Cultural ambassador and equestrian enthusiast Princess Adesile has reaffirmed her commitment to promoting Nigerian heritage through traditional attire and horseback riding, insisting that while culture may evolve, its essence must remain untouched.
Speaking during Newscentral’s breakfast show, Jasiri on Monday, Princess Adesile reflected on her rising influence and its impact on youth engagement with traditional practices.
“After a lot of people found out about me last year, they also got interested in riding,” she shared. “It made me feel like an inspiration. I mean, you can be there, people are looking up to you, and you’re not giving them what will make them do more for themselves.”
In her distinctive ensemble, Adesile highlighted the importance of preserving traditional fashion elements, explaining the significance behind her attire. Her outfit featured a modern interpretation of classic Yoruba garments — a lightweight, layered Agbada paired with the Kembe trousers.
“I’m not trying to deviate from the royal ancestry, and I still want to show that as a rider, you need to be comfortable. That’s why there’s the Kembe, which is super comfortable, and the layering of the Agbada,” she explained.
Addressing the broader conversation about cultural preservation in the face of modernisation and commercialisation, the princess stressed the importance of custodianship and voiced concerns about the potential for outsiders to alter sacred customs, especially as cultural festivals attract global attention.
“We want people to be a part of it. We want people to experience our culture, but we don’t want them rewriting it. If you’re going to rewrite it, it needs to be something in line with what we’re already doing that’s going to add value. We’re not trying to change it. It is what it is.” She said.
