Alhaji Rafiu Adekunle has gained reputation for turning African fabrics into designs that put Yoruba, rich cultural heritage on the world map.
The volume of native attires he designs for notable Nigerians – traditional rulers, politicians, top public officers reflect his ingenuity.
Yet, Adekunle is not lettered.
Among the notable Nigerians he designs for, is the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. He has been in charge of the Alaafin’s wardrobe, designing the paramount ruler’s regalia, to meet the finesse of the stool, since 1974.
But, designing the Alaafin’s clothes for forty years has not been easy because of the custom, he said. Adekunle’s journey to the palace started when the Alaafin saw one of his designs for Elder Yakubu Jos, in 1973.
The Alaafin, who fell in love with the design, summoned the 60-year-old designer to the palace.
Recalling when he met the Alaafin, Adekunle said: “On that day, I took my tape to measure the Oba but it was not possible because you cannot take the Oba’s measurement. So, they brought his clothes which I took the measurement from and since then I don’t have to repeat it.”
When he presented his first design to Oba at the palace, the Alaafin was impressed and since then it has been his lot to ensure that Kabiyesi’s wardrobe is equipped from time to time.
The fame he attained from designing Alaafin’s clothes exposed him to other Nigerians. “I have come in contact with other notable Nigerians and other traditional rulers, who I have equally been designing clothes for.”
Adekunle has founded Adekunle School of Fashion Designing to teach the young ones how to do the job.
He said: “Though I have not travelled outside the country, I have my various designs in different parts of the world because Nigerians in the Diaspora patronise me to sew their clothes.”
He said tailoring job has opened opportunity for him to earn a decent living and coming in contact with people he could not have met ordinarily. “Through what I am doing, I have been able to give my children education, take care of my family needs and also employ many people who would have been out of job.”
Adekunle explained that his design schools in Nnewi, Onitsha, have been embraced by the Igbo, who now wear his clothes.
According to him, his designs have stood out because they cannot be imitated. “We have gone for various designers’ competitions within Yorubaland and have emerged the best in many instances because our designs are unique at all times.”
He said tailoring would contribute to arresting the social dislocation in the country if government assists those who are interested in the vocation. He advised the youths to look in the direction instead of searching for non available jobs.
