Review on Agbada by Benaiah A. Akinlade

Different cultures in the world are synonymous with a particular set of tradition that is deep rooted in the culture of the people. Some of these peculiar traditions ranges from language, food, music, lifestyle, relationships, religious beliefs, dressing, and many more.

I am a Nigerian by birth and I have lived all my life in Nigeria. Nigeria is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, boasting of more than 200 languages shared amongst people of diverse cultures.

I am of the Yoruba tribe from northwest Nigeria with a father from Oyo state and a mother from Ijesa land. There are different diversions in the Yoruba ethnic group, with each group having a slightly different way of speaking the Yoruba language and diverse preferences for food. For example, the preferred food from my father side is Amala while the preferred from my mother side is Iyan (pounded yam).

With all these diverse interests, one major thing unifies the Yoruba ethnic group, which is mode if dressing. The most iconic and respected dressing in Yoruba culture is the Agbada, which is a four-piece attire originally worn by Yoruba men on special occasions. It signifies royalty, finesse, beauty, and wealth. It is adorned by the most respected and famous people in the community such as kings, chiefs, governors, presidents, and wealthy people. It is not an attire that a commoner can easily afford to acquire although anybody is allowed to adorn the dress.

Being a lover of tradition myself, I tried my best to find a way to own a piece of this delightful piece of clothing only to be worn on special occasions. No wonder I decided to wear it as part of my photo contest in celebration of Revain at 5 years.