• Alake, others tackle adulterated Egba indigenous fabric
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
To stem the negative economic effects of adulterated Adire textile on the local makers of the indigenous fabrics, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has constituted a committee to check the influx of made-in-China Adire into Itoku and Asero markets, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Inaugurating the committee headed by the Aro of Egbaland, Oluyinka Kufile, on Tuesday, at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, the monarch said: “The China Adire is fast taking toll on the indigenous Adire makers. This will adversely affect the economy of the state in particular and Nigeria in general.”
The monarch urged members of the committee to “investigate where the adulterated Adire fabric is being produced and brought into the market.”
Oba Gbadebo disclosed that the influx of the China Adire “rendered many youths who are into local production jobless. I will not fold my arms and allow the people to suffer due to infiltration.
“This committee is set up in order to tackle the influx of fake (Chinese) Adire in markets in the state capital. We must not allow infiltration and our name as Egba must not be tarnished.
“Adire started in Itoku, here in Abeokuta. It is our trade and there is need to ensure that the quality of our Adire is not tampered with.
“Before we can say something is not good, we must first ensure that ours is better. We must ensure quality control in our Adire production.”
The paramount ruler said he would be ready to contribute his quota to ensure that the business of Adire continue to prosper and boost the economy of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
A member of the committee, Mrs. Modinat Adegbite, said: “The adulteration of Adire fabric by the Chinese has been pushing the local producers trade to the brink.” She lauded the Alake for inaugurating the committee: “It is disheartening seeing influx of fake Adire in the market. “It is affecting the sales of local producers of the fabric.
“It is sad that most people cannot differentiate between the fake Adire and the original one produced locally. This is why the committee is set up to tackle and put an end to the challenges.
“Adire is synonymous with the Egba. We will not allow anyone to spoil the name built by our forefathers.”
Secretary of the committee, Adejoke Shomoye, insisted the cultural inheritance of the Egba must be protected: “Adire production is a chain of activities, every side involved must be protected.
“Our cultural inheritance must not be allowed to walk into extinction. We shall do everything in our capacity to eradicate the adulterated Adire fabrics from our indigenous Adire market and in Egbaland as a whole.”
The event was also attended by the new Apena of Egbaland, Chief Alani Bankole.