The Chief of Fugu (Smocks) in Dagbon, Northern Region, Yani Bobri Naa Mohammed Iddrisu, has invited renowned YouTuber, freelance blogger, and social media sensation Wode Maya to receive a chieftaincy title (Kola) in recognition of his dedication to promoting the Fugu (Batakari) dress globally.

In a video that went viral, the Fugu Chief said, “Wode Maya, you have done so much for smock (Fugu) sellers. I am looking to give you a chieftaincy title in smock because of all you have done for us.”

According to the Chief, the Fugu business has seen a boom in recent days due to WodeMaya’s unprecedented promotion, alongside support from the President of Ghana, John Mahama.

“We cannot thank him enough for doing so much for our business. We are indeed very grateful to him and President Mahama,” he said in an interview.
“As for President John Mahama, he is already an ambassador of Fugu and promoter of our tradition and culture,” he added.

This recognition follows Wode Maya’s defense of the Ghanaian, locally made, and traditionally significant smock. The honor acknowledges his and his followers’ efforts in showcasing Ghanaian culture, specifically the Fugu, to the world.

The Fugu (Batakari); an iconic, handwoven, stripe-patterned, and embroidered traditional garment from Northern Ghana, often worn by men as a symbol of identity.

Wode Maya actively promoted the Fugu after it was wrongly criticised as a “blouse” by online users, highlighting it as a proud African cultural attire. The Fugu is seen as a symbol of dignity and heritage and is now gaining international attention through his influence.

Wode Maya has consistently used his platform to promote African identity and has been recognised for this alongside other influencers in the region.