Return Of Babariga Move Over ‘Resource Control,’ The Flowing Robe Is Back With A Bang

FASHION is ever changing and evolving. It doesn’t stay static and so, what is “hot” and “in” this month, may suddenly become old-fashioned the very next month.


And this major change is expected in the nation’s fashion ethos, with the return of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The fashion wears of Nigerian presidents and first ladies, have always inspired major fashion choices among Nigerians. This influence has been happening over time but this trend has been strongly noted with the outgoing president, Goodluck Jonathan.


His dark, striped outfits and wide-brimmed hats, complete with the walking stick, which is popularly called “resource control”, have inspired a lot of major fashion designers in the last few years. A lot of Nigerians started rocking the Niger-Delta attire, which some people fondly call Etibor, especially after a popular Nigerian designer, Mai Atafo, showcased a strictly Niger-Delta collection, a few months back.

And just as his predecessor popularized the South South attire during his tenure, major fashionistas are of the opinion that the Babariga will soon make a major fashion comeback.

According to Mr Olawale Adeyemo of Walex Fashions in Lagos, most of his customers were asking for Niger-Delta styled wears last year, but ever since Buhari won the presidential election, some of those same customers have started demanding for kaftans and babariga’s as well as the caps, maybe as a form of solidarity or to identify with the president’s style.


President Muhammadu Buhari, is of Hausa-Fulani extraction from Northern Nigeria and his choice of wear has always been the kaftan or Babariga known as Agbada in the South West.Whatever the case may be, he said it is good for business and the evolving world of fashion.

Females are not even left out as there are female kaftans and since women have started wearing agbada and the likes, the babariga wouldn’t be a far stretch for the female fashion lovers.

Over the years, the Kaftan has acquired different styles, purposes, and names depending on the culture and the styles have evolved even more.

 In these modern times, designers make fitted kaftans with Ankara, damask, satin, linen or brocade; they can also be embroidered or left plain depending on your choice. Kaftan sleeves may be either long or elbow length. It can also reach the ankle in length or slightly below the knee depending on personal style. They are stylish, versatile and can be paired with trousers, jeans or even shorts.

They can be dressed up for special occasions with the right shoes and complimentary accessories for men, like shades, wrist watches, long chains or beads depending on the occasion. Complete your look with matching trousers and leather moccasins, loafers or brogues.

Source: guardian