CREATIVE USE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF YORUBA HAND-WOVEN CLOTH (ASO-OKE) FOR FASHION ACCESSORIES AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The traditional hand-woven cloth of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria, Aso-Oke, is predominantly used for cultural ceremonies, which has limited its everyday relevance and contributed to declining patronage. This study examined the creative use and acceptability of Aso-Oke for fashion accessories among female students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 279 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Although more than half (59.9%) of the respondents were aware of Aso-Oke accessories, majority (69.5%) did not own any. However, a high proportion expressed willingness to use (66.3%) and purchase (68.5%) such products. The overall acceptability mean score of 4.03, which is above the benchmark, indicates a positive perception of Aso-Oke accessories in terms of aesthetics, durability, and cultural value. The study further showed that products such as footwear, handbags, jewelry packs, and wristbands significantly influenced acceptability. The study concluded that creative transformation of Aso-Oke into fashion accessories enhances its relevance among young consumers and has strong potential for cultural preservation and economic development. It is therefore recommended that production and marketing of Aso-Oke-based accessories be encouraged at both local and international levels to improve income generation and sustain indigenous textile heritage.