Role of Dress in Socio-cultural Events Among the Ijebu-Yoruba, Ogun State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the role, perception, and message communicated by the dressing of the age groups during the Ojude-Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode. Eight age-groups were purposively selected (comprising 4 male and 4 female groups). Ninety (90) age-grade members and 100 observers were randomly selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. On the role played by the dress, 50.00% indicated that it promotes culture, fashion in vogue (37.50%) and competition (12.50%). Also, 37.50% indicated that it communicated status, prestige (25.00%), beauty and aesthetics (37.50%). The t-test revealed that the perception of the age-groups members on the role of the dress was significantly higher (t = 5.64, P <= 0.05) than that of the observers. Yoruba traditional dress should be promoted in traditional festivals in order to preserve our dressing norms.