Edo Indigenous Movement condemns low patronage of traditional attire

Benin City: The Edo indigenous Movement (EIM) also known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), has described as disrespectful, the non-usage of Edo attires by elected Edo political leaders.

This displeasure was made by the Edo indigenous leader and President of EPIA - Chief Dr. Bishop Enoyiogiere Omogiade Edokpolo while reacting to the recently held South/South Governors' meeting presided over by the Delta State Governor and Chairman of the South/South Governors forum- Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Chief Dr. Edokpolo reiterated that written records have shown that traditional attires have aplayed and still play an important symbolic role in the preservation of cultural values and heritage and in the creation of a feeling of unity of the people. He said traditional attire is formed and existed in certain geographic and economic circumstances and continually evolved within different traditions.

"Today traditional attire or costume has a different application than in earlier centuries and now it is worn only on festive occasions or during performances, but however it is not only festive attire. It includes centuries of accumulated and continually replenish the people's sense of beauty, ornamentation and color composition skills, craft skills. It accumulated over many centuries by making the clothes, and also wearing tradition. 

"I am proud that the great amount of interest that Edo indigenes express in traditional attire has helped to preserve research and popularise it. It proofs that Edo indigenes respect ancestral traditions and are proud of their kingdom's history. Traditional attire is something very special about Edo people.

"However, I'm not happy with the way most of Edo political leaders are taking the issue. Members of Edo indigenous movement were not happy when they saw Edo State Governor - Mr. Godwin Obaseki dressed on a western suit during the South/South Governors and Federal Government delegatemeeting in Port Harcourt, when his contemporaries were dressed on their traditional attires. It's time for Edo governor to wake up to his cultural responsibility by promoting Edo cultural values and heritage through his mode of dressing. The law makers in the State should also help in promoting the use of indigenous attires by ensuring that they wear traditional attires to plenaries.

"It is our duty to maintain and take care of indigenous attires because it is one of our Peoples' identity, which is the way our self-confidence and distinguishes us from other people or Nations. It makes us truly valuable in this vast and varied world. I think that the traditional costumes turn out to have gained more importance in the current days. They are no more just an identity; they have become a bridge, joining people with the uniqueness of their heritage", the EIM leader said