Adire traders in Ogun State have expressed outrage over Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke's claim that the indigenous Yoruba textile originated from his state, demanding an immediate retraction of his statement that they "stole" the cultural heritage.

The controversy erupted after Governor Adeleke, during a courtesy visit by Presidential Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila on Tuesday, presented an Adire fabric and declared, "This is Adire. Osun State is the source." When Gbajabiamila responded that he thought Adire originated from Ogun State, Adeleke replied, "No, no, no. They stole it from us. They came to Ede, my town."

In a press conference held Thursday at the Itoku Kampala market in Abeokuta, traders rejected Adeleke's narrative and took particular offense at being labeled thieves.

Sadiat Akamo, Iyaloja of Kemta Adire Market in Itoku, said, "We all know Yoruba people are Omoluabi and we are always cautious of whatever we say in public. For a respected governor to come to the public and call a set of people thieves... Ole ni won, won ji ni (they're thieves, they stole it), it's very weighty. We believe that such a governor should try as much as possible to make an amend and reverse such a statement."

Defending Ogun's claim as the true home of Adire, Akamo provided historical context: "Egba was actually existing back then in 13th century in Orile Egba and since 13th century, one of the major works of the Egbas then was Adire which later transcended to when Abeokuta was formed in 1830. Here in Kemta, we still continue the same trade, the process and the trade of Adire."

She highlighted that millions of women and youths in Ogun State are engaged in various aspects of Adire production, including waxing, dyeing, tying, printing, and local ironing. Akamo also noted that the second Iyalode of Egbaland, Madam Jojolola, was instrumental in improving Adire-making techniques.

"It baffles us when we now hear it was stolen. Who stole what? Who are the original people that own it? Who are the people that are doing it?" Akamo questioned. "We want the whole world to know that when we talk of Adire, we talk of Abeokuta, the home of Adire."

The dispute highlights the deep cultural significance of Adire textile to both states and the sensitivity surrounding claims to this important aspect of Yoruba heritage.