Aso-Òkè and Its Social and Economic Significance among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined the place of Aso-Òkè among the Yoruba. It viewed the use of aso-òkè and its economy, which has been enhanced by the cloth’s prestige status over time. It observed that the elevation of aso-òkè as the symbol of Yoruba national identify has been a strong factor in the sustenance of its usage thus making it essential to the social, political, economic and cultural life of the people. The study noted the nationalist renewed appreciation of interest in African culture in their struggle for political independence led to their search for cultural emblem. It viewed that the search led the Yoruba elite, like their other educated Nigerians from the main ethnic groups to consciously identify themselves with cloths and mode of dresses peculiar to their areas. It concludes that as long as aso-òkè remains a material of value and prestige and more importantly an identity of the typical Yoruba person(s) home and abroad, it shall continue to be a relevant binding factor among the Yoruba and of a strong social and economic significance.