It is worth mentioning that the Agbada is not exclusive to the Yoruba, as it is being found in other parts of Africa as well. It is known as Mbubb among the Senegambia and as Riga among the Hausa and Fulani of the west African Savannah from when the Yoruba adopted it.
The general consensus among scholars is that the attire originated in the middle east and was introduced to Africa by Berber and Arab merchants from the Mediterranean coast.
By the early nineteenth century, the attire has been adopted by many non-Muslims in sub-Saharan Africa, most especially kings, chiefs, and elites, who not only modified it to reflect local dress aesthetics, but also replace the turban with indigenous head gears. The bigger the robe and the more elaborate its embroidery, the higher the prestige and authority associated with it.
Various Types Of Agbada
There are two major types of this attire among the Yoruba, namely the casual and ceremonial outfit. The casual Agbada is smaller, less voluminous, and often made of light plain cotton.
The Sapara or the casual Agbada came into being in 1920s and is named after a Yoruba medical doctor, Dr. Oguntola Sapara, who felt uncomfortable in the traditional Sapara . He thus asked his tailor not only to reduce the volume and length of his Agbada, but also to make it from imported, lightweight cotton.
However, the ceremonial Agbada on the other hand is bigger, more ornate, and frequently fashioned from expensive and heavier materials The largest and most elaborately embroidered is Agbada is the traditionally woven cloth popularly called Aso Ofi or Aso Oke.
The Modern Version Of Agbada
Since the beginning of the twentieth century, new materials such as brocade, damask, and velvet has been used for this outfit. The traditional, along with the embroidery is being modernized.
This big man`s outfit is worn by the king of the Yoruba town of Akure, the late Oba Adesida is made of imported European velvet and partly embroidered with glass beads.
