Aṣọ Ẹbí, sometimes spelled as Ashoebi in Nigeria and Ashobie by the Yoruba influenced populations in Sierra Leone, Togo and Gambia and also called Aso Ebi In Warri but it’s only for family members during the Itsekiri traditional marriage or funeral. Aṣọ Ẹbí is a cultural statement and a Yoruba Intangible cultural heritage. In the Yoruba language, Aṣọ means clothing and Ẹbí means family or relatives. Asoebi is thus a uniform dress or dressing code/style that is traditionally worn by the Yoruba and has been acculturated into other African cultures as an indicator of cooperation, camaraderie and solidarity during ceremonies, outings, events and festive periods.
The purpose of wearing uniform clothing is to serve as self-identification with age mates, relatives or friends during social occasions and is intrinsically tied to the Yoruba cultural concept of group consciousness and consanguinity known as “Alajobi”. This cultural concept binds all Yoruba people who subscribe to the spirit of common descent and deal with one another like members of the same family. Ultimately this endears every Yoruba person to idea of con-patriotism and protection of Yorubaland and their group interests as Yoruba people.
Aso ebi in recent times has become a city phenomenon that has spread to other West African cultures
The Culture signifies close friendship
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