iDeemlawfulby ISRAEL ADEBIYI. ESQ.
The protection of Aso Oke has transitioned beyond being a topical issue among Nigerians; it has evolved into a national demand that must be addressed as soon as practicable.
The Republic of Ghana, situated within the Gulf of Guinea, spanning across an area of 92,497 square miles, and being the second most populous country in West Africa, took a bold and decisive step by reasonably and timeously securing Geographical Indication status for Kente. Kente, being a Ghanian textile, made of hand-woven strips of silk and cotton, with a history that traces its existence and maiden use among the Asante, Akan and Ewe people and having the Asante Oral tradition claims of its origin from Bonwire in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, has not just survived the test of time, but it has become a cloth used for the celebration and commemoration of special events through-out Africa, as well as its use by Africans in Diaspora for academic stoles, in graduation ceremonies, thereby making it very high in demand. The world now recognizes Kente as a legally protected fabric and heritage that belongs to the Republic of Ghana. It has elevated beyond just a cultural symbol but one with attachment to a particular geographical location. There exist no other way countries acquire ownership of their culture, cultural identity and secure it for generations, EXCEPT THROUGH THE LEGAL ROUTE.
The clamour for Nigeria to make a similar move, is one not backed with the required sufficient force. Taking a deep look at the popular, globally accepted and worn Yoruba Aso Oke, which is not just a regular fabric, but an evidence of the Yoruba cultural knowledge, heritage, and creative wealth passed down through lineages, it is evident that Nigeria possess a gem that should be protected, just as the Kente has been subjected to protection. The Aso-oke represents the core divine skills of communities across Ilorin, Iseyin, Oyo town, and Ondo city, who have kept this tradition alive through skill, passionate work for the craft that births the fabric and memory. Yet, there exist, no legal recognition for it, hereby, having it exist outside the protective umbrella of the law.
The Yoruba Asooke beyond being an intellectual property and national asset, is a strong economic product, possessed not just by the Yoruba race but Nigeria as a country. The weavers who dedicate their lives to this craft deserve their craft’s protection, as the absence of a standard legal structure leaves their work open to imitation and exploitation, while the original cultural custodians and craftsmen remain invisible and unacknowledged in global markets.
Being candid, I am aware Nigeria has made and is making quite some efforts to make this a reality. The acknowledgement of Aso Oke, as a product eligible for Geographical Indication protection by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is one highly commendable. Also, the various conferences, policy discussions, workshops, and collaborations with the home-based Intellectual Property Organizations, with a uniform view of establishing a standard, strongly armed with proper awareness, is one highly commendable as well. These steps signify a good start, which is premised on the consciounes that lies within the necessary people, to seek the legal protection of an existing cultural gem; the Yoruba Aso-oke. One step worthy of mention is the step by the National Assembly to enact an Act for the purpose of Geographical Indication.
The long-awaited Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Bill, 2025, currently before Nigeria’s House of Representatives after passing its first reading, marks a decisive step toward protecting indigenous and origin-linked products. The bill proposes the establishment of a Geographical Indications Registry under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to oversee the registration, regulation, and protection of products whose quality or reputation is tied to a specific geographic region. Once enacted, it will allow associations of producers, cooperatives, or local enterprises to register goods such as Aso Oke, Ofada rice, Nsukka yellow pepper, and other craft or agricultural products that carry a distinct cultural identity. By granting exclusive rights to producers from the place of origin, the bill will not only prevent imitation and misuse by non-authentic manufacturers but also enhance market value, export potential, and community ownership. In effect, it promises to give Nigeria’s homemade and heritage products a competitive edge in both domestic and international markets through legal recognition and economic empowerment.
However, irrespective of how good these aforementioned steps sound, they are still not sufficient efforts, the task demands more than what is being put into it and time, truly is of essence. The harsh reality is what we all are quite aware of, still wondering? There exists, no specialised Geographical Indication law in the present day Nigeria, at a time like this where the world is moving faster than it was ever imagined. No craft, including Aso Oke, has been formally registered or recognised with legal effect and as usual, what really exists now are conversations and proposals without legislative action. Pending the existence of a binding legal framework, these initiatives and propositions will remain promises and empty hopes that will not see the light of existence.
Herein lies the responsibilities of Federal commissions, parastatals and ministries that should be involved, as they jointly see to the establishment of a proper Geographical Indication process for the Yoruba Aso Oke and other indigenous crafts. This will aid the documentation of product origin, ownership, and communal rights.
The Republic of Ghana’s step is a proper reflection of what should be the norm in a society as developed as Nigeria. Nigeria cannot continue to speak of cultural pride without legislative proof of commitment. We are a People with diverse cultures, deserving of real protection, which is beyond mere comments, discussions, accolades and mention. The Aso-oke deserves protection and recognition under law. It possesses qualitites, even which other African Originated fabrics do not possess and our refusal to take any vital step will put us at the risk of losing ownership of what truly defines us, hereby, empowering other nations in labelling, patenting, and above all, profiting from what our people built by hand. Every delay weakens the value of our heritage and silences the very communities and craftsmen that uphold it, as expressed in the result of their craftmanship; AsoOke.
ISRAEL ADEBIYI. ESQ.
Israel Adebiyi is a young Nigerian lawyer, creative, and entrepreneur with a growing footprint in talent management, brand strategy, and wellness. He is the brain behind TRET Inc, a consultancy focused on talent, ideas, and branding, where he works as a talent manager, business consultant, and creative strategist. Beyond law, Israel is also a certified masseur and wellness therapist, training as a Disk Jockey, and committed to personal growth through study, fitness, and spiritual discipline. He blends law, wellness, and creativity, balancing work, worship, and innovation in his daily life
