Osun is birthplace of Adire – Governor’s spokesperson

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has defended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s claim that Osun is the birthplace of Adire, in response to comments by Ogun Adire traders.

In a statement issued on Friday, Rasheed said the governor’s claim is rooted in historical and cultural facts, not sentiment. He traced the origin of Adire to the Osun goddess, noting that Ile Aka in Osogbo and Ile Akoda in Ede had been producing Adire long before the 13th century.

He explained that Igi Elu, the key ingredient used in making Aro (local dye) before the introduction of imported Chinese dyes, is found in Osun. According to him, early Osun settlers inherited the Adire Eleko craft from their forefathers, who encountered the goddess while searching for water during their migration.

Citing oral history, Rasheed recounted how King Lamoye Olutimehin and his followers, while clearing land near the Osun River, broke the goddess’s dye pots, sparking a divine complaint—evidence, he said, of Adire’s spiritual origins predating the 13th century.

He added that many Adire traders in the Southwest were historically trained by artisans from Osogbo, reinforcing Osun’s reputation as the heart of Adire. “Osogbo ilu aro… aro n be ni Osogbo,” he noted, referencing the city’s nickname.

Rasheed also highlighted the role of artists like Ulli Beier and Susan Wenger (Adunni Olorisa) who established the Osogbo School of Arts, training thousands in Adire and Batik. Prominent artists such as Twin 77, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, Yemi Elebuibon, and Duro Ladipo were among those influenced.

He concluded by affirming that Adire is an offshoot of traditional tie-and-dye practices rooted in Osun’s heritage, predating modern records.

The spokesperson said the clarification was necessary to dispel misconceptions and reaffirm the Adeleke administration’s commitment to preserving Osun’s cultural legacy.