The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, has said that Gele is a traditional Yoruba headtie that has become popular worldwide.

His words followed complaints from some Yoruba youths on social media, who expressed displeasure that Gele is being appropriated by other cultures that deny its Yoruba origin despite evidence.

This may have informed an X user, Ademola, with the handle @Alkaneseries, to propose a Lagos Gele Festival as part of the Detty December calendar of events organised by the Lagos State Government.

He said, “Lagos has, in recent years, firmly established itself as Africa’s premier destination for end-of-year tourism, culture, and entertainment. Building on this momentum, a curated Gele Festival would serve as a distinctive cultural anchor, one that celebrates Yoruba heritage while advancing the State’s creative economy objectives.”

He described Gele as a cultural artefact that transcends aesthetics, representing identity, craftsmanship, and intergenerational expression.

“Formalising a festival around it would provide a structured platform to showcase indigenous craftsmanship and contemporary innovation in fashion; promote local enterprises across textiles, styling, and accessories; drive cultural tourism through a uniquely Lagos-centric experience; and create employment and commercial opportunities within the creative value chain,” he said.

He also mentioned that placing it during Detty December would allow the proposed Gele festival to take advantage of existing international visibility, diaspora involvement, and private-sector participation, thereby maximising both cultural influence and revenue.

“Furthermore, given the shared cultural heritage across the Southwest, there is merit in adopting a collaborative, interstate framework. Strategic alignment with neighbouring states could elevate the initiative into a regional cultural asset. Engagement may be extended to all the SW states.

“Such coordination would reinforce cultural cohesion while positioning the Southwest as a unified destination for heritage tourism during the festive season.

“This proposal aligns with broader objectives around cultural preservation, tourism expansion, and economic diversification. With the right institutional backing and public-private collaboration, the Lagos Gele Festival has the potential to become a signature global event.

“I would be honoured to see this concept considered and, if required, further developed in alignment with the state’s cultural and tourism strategy.

“Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration,” he said.

Reacting, Aregbe, a Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, welcomed the idea, which will showcase Lagos’s rich culture.

He said on X, “Thank you, Ademola. This perfectly aligns with the Lagos State Government’s proposed Yoruba Week, which will come up before the end of the year.

“Gele, being a Yoruba traditional headtie that is now popular within West African countries and around the world, should definitely be a big part of the event.

“This is to showcase our rich culture, elegance, and the ‘Eko For Show’ spirit.”