The Ogun State House of Assembly has firmly rejected the recent claim that Adire fabric originated from Ede in Osun State, reaffirming Abeokuta in Ogun State as the true historical home of the iconic indigenous textile craft.
The resolution, which was passed on the floor of the Assembly, followed a motion moved by Hon. Babatunde Tella, representing Abeokuta North State Constituency. It was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, and unanimously supported by all members of the House.
Hon. Tella, while leading the debate, condemned a viral video in which the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, was seen stating that Adire fabric originated from his hometown, Ede.
He noted that the comment had sparked concerns across Ogun State, particularly among the Egba people, known globally as the originators and preservers of the indigo-dyed textile.
“In the same clip, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, rightly interjected, affirming Abeokuta as the true origin of Adire,” Hon. Tella said, calling for preservation of the historical truth.
The lawmakers praised the strategic efforts of Governor Dapo Abiodun in promoting Adire as both a cultural heritage and an economic asset, urging continued support for Adire artisans and traders.
Minority Leader, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, and Honourables Yusuf Amosun and Lukman Atobatele also backed the motion, describing the Egba people as pioneers of the Adire craft, whose artistry had gained global recognition long before the recent controversy.
“The fabric’s roots are deeply woven into the cultural history of Egbaland. What we are defending here is not just heritage but truth,” said Hon. Atobatele.
The Assembly, in its resolution, called on the Ogun State Government and relevant cultural stakeholders to document the full history of Adire, with a view to developing a publicly accessible archive hosted on the official state website.
Lawmakers also urged the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to officially recognise Abeokuta as the original home of Adire in Nigeria and to support its global promotion.
“The commitment of Adire traders and artisans in sustaining the legacy of this fabric deserves national recognition. We owe them that much,” Majority Leader Hon. Yusuf Sheriff stated while moving the motion for adoption of the resolution.
The resolution was adopted through a voice vote.
Meanwhile, in another development, Hon. Yusuf Sheriff presented a petition on behalf of Concerned Citizens of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government over the worsening traffic situation on the Ojuore-Ota Road.
The petition blamed the persistent gridlock on the failure of the Federal Government contractor to provide alternative routes during ongoing road construction.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide referred the petition to the House Committee on Works, chaired by Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju, for legislative action.
