From storytelling to digital archives: Information ownership and oral heritage documentation among the Urhobo of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The oral traditions of the Urhobo people represent a foundational repository of indigenous knowledge, cultural values, and linguistic identity. This article examines the complex intersection of oral heritage documentation, information ownership, and digital preservation within Urhobo communities of Delta State, Nigeria. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks from intellectual property law, postcolonial studies, and digital heritage management, the article explores tensions between traditional knowledge governance systems and contemporary documentation practices. The analysis addresses critical questions surrounding cultural ownership, copyright applicability to indigenous expressions, and challenges in digital archiving. The findings reveal that successful documentation initiatives require active community participation, culturally sensitive legal frameworks, sustainable funding mechanisms, and recognition of oral traditions' unique epistemological status. The article argues for a hybrid approach respecting traditional communal ownership while leveraging digital technologies for preservation.