Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has emphasised that the local fabric commonly known as Adire originated from the state.
He made this known on Saturday while speaking at the celebration of Adire with a Grand Fiesta which held at the WOCDIF Event Centre in Osogbo, the state capital.
Governor Adeleke, while addressing dignitaries and cultural enthusiasts, reiterated that Osun remains the true origin of Adire, despite claims from other states.
“My brother from Ogun State is trying to claim the ownership of Adire, but I told him Adire originated from Osun. This is our heritage, and we will continue to celebrate it.
“The next fiesta will be a carnival with even bigger celebrations”, he noted.
In his address, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II commended Governor Adeleke for promoting the cultural fabric, noting that the festival had given fresh prominence to Yoruba heritage.
“God has really used him. We thank him for bringing Adire into the limelight in Osun. Every state may celebrate it, but Osun is the original home of Adire. We appreciate our governor for his commitment to preserving this heritage”, he said.
The event witnessed different display of cultural performances, including fashion parade, Eyo masquerade performance, traditional dances, drama, and cultural songs.
Awards were also presented to prominent individuals who have contributed significantly to the preservation of Yoruba culture and heritage. Honorees included veteran actor Baba Wande, Chief (Mrs) Nike Ogundayo Davies, Araba Iyafemi Elebuibon, among others.
