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A qualitative research design was adopted, with data collected through in-depth interviews with professional oriki chanters, community historians, and cultural administrators in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and Oyo town. The study applies oral tradition theory and ethnohistory to analyse the accuracy, authority, and social function of historically embedded oral performances. Reviewed literature confirms that oriki and other praise poetry genres encode genealogical, political, and cosmological knowledge. However, empirical studies focused on the intergenerational transmission of this knowledge in contemporary Oyo communities remain limited. This research investigates whether practising griots are adequately transmitting historical knowledge to younger apprentices and what social conditions are necessary for the sustainability of this tradition. The study also evaluates the impact of formal education and urban migration on the viability of griot apprenticeship systems. Findings are expected to reveal that the griot tradition is experiencing significant erosion, particularly in urban centres, with important implications for Yoruba historical consciousness. Recommendations will address heritage funding, community-based documentation, and the integration of griot performances into school curricula. Keywords: griot tradition, oriki, Yoruba history, oral tradition, Oyo State.