Fémí Emmanuel
In a move to revive and reposition Fèdègbó as the heart of authentic Aso-Òkè weaving Arena, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, paid a grand inspection visit to the historic textile center, located at Takie – commercial nerve centre of Ogbomoso.
The monarch was accompanied by his council of chiefs and other prominent figures from across the ancient city. The people of Fèdègbó, led by the OníFèdègbó, Oba Gbólágùnté Oláòsebìkan, and his high chiefs, warmly received the Soun with traditional fanfare.
During his address, Oba Ghandi described Fèdègbó as a “goldmine of heritage,” famed for producing real cotton Aso-Òkè—a cultural fabric deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition. He emphasized that Fèdègbó remains a unique treasure, not just for its textiles, but for the legacy it represents.
The Soun pledged to transform the Fèdègbó weaving centre into a modern vocational hub, where traditional craftsmanship will meet innovation. He encouraged local weavers to blend their skills with education, promising to support the upgrade of their facilities into a dignified and world-class centre for textile arts.
Oba Ghandi also revealed that his visit was part of preparations for the second edition of the Ogbomoso Cradle Festival scheduled for 2025. According to him, the Aso-Òkè to be worn during the festival will be specially woven in Fèdègbó, underscoring a commitment to using tradition as a vehicle for economic empowerment.
“This initiative is not just about showcasing culture—it is about investing in it,” Oba Ghandi said. “We are empowering our artisans, growing local enterprises, and ensuring that cultural value remains within our communities.”
In his closing remarks, the Soun called on all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso to embrace this vision, stating that “true progress begins from within.”
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