The spokesperson for the Governor of Osun State, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has defended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s statement on the origin of Adire, asserting that it is well-supported by historical facts and tradition.
In a statement released on Friday, Mallam Rasheed traced the origin of Adire back to the spiritual deity known as the Osun goddess. He highlighted that both Ile Aka in Osogbo and Ile Akoda in Ede have been involved in Adire production since before the 13th century.
Rasheed also pointed out that the Igi Elu, a key traditional ingredient used in Adire production before the advent of imported Chinese dyes, is found in Osun. This, he said, further supports Governor Adeleke’s stance, which is based on historical evidence rather than mere opinion.
“The origin of Adire is from the spiritual deity called the Osun goddess, and it has been in existence long before the 13th century in Ile Aka in Osogbo and Ile Akoda in Ede.
“They inherited the indigenous Adire Eleko from their forefathers that had an encounter with the goddess during their search for water for their domestic use and water vegetables in their migration journey. Hence, the existence of Adire in Osun predates the 13th century,” Mallam Rasheed explained.
He provided additional historical context, noting that “King Lamoye Olutimehin, the great hunter and others migrated from Ipole Omu in search of a riverine area to settle down and in their journey, they found a flowing river and decided to settle down there.
While clearing bushes and cutting down trees to construct their huts, one of the trees they were cutting fell over the river and broke the goddess dye pot, prompting the Osun goddess to complain to them that they have broken all her tie and dye pots (Lamoye Timehin, gbogbo ikoko aro mi leti fo tan).”
“This historical narration establishes that the Osun goddess was processing Adire before the arrival of Lamoye and his people in the 13th century. It is also worth noting that the majority of Adire merchants today across the Southwest were historically trained by Adire producers from Osogbo who migrated to settle in those regions,” Rasheed added.
“Osogbo is widely known by the acronym, ‘Osogbo ilu aro… aro n be ni Osogbo, ni Osogbo fi n wun ni’. It is on record that Ogun Adire traders were artisans who learned the art of Adire from their Osun state masters,” he continued.
Another historical fact placing Osogbo and Osun State as the origin of Adire was the arrival of Ulli Bier and Susan Wenger, better known as Adunni Olorisa, who established the Osogbo School of Arts.
There, thousands of artists were trained in the art of Adire and Batik production. Notable Nigerian artists such as Twin 77, Chief Jimoh Brainoh, Yemi Elebuibon, Duro Ladipo, and Kongo Rao Kawawa were among the trainees, thus creating visibility and acceptance for the craft.
“In summary, Adire is an offshoot of traditional tie and dye by the Osun goddess way before the 13th century, and as such, Osun State remains the traditional home and source of Adire in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” Rasheed concluded.
The spokesperson emphasized that the historical narration was intended to clear misconceptions and prevent unnecessary debate on what is clearly established.
He added that the Adeleke administration is committed to preserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural and traditional heritage, as evidenced by the promotion of Adire.
“In reclaiming its historical rights, Osun plans to host the maiden edition of the Adire Osun Carnival in November 2025—a colorful parade and celebration of Yoruba culture in Adire to be headlined by the renowned Adire Osun queen and global ambassador, Chief Mrs. Oyenike Okundaye (Mama Nike Gallery),” Rasheed said.
