“Adire’s Source Is Osun, Not Ogun,” Adeleke Tells Gbajabiamila

In a lighthearted but firm exchange, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State asserted his state’s cultural ownership of the popular Yoruba textile, Adire, during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In a now-viral video, seen by newsmen on Tuesday, the conversation, which unfolded in a friendly and humorous tone, took a cultural turn when Adeleke presented a bag containing Adire fabric to Gbajabiamila, emphasising Osun State’s historical role in the production of the indigenous fabric.

“This is Adire. Osun State is the source,” Adeleke said. “In fact, I registered it in Ede, then Osogbo.”

Seemingly surprised, Gbajabiamila responded, “I thought it was Ogun State.”

The Osun governor quickly replied: “No, no, no. They stole it from us. They came to Ede, my town. You know Ede is just 15 minutes drive from Osogbo.”

Jokingly, Gbajabiamila asked, “Dapo Abiodun did that?”

“Yes!” Adeleke exclaimed. “But since Abeokuta is a Yoruba land, I don’t mind. I just want you to recognise and give us credit that Osogbo is the source.”

Adeleke then handed over the bag to Gbajabiamila, encouraging him to embrace the tradition. “This Adire, I want you to sew it. We wear it every Wednesday just to celebrate Adire Day. We call it Adire Day.”

Gbajabiamila asked, “I can wash it before I wear it?” “You can wash it,” Adeleke assured.

Gbajabiamila quickly teased in Yoruba, “Ko ma lo di bi ti PDP,” loosely translated as “Let it not end up like PDP’s own,” drawing laughter from those in the room.

In November 2023, Adeleke directed all state public officials to wear the Adire Osun attire every Wednesday with the aim of boosting the industry and enhancing the cultural strengths of the state.

He was also reported to have held a meeting with his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, where “both governors resolved to host an annual celebration of Adire Day.”

Punch