Yoruba Gendered Symbolism, Cosmological Epistemologies, and Women's Land Rights: A Critical Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Contemporary Land Acquisition Policies in Nigeria

Yoruba cosmologies and traditions conceptualised land as sacred ancestral heritage rather than a mere economic resource, contrasting with Western perspectives. While previous studies emphasised Western traditions through socio-legal perspectives, this study therefore explored Yoruba epistemological foundations of gendered symbolism. It examined the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge systems with contemporary Nigerian land acquisition policies and their implications for women’s access to land. Indigenous epistemology, feminist political ecology, and socio-legal theories provided analytical knowledge of the epistemological foundation of gender symbolism and legal framework. The study adopted a qualitative literature review, drawing on books, journal articles, and policy documents on Yoruba traditions, gender, and land governance to gain deeper knowledge of the study. The findings revealed that Yoruba cosmologies historically recognised complementary gender roles, while colonial legal structures and patriarchal interpretations constrained women’s direct land rights. The system failed to unify Nigeria’s cultural traditions with Nigeria’s statutory land policy and influenced women’s exclusion in land acquisition, sustaining men’s ownership advantage. Empirical evidence from Southwest Nigeria confirmed that men have more land ownership than women. The study concludes that the Nigeria Land Use Act of 1978 inadequately addresses gendered dimensions of customary land relations and equitable land governance. It recommends gender-sensitive reforms capable of harmonising customary practices with constitutional principles of gender equality.