A traditional ruler in Etche Kingdom, His Royal Eminent King Prof. Onyeche Promise Obinna (Eze-Ikemba I of Etche Ethnicity), has expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of indecent dressing among youths, warning that it poses a serious threat to the preservation of Etche cultural values and heritage.
The monarch made the remarks in a presentation titled “Indecent Dressing Among Youths: A Threat to the Preservation of Etche Cultural Values and Heritage,” where he highlighted the increasing shift from traditional modesty to provocative contemporary fashion among young people in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and social spaces.
According to him, the trend is gradually eroding indigenous identity, respect for cultural norms, and the moral values that have long defined the Etche people. He noted that traditional Etche attire symbolizes dignity, self-respect, cultural pride, and modesty, while the cultural concept of “Omo” places high value on the sanctity of the human body and good character.
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King Obinna identified manifestations of indecent dressing to include sagging trousers, revealing outfits such as crop tops, mini-skirts, and transparent clothing, as well as the wearing of inappropriate casual attire to churches, markets, and family gatherings. He attributed the trend to peer pressure, social media influence, inadequate parental guidance, and increasing urbanization.
The monarch warned that the continued rise in indecent dressing could lead to the loss of cultural identity, moral decline, weakening of respect for elders, and a widening gap between the older and younger generations.
To address the challenge, he urged parents to instill Etche cultural values in their children from an early age and lead by example through modest dressing. He also called for the enforcement of dress codes in schools and places of worship, while encouraging traditional rulers, community leaders, and age-grade associations to promote acceptable standards of public conduct.
He further advocated the organization of cultural festivals, seminars, and awareness campaigns to celebrate indigenous fashion and encourage decent dressing among youths.
King Obinna stressed that preserving the Etche cultural heritage requires the collective efforts of families, educational institutions, religious bodies, and traditional authorities. “Our clothes tell our story, and we must dress in ways that honour the rich legacy of the Etche Kingdom,” he added.
