The Aso-Ebi Money Making Scheme Madness!
Aso-ebi is a unique fabric worn in special ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals by family members and friends to symbolize unity and support. Culturally, it originated from the ‘Yorubas’ in the Western part of Nigeria. The word “aso-ebi” translated to English means “family cloth”.
Aso-ebi ranges from ankara to lace, satin and even velvet materials. Aso-ebi fabrics ranges from ankara (African prints) or lace materials for the outfit with a head tie (popularly known as Gele). Aso-ebi fabrics for funerals are very simple but for weddings and parties, people often use very glamorous fabrics.
The original idea of aso-ebi was for the easy identification of family members, as each family has their own unique print. However, the culture of wearing aso-ebi has now been extended to include friends, acquaintances, and work colleagues. The only concern is that there are some practices that makes it lose its meaning and its relevance. People have turned it into a money making scheme. It is now seen as a means of raising funds, as attendees are expected to purchase the fabrics at a price higher than the cost price of the material.
Most people buy the fabrics from the celebrants because they do not want to offend them while some buy not to be left out. Attendees who are not wearing aso-ebi, are often treated differently. People go to the extent of borrowing money to pay for aso-ebi, they suffer social and economic pressure due to the new aso-ebi culture.
There could be three aso-ebi patterns in an event, some people wear cheap ankara fabrics and others will be gorgeously dressed in expensive fabrics, thereby creating a sense of discrimination between the rich and the poor. Recently the prices for aso-ebi ranges between N20,000 to N80,000.
The current trend and pattern of aso-ebi culture has continued to undermine the values of the long age practice of social integration. Nigerians should go back to the traditional purpose of aso-ebi, which is the identification of the family members of celebrants in social events.
