Abeokuta is home of Adire, Egba Traders react to Governor Adeleke’s claims

By Kunle Sanni

Egba traders in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have strongly rejected Governor Ademola Adeleke’s claim that Adire, the indigenous Yoruba fabric, originated from Osun State, describing the remark as historically inaccurate and deeply offensive.

Governor Adeleke had, during a recent meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, asserted that Osun—not Ogun—is the true home of Adire. In a viral video, he presented a bag of the fabric to Gbajabiamila, declaring, “This is Adire. Osun State is the source.” When Gbajabiamila responded, “I thought it was Ogun State,” Adeleke replied, “No, no, no. They stole it from us. They came to Ede, my town.”

The statement sparked outrage among Adire traders in Itoku Market, Abeokuta — widely regarded as the heartland of Adire production in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, Alhaja Sadiat Akamo, Iyaloja of Kemta Adire Market, speaking through Chief Michael Ogungidodo, the Babalaje of the market, condemned Governor Adeleke’s comments as “weighty” and unbecoming of a Yoruba elder and leader.

“We all know Yoruba people are Omoluabi, and we are always cautious of what we say in public,” Akamo said. “For a respected governor to come out publicly and call a group of people thieves — that’s very weighty. We believe he should make amends and retract that statement.”

She pointed out that Gbajabiamila himself initially acknowledged Ogun State as the origin of Adire before Adeleke’s correction. “That’s where the word ‘stolen’ came from, and it carries weight. We are not thieves. Egbas don’t steal — we work diligently. We inherited this trade.”

Tracing the history of Adire, Akamo said the roots go back to Orile Egba in the 13th century, adding that the Egba people have preserved and evolved the craft across generations. “Since the 13th century, one of the major occupations of the Egba people has been Adire-making. That tradition continued when Abeokuta was founded in 1830,” she said.

Highlighting the cultural and economic value of Adire, she explained that millions of women and youths are involved in the production process — from waxing and dyeing to tying, printing, and ironing.