Before the advent of modern Nigeria the Yoruba land was one of the most prosperous and advanced ethnic group in sub - saharan Africa. It is often assumed from oral tradition that the cradle of civilisation is at Ile Ife which is one of the most important cities in the history of yoruba land. One important socio - cultural activity that has remained since the existence of yoruba land apart from languages is the use of talking drums (ilu gangan). Talking drums are of different types, sizes and shapes. However, the commonest type being the cilindrical with a drum stick attached (diagram in full papper). Talking drums are used for various purposes and at different ceremonies, festivals and other very popular or rare events such as for the purpose of communication, praise singing, proverbial sayings, keeping of historical records, memories and also in times of hostilities as signs and secrecy communication. As a result the relevance of talking drums in the social, economic and political lives of the yoruba land is un deniably very great.

Unfortunately giving the significance and relevance of the use of talking drums in yoruba lives it has declined drastically both in popularity, relevance and patronage, hence, job opportunities in the area of providing employments for expertees development and in the manufacturing of talking drums for users. Again it can be used to develop tourism but the present low level can not be used to develop the tourism sector. Needless to say that factors responsible for the declining in the use and relevance of talking drums in yoruba land are colonialisation, modern/western education and poor goverment policy capable of creating awareness and subsequent development.The paper concluded with some suggestion capable of reawaking the relevance of talking drums in the socio - cultural tools of the yoruba people.