Meet Boladale Adekemi Onifade: Preserving Yoruba Traditions Through Weddings

Tell us your name, qualifications, and about your business. How did you get the idea for your business? What are your company’s mission and core values?

My name is Boladale Adekemi Onifade, and I hold a B.A. in English Language from Kwara State University. I have always been a lover of culture and a firm believer in the power of a happy home—hence the inspiration behind my brand, Ile Aladun, which translates to “A Happy Home.”

Weddings have always been a significant source of inspiration for me, as I see them as the foundation for lasting marital bliss. I firmly believe that the tone of a marriage is set from the wedding day. From who presides over the ceremony to the cultural elements infused into it, everything contributes to sowing the seeds of a successful union.

This belief inspired me to venture into the business of compering traditional engagements, as it combines my passion for Yoruba culture with my love for creating joyful unions. At Ile Aladun, our mission is to provide couples with a culturally rich and spiritually grounded first taste of marital bliss.

Our core values center on promoting godly homes, preserving traditions, and adding glamour and elegance to Yoruba traditional weddings through our services.

What products or services do you offer?

At Ile Aladun, we offer a wide range of culturally aligned products and services tailored to traditional engagements, including:

Compering Services: We provide Alaga Ijoko and Alaga Iduro services to anchor engagement ceremonies.
Traditional Attire: We assist couples in sourcing and styling their traditional wedding outfits.
Eru Iyawo Sourcing and Packaging: We procure and package bridal items, ensuring they meet traditional standards.
Proposal and Acceptance Letters: We sell beautifully crafted letters for the ceremony.
Intertribal Wedding Services: With Nigeria’s diversity, we specialize in hosting intertribal weddings, creating a harmonious blend of cultures.

What sets us apart is our adaptability, collaboration, and time-consciousness, ensuring our clients’ expectations are exceeded while preserving the essence of their special day.

What problem does your product/service solve for customers?

While globalization and civilization have their perks, they’ve also put our cultural values at risk. Yoruba traditions, particularly those surrounding weddings, are often labeled as outdated or unnecessary. This has led to an increasing preference for Western-style ceremonies, overshadowing the vibrant beauty of our heritage. At Ile Aladun, our services aim to reverse this trend by:

Preserving Culture: We provide culturally rich ceremonies that keep Yoruba traditions alive.
Promoting Tourism: Our ceremonies serve as a spectacle for guests from diverse backgrounds, fostering appreciation for Yoruba customs.
Encouraging Intertribal Unity: By showcasing Yoruba hospitality, we promote unity across tribes and nations.
Global Reach: We push Yoruba products such as aso oke, beads, and eru iyawo into the global market.

Who is your target audience?

Our services cater to a wide range of clients, including:

Parents with children of marriageable age who value tradition.
Youths at the marriageable stage who prioritize cultural and spiritual grounding for a happy home.
Intentionally-minded individuals who recognize the role of tradition in building lasting marital foundations.

Can you share a success story or case study?

At Ile Aladun, we thrive on positive feedback and referrals. Here’s one heartwarming story: Recently, I met a client at an event who had attended a wedding I compered two years ago. She greeted me with so much joy and admiration, and sent me a feedback saying:

“Good morning, our dear Alaga. It was a pleasure seeing you at your duty post, doing it excellently! There was nothing to add to your delivery; it went perfectly. God bless you with favor and glory. I trust your family is doing great.”

She even sent me a video clip of me anchoring her daughter’s wedding, a touching gesture that reaffirmed the impact of my work. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.

Do you have any current promotions or discounts?

Yes! We’re currently offering a 30% discount on weekday events, but this offer won’t last long, so book now to secure your date. Additionally, clients coming through this blog can use the promo code YORUBADISCOVERY to receive a 20% discount on our booking fee. (We appreciate and thank you for this.)

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurship is no walk in the park, but here’s my advice:

Know Your Onions: Understand your industry thoroughly.
Do Your Due Diligence: Research, plan, and prepare.
Get a Mentor: Learn from someone who has walked the path before you. A mentor’s guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your growth.

What do you think about Yoruba culture?

Yoruba culture is incredibly rich, filled with values, respect, and beautiful traditions. However, its survival depends on us. With globalization, many young people are losing touch with their roots, as parents often prioritize Western influences over traditional values.

But there’s hope! Through professions like ours, we can preserve this culture for future generations. Let’s teach our children the beauty of our language and customs, ensuring they never forget where they come from.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Our culture is our heritage—let’s propagate it with pride. Supporting businesses and initiatives like Ile Aladun is one way to ensure that Yoruba traditions remain vibrant and relevant for generations to come.

How can customers connect with you?

Instagram: @ilealadun
Facebook: @ile_aladun
Twitter/X: @ile_aladun
TikTok: @ilealadun

Email us at: ilealadun@gmail.com

Conclusion

Preserving cultural heritage is a noble and necessary endeavor, and Boladale Adekemi Onifade is leading the charge with her passion and dedication. Through Ile Aladun, she has seamlessly blended tradition, creativity, and professionalism to offer services that not only celebrate Yoruba culture but also ensure its longevity.

Her mission to create joyful unions rooted in cultural richness and godly foundations is inspiring. For anyone planning a wedding that honors tradition while embracing modern elegance, Ile Aladun offers an exceptional experience that goes beyond expectations.

By supporting businesses like Boladale’s, we play a part in keeping our heritage alive and thriving for future generations. Let’s celebrate our culture with pride and purpose, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of our identity.

For your next event, connect with Ile Aladun and experience the beauty of Yoruba tradition like never before!