A cultural promoter and activist, Princess Adejoke Somoye, has revealed how she narrowly escaped death while campaigning against the spread of imported Chinese-made Adire fabrics in Ogun State.
Somoye, the convener of the Ewa Ede cultural initiative, said unknown assailants fired gunshots at her and vandalised her vehicle during one of her campaigns to protect indigenous Adire makers from foreign imitation and market invasion.
She made the disclosure during a visit to the Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela, in Abeokuta.
According to her, the increasing influx of factory-produced Adire from China has crippled local production and endangered the livelihoods of dye makers, starch producers, nylon manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the Adire value chain.
“All efforts to eradicate China-made Adire from our markets have proven abortive,” she said. “I almost lost my life fighting for that cause. We faced gunshots, vandalism and other attacks because we stood for the survival of Adire.”
Somoye urged the state government to support the ongoing push for the passage of the Geographical Indication (GI) Bill, which seeks legal protection for local fabrics and other indigenous products.
She explained that the legislation, under review at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, would help preserve the cultural identity and economic value of Adire, describing it as a tool to secure thousands of jobs.
“If this trade dies, many will be jobless and crime will rise,” she warned. “We need government synergy to secure this industry and our cultural heritage.”
Responding, Sofela commended Somoye’s advocacy and reaffirmed Ogun State’s commitment to promoting Adire globally.
He said Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration had elevated Adire fashion, mandating civil servants to wear the fabric weekly and supporting campaigns that showcase it across Nigeria and beyond.
“This government has been the biggest ambassador of Adire,” Sofela said. “We are committed to preserving its authenticity and protecting our indigenous craft.”
He stressed the need for collaboration between government and cultural stakeholders to safeguard the identity of Ogun State as the birthplace of authentic Adire.
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