The Iyaloja of Egbaland, Alhaja Oluwakemi Abeke Oloyede, has lambasted the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, over his recent claim that the popular indigenous fabric, Adire, originated from Osun State.
Governor Adeleke, widely known for his energetic dance moves, made the controversial statement during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday.
In a now-viral video, the governor presented a bag containing Adire fabric to Gbajabiamila and declared, “This is Adire. Osun State is the source.”
The remark has since sparked outrage in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, widely regarded as the home of Adire.
Reacting to the claim, the Iyaloja of Egbaland described the governor’s assertion as “a blatant lie,” insisting that Adire has its roots firmly in Ogun State, particularly among the Egba people.
Speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, Alhaja Oloyede said, “I want to set the record straight that Ogun State belongs to Adire and not Osun State as was claimed by the dancing Governor. I read in the news that he said we stole Adire, which we are known for in Egbaland. We are not thieves.”
She urged Governor Adeleke to properly educate himself on the history of Adire before making further public pronouncements, stating that his comment was not only misleading but also an affront to the cultural heritage of the Egba people.
“I want to urge him to go and find out where Adire originated from. I don’t think he knows history, because if he does, he wouldn’t say we stole Adire from them. We are the original owners. When you talk about Adire, you talk about Abeokuta – the home of Adire,” she stressed.
Taking a swipe at the governor’s well-known flair for dancing, the market leader added:
“Osun State is known for dancing and that’s why you see their Governor dancing everywhere. So when it comes to Adire, count them out.
“I want to urge Governor Ademola Adeleke to focus on the dancing his state is known for and stop interfering in our business here, which is Adire.”
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