The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has defended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent statement asserting Osun State as the origin of Adire fabric.

He described the claim as historically and culturally accurate, citing centuries-old traditions rooted in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mallam Rasheed traced the origin of Adire to the revered Osun goddess, noting that communities such as Ile Aka in Osogbo and Ile Akoda in Ede had been producing Adire long before the 13th century.

He emphasized that key traditional materials used in the production of Adire, particularly the Igi Elu—a major ingredient in the indigenous dye known as Aro—are native to Osun. According to him, Governor Adeleke’s assertion is based on established historical evidence rather than personal opinion.

“The origin of Adire is tied to the spiritual deity known as the Osun goddess,” Rasheed said. “Historical accounts show that Ile Aka in Osogbo and Ile Akoda in Ede inherited the indigenous Adire Eleko tradition from their ancestors who encountered the goddess during their migration in search of water. This tradition predates the 13th century.”

Providing further historical context, Rasheed narrated how King Lamoye Olutimehin and his followers, during their migration from Ipole Omu, settled by a river where they inadvertently broke the dye pots of the Osun goddess—a symbolic event that marked the sacred beginning of Adire production in Osun.

“This historical account underscores that the Osun goddess was processing Adire even before the arrival of Lamoye and his people,” he added.

Rasheed also highlighted the significant influence of Osun’s Adire culture across the Southwest, pointing out that many Adire merchants in other regions were originally trained by Osogbo artisans. He referenced the popular Yoruba saying, “Osogbo ilu aro… aro n be ni Osogbo, ni Osogbo fi n wun ni,” which reinforces Osogbo’s deep-rooted association with the craft.

He further noted the contributions of cultural icons such as Ulli Beier and Susan Wenger (Adunni Olorisha), who helped establish the Osogbo School of Arts. This institution became a hub for training thousands in Adire and Batik production, including notable Nigerian artists like Twin 77, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, Yemi Elebuibon, Duro Ladipo, and Kongo Rao Kawawa.

“In summary, Adire is an offshoot of traditional tie-and-dye practices that originated with the Osun goddess before the 13th century. Osun State remains the traditional home and authentic source of Adire in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” the spokesperson stated.

Mallam Rasheed said the historical clarification aims to address misconceptions and dispel unnecessary debate. He reaffirmed the Adeleke administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting Osun’s cultural heritage, with Adire as a central focus.

He also announced plans for the inaugural Adire Osun Carnival, scheduled for November 2025. The event will celebrate Yoruba culture and Adire craftsmanship and will be headlined by the globally renowned Adire ambassador, Chief (Mrs) Oyenike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery.