Alake reveals arrangements for Wole Soyinka Adire Village hub

Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III

Alake reveals arrangements for Wole Soyinka Adire Village hub

Alake reveals arrangements for Wole Soyinka Adire Village hub, boosting locals.

Adire is a traditional, resist-dyed fabric originating from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria.

Ruler of Egbaland, the Alake and Paramount Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has declared plans to establish the Wole Soyinka Adire Village, a one-stop hub for the production and industrialisation of adire, the traditional Egba fabric also known as tie-and-dye.

The village, named after Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, aims to boost local production and combat the importation of adulterated versions of the fabric.

Speaking at a press briefing held at Ake Palace on Friday, Oba Gbadebo explained that the project, spearheaded by the International Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development (ICLED) in Lekki, Lagos, would mechanise adire production, thus preserving its cultural heritage while fostering innovation.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Adire Village Industrialization Project, a visionary endeavour designed to mechanise the processes within the Adire value chain and create a one-stop shop for the production of essential raw materials,” Oba Gbadebo stated.

“Adire, a traditional fabric steeped in rich cultural heritage, has long been a symbol of creativity and craftsmanship.

The word “Adire” means “tie and dye” in the Yorùbá language, referring to the techniques used to create intricate patterns on the fabric.

“However, in today’s rapidly evolving global market, it is essential that we not only preserve this artistry but also innovate and adapt.”

The emphasis was that the village would empower local artisans with modern skills and technology, creating a new generation of craftsmen skilled in both traditional and modern production techniques.

According to the monarch, mass mechanized production will reduce costs, making it unnecessary to patronize imported, inferior versions of the fabric.

“One strong way to fight the adulteration of adire is through mechanization. When we produce this fabric in large quantities, the price will drop, and people will have no reason to buy imported versions,” the monarch added.

He called on government bodies, private sector partners, and individuals passionate about cultural preservation and economic development to support the project, saying, “Together, we can create jobs, boost local economies, and elevate the status of Adire fabric on the global stage.”

Also speaking, the President of ICLED Business School, Lekki, Lagos, Prof. Olajumoke Familoni, urged stakeholders to support the project, noting that industrialisation is key to taking Adire to the global market and halting its adulteration.

The House of Representatives member representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Afolabi Afuape praised the initiative, stating that mass production would curb the importation of adulterated adire and save foreign exchange.

He promised federal support, vowing to work with colleagues in the National Assembly to protect local businesses.