A controversial statement by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, suggesting that the Adire textile craft originated in Osun State and was later “stolen” by the Egba people has sparked strong criticism from Adire traders and cultural leaders in Ogun State.
In a viral video clip, Governor Adeleke was seen telling the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, that Adire started in Ede, his hometown in Osun. When Gbajabiamila responded that he believed Adire came from Ogun, Adeleke jokingly replied, “They stole it.”
This remark did not sit well with Adire makers and traders in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where Adire has become a cultural identity and source of livelihood for generations.
Reacting to the governor’s statement, the Iyaloja of Kemta Adire/Kampala Market in Abeokuta, Mrs. Somodale Akamo, described the claim as “false, offensive and insulting,” and called on Governor Adeleke to immediately withdraw his words and offer a public apology.
“We are no doubt shocked by the statement credited to His Excellency, the governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, that Adire is originally from Osun State and that the Egba people stole it,” Akamo said.
She emphasized that Adire is an ancient textile tradition deeply rooted in Egba culture, dating back to as far as the 13th century, long before the current political boundaries existed.
According to Akamo, the modern development and global recognition of Adire grew after the Egba people settled in present-day Abeokuta in 1830. She credited prominent figures like Madam Jojoyinola, the second Iyalode of Egbaland, for promoting the trade and empowering local artisans, especially women.
“The truth is that Adire is from Egbaland. Our forebears have practiced this trade for centuries. It is our heritage and our pride,” she said. “Madam Jojoyinola helped many families thrive through this business, and since then, Adire has gone global.”
Akamo warned that such careless remarks could cause cultural tension and misinform the public about Nigeria’s rich and diverse history.
“We urge the governor to withdraw this statement and tender an apology for calling us what we are not. The Egba people are noble, hardworking, and respectful of history and tradition,” she added.
The controversy has reignited public interest in the origin and cultural significance of Adire, a traditional Yoruba fabric made through a resist-dyeing technique. While both Ogun and Osun states are known for their contributions to its production, many historians and artisans point to Abeokuta as the modern cradle of the Adire industry.
The traders have also called on cultural preservation agencies and traditional rulers to step in and protect the legacy of Adire from being politicized or misrepresented.
