Iya Mapo – Osun Goddess And Its Uniqueness Of Adire Osogbo: Past And Present By Ganiyu Ibikunle

The history of fashion is incomplete in the southwestern part of Nigeria without mentioning the art of Adire in Osogbo, Osun state. This traditional indigo called Aro Ibile is used to make adire eleko, eleso, alawo ekun, olosupa, elesun and alabeere. The process of the indigo is extracted from Elu leaf, and other ingredients to make indigo (Aro Ibile) used in the olden days. It has been proven that Adire originated from Osogbo city and spread to other township in the South West. This was aligned to the story of how Osogbo got its name from the Goddess of the Osun River, ‘Oso Igbo e pele o, gbogbo ikoko aro mi le ti fo tan” translated as – Greetings to the sorcerer in the bush, you have nearly broken all my dying pots. This was how Osogbo was formed from Osó and igbó , and the name of the goddess ” Osun” became the name of the state, irreversibly till date.

The history of the Osun Goddess has shown that Adire originated from Osogbo as ‘iya mapo iya alaro’ who was an expert in formation of Aro ibile( indigo). She was an excellent indigo dyer and she made the best of local dye (aro ibile).

The late King Samuel Adenle also played a vital role in the promotion of adire Osogbo while on throne. He was a business man in the sales of Adire Osogbo to the eastern part of Nigeria precisely Aba, in Abia State. The king exposed the adire trade in Osogbo and many people were trained and engaged in the trading of adire during his time.

We cannot rule out many prominent Oshogbo women who were dyers and contributed immensely to the promotion of Adire Osogbo. During those days, adire trade turn gave thhe economy of Osogbo a great turnaround, where many buyers patronize the Adire Osogbo and recognized it in Osogbo than other places in the South West, Nigeria.
Presently in Osogbo, which is well known as the origin of Adire has been backward, as many experts in traditional indigo (aro ibile) has passed away, leaving us with a low number of youths to specialize in local dye making.

It’s sad and disturbing that the key stakeholders in the state are not paying due attention to promotion of arts, culture and tourism projects that can fetch Osun State Government million of dollars, and generate an employment for the youths, to reduce the unemployment rate in the state.

Now, there is only a woman among those expert dyers in traditional indigo living in Osogbo. Mama Rafatu Akanke Akanni, a renowned dye maker who was born to the family of Mr. & Mrs. Fadahunsi Akanni of Ile-Aka in Osogbo. She is popularly called ‘iya ile aka’ in Osogbo. The now 88-year-old dyer, who has performed excellently well in the adire industry and has propagated the adire ibile both home and abroad is incredibly a great teacher who is so passionate about making the future of adire Osogbo to be bright again.

Modern Adire batik has overtook the traditional indigo. It is so common in some towns, and one wonders why others are not even engaged in adire batik production? The so called adire batik hasn’t cut across the Osun State, talkless of traditional indigo. This is the reason why likeminds indedepent adire makers in Osun state formed an association called Adire Eleko Osun Association where many independent adire makers come together to discuss the way out on how to promote the locally made adire in Osun, using that as an avenue for job creation for our youths in the State.

This is a clarion call to revamp the traditional indigo in Osun State, to train many youths to reinstate the traditional indigo, and restore the past glory of Osogbo as the home of adire. The adire industry need to be awaken from slumber and more individuals, private and public organizations, and international community should come to our aid in developing the adire industry in Osun State.

The public organization has a major role in developing the adire industry to boost the state economy, create a gainful employment, and collaborate with the stakeholders who can invest in the sector. As well, the adire makers in Osun State really need to work together and make proper consultation on how the adire industry will be developed for the citizens of Osun State.

Ganiyu Ibikunle is the president of Adire Eleko Osun Association and Managing Director of Aji – Tos and Brothers International Limited – 08035014081