Yoruba Rights Advocates (YRA) has called on Nigerian Media to correct cultural misattribution and uphold their obligations under the law.
YRA called on the organisations to ensure that the cultural origins of the traditions they report on are accurately identified and represented.
YRA is a coalition of Diaspora lawyers and professionals advocating for Yoruba Rights, cultural heritage and the fair recognition of Yoruba contributions to global culture.
In a statement on Saturday, YRA said it is taking action against the misrepresentation of Yoruba cultural heritage.
A lawyer associated with YRA challenged an article published by Vogue Singapore over its narrative on the origins of Gele, which compared "Yoruba and Igbo styles," thus suggesting a parallel evolution, along with other misrepresentations of this centuries-old Yoruba tradition
According to YRA, Vogue Singapore responded to the concerns raised by withdrawing the article from publication.
Nigerian Media Under Scrutiny
YRA said it is now examining Nigerian media coverage that labels Gele as "Ichafu" without establishing the historical basis for presenting these labels as distinct cultural traditions. Outlets whose coverage YRA is examining include Pulse Nigeria, Instablog, This Day Live, Vanguard, The Sun Nigeria and BellaNaija Style
"Nigeria's Copyright Act 2022 recognises the importance of identifying the cultural sources of expressions of folklore, and expressly includes productions of folk arts, costumes and indigenous textiles within its definition of folklore. YRA will address specific legal and evidential concerns directly with the relevant publishers and, where appropriate, take legal action.
Fabric Does Not Determine Cultural Origin.
YRA noted that whereas Gele has been a staple of the Yoruba dress system since pre-colonial times, and while Aso Oké is a classic fabric for Gele, it is not the only fabric used in this tradition.
"Damask, sego, brocade, lace, and other fabrics have also featured in Gele, for decades. Historical, scholarly, and commercial evidence establishes damask as being used for Gele. including its prominence in Yorubaland from at least the 1960s.
"The Oxford English Dictionary identifies Gele as a Yoruba-origin head-tie, while the University of Georgia's West African Textiles compilation, documents damask's popularity for Gele in Nigeria, from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
"The fabric used does not, by itself, determine a headwrap's cultural origin. Nor does the ethnicity of the wearer establish that a comparable style originated independently within that wearer's community. Historical accounts document the spread and adoption of Yoruba head-ties beyond Yorubaland, including among Igbo women. Adoption and wider popularity do not, on their own, establish a separate origin," YRA said.
Continued Circulation of the Beyoncé Gele Video
YRA noted that a video featuring Beyoncé wearing a pink Gele remains on the X account of social media influencer Jo Okechukwu, which has reportedly attracted close to one million views. The lawyers noted that Dr Azeezat Abiola Amusat tied the Gele Beyoncé wore in connection with Brown Skin Girl, but the disputed video associates the pink headwrap with the name "ichafu," and credits the styling to one Daniel Obasi
YRA is concerned that the video continues to circulate an attribution that misidentifies Gele, while also raising serious concerns about Dr Amusaf's professional recognition, brand, and identity as credit for her work.
YRA called on Mr. Okechukwu to remove the video promptly and urged those responsible for its publication and circulation to address the incorrect attribution
"This case illustrates the wider concern that the repeated mislabeling of Gele as 'ichafu' is obscuring its cultural origins and misrepresents a longstanding Yoruba art form, to a large audience," YRA said.
YRA Calls for Corrections and Accountability
YRA called on Pulse Nigeria, Instablog, ThisDay Live, Vanguard, The Sun Nigeria, BellaNaija Sty and all other media organisations responsible for inaccurate cultural attribution of Gele to:
*Review and correct misleading headlines, captions, articles, photographs, and associated content.
*Identify Gele and its Yoruba cultural origins accurately.
*Substantiate claims of distinct cultural origins with credible historical evidence
*Distinguish cultural adoption and contemporary reinterpretation from claims of independent historical origin.
*Ensure future reporting gives appropriate recognition to the communities from wh identifiable cultural expressions derive.
YRA said it will pursue specific concerns against the relevant parties and take the necessary legal steps to protect Yoruba heritage.
Cultural Appreciation Must Not Become Cultural Erasure
YRA said people from many backgrounds can embrace Gele without its Yoruba identity or cultural origins being misrepresented. Its adoption beyond Yorubaland reflects its reach and influence does not, by itself, establish a different origin.
"Yoruba cultural heritage deserves accurate attribution. Media reach does not excuse historic inaccuracy.
"YRA will pursue formal action in substantiated cases of cultural misattribution under the Copyright Act 2022. Section 76 establishes criminal liability for certain intentional or commercially motivated misrepresentations of folklore, with penalties for individuals that include imprisonment for a minimum of one year. YRA will consider all appropriate legal and regulatory remedies and expects media organisations to promptly correct inaccurate cultural attribution," the lawyers said.
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