Adire artist, Agboola Oladapo, projecting Yoruba textile art on world stage

Nigeria’s emerging master in adire wearable art, Agboola Oladapo, is not hiding his passion for the Yoruba culture and the art of Adire Textile making.

A protege of Nike Davies-Okundaye, who has become famous with  Nike Art Gallery, the Osogbo-based artist in Osun State maintained that each piece of the art he creates is a reflection of dedication and creativity.

 He uses his Adire fabric design to tell stories about Yoruba culture. This is not just something he does as a pastime but part of him. “Adire designing is more than just patterns and colours, it is an embodiment of stories, passion and connection to Yoruba culture,” he added in a virtual conversation.

Most of his works are exceptional, inspirational, and packaged under his Oladapo Authentic African Art International platform. One of his works, entitled “Custom-made Adire,” is an exquisite bespoke wearable art piece featuring symbols deep-rooted in Yoruba culture and spirituality.

The work incorporates cowries – which represent wealth and prosperity, palm tree – symbolizing strength, endurance and the ability to stand tall through life’s challenges. It also incorporates what the artist tags: ‘Ọpelè’ – which is diviner’s chain used in ifa divination, and a connection to wisdom and guidance.

The viewer and collector of the artwork will equally witness the incorporation of ‘Roké’  into the piece – which the tapper used to strike the divination board, marking key moments of spiritual insight, and crown which is a symbol of royalty, power and status. “This piece goes beyond fashion; it is a living representation of Yoruba heritage, capturing the essence of our values and spirituality,” he intoned.

As someone deeply passionate about promoting Yoruba and African art, Oladapo excites the collector with this unique creation which to him, espouses the fact that adire is a timeless art of Yoruba heritage, ancient resist-dyed fabric of the Yoruba people and far more than a piece of cloth.

He said, “Its a profound symbol of art, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Rooted in the traditions of our ancestors, Adire connects us to our roots and tells the story of who we are as Africans, Yorùbá, and custodians of an enduring legacy.”

He noted the spirituality in the hues of the art saying that adire as Art and Spirituality was not just fabric made to cover nakedness but also spiritual and artistic, embodying the very essence of Yoruba identity. “Its geometric motifs and intricate designs narrate stories of our environment, values, and history, dating back to the beginning of life.

“Designs like cowries, the circle of life, orogbo (bitter kola), ṣẹ̀kẹ̀rẹ̀ (gourd shaker), and alangba (lizard) all hold deep cultural meanings and proverbs, reminding us of the wisdom of our ancestors. Adire isn’t simply a decorative material—it is a sacred medium that bridges the gap between the past and the present, honouring the creativity of those who came before us while inspiring the future,” he said.

He noted that there was a time when Adire’s significance began to wane, overshadowed by imported fabrics that flooded the market, which led to many people abandoning the craft, deeming it outdated or associating it with fetishism due to how it was traditionally styled. He added, “its resilience lies in its cultural importance and unmatched artistry, which ensures that it was never completely swept away.”

The young designer, who has mentored several youngsters of the art, has taken the craft a notch higher in recent years by ensuring the revival and promotion of traditional techniques while innovating to meet modern tastes. “Unfortunately, many people mistake cheap, mass-produced replicas for authentic Adire. These replicas, often produced and imported in bulk, lack the artistry and cultural depth of the original. This is why it is crucial for people to recognize and support authentic Adire by buying directly from its source.

“Adire in modern fashion and identity has evolved globally beyond its traditional use. It used to be seen as attire for herbalists or those perceived as fetish practitioners, but now Adire graces runways, corporate offices, and grand occasions. It is versatile, stylish, and suitable for any setting—official or personal.

“Young artists like me are blending traditional patterns with modern designs to ensure it meets the standards of contemporary fashion while retaining its cultural essence. However, we are preserving our identity through Adire, which is why I’m of the view that Adire is more than just a fabric. It is our identity as Africans and Yorùbá people. By wearing and promoting Adire, we preserve our heritage and pass it on to future generations.

“It is a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors and a call to embrace the richness of our culture. This is particularly a clarion call for Nigerians to take pride in our locally produced Adire Textile—not just as a piece of clothing but as a symbol of who we are. We need to support authentic Adire, appreciate its artistry, and celebrate the stories it tells about our past, present, and future. Only by this we can together ensure that this timeless art remains a beacon of African creativity for the world to see,” Oladapo enthused.

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