Did you Know? The Yoruba Culture Holds Five Strong Principles Above Money or any Material Possessions – Get to Know them
A popular Yoruba adage says, “Owo ni Keke ihinrere” (Money is the chariot of good fortunes). While this is true, the Yoruba tribe holds several principles far above money or its worth in material values.
The Yoruba people constitute more than 47 million people in Africa and a few hundred thousand outside the continent. Their ancestry cuts across present-day southwest Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo in West Africa. In Nigeria, they make up over 15% of the country’s population, making them one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa. Although the Yoruba Language is the major language spoken by the people, the tribe also boasts of numerous dialects which showcase the cultural richness and diversity of the people.
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The Yoruba culture is deeply rooted in various cultural offerings as well as behavioral expectations from members. For example, the Yoruba people are known around the world to be respectful, especially to elders. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. The tribe is also popular for its greeting habits. It is said that the Yoruba people have a phrase of greeting for every event happening around them or to them.
The Yoruba culture also has a well-defined value system that is very important to them. Some of the values include wisdom, integrity, valour, hard work, honour, and wealth. Let us take you on a cultural trip on the Yoruba Value System.
làákà’yè: Wisdom
The application of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Ogbón, ìmò ati òye)cannot be overemphasized in the Yoruba culture. While it is believed that the elderly and matured are able to apply this more due to their experience and education overtime, younger members of society are also expected to have this value and develop it further as they grow.
Iyege: Integrity
Integrity for Yoruba people is the quality of being honest and having a strong moral principle. Yoruba people believe everyone should own up to their words or actions and portray a strong character. If you have all the wealth in the world but lack integrity, you will not be recognized by members of society. Integrity is combined with iwa, (character) which the Yoruba call ìwà Omolúàbí. Thus, a person of integrity is called omolúàbí.
Akínkanjú: Valour
This value is the reason Balóguns in Yoruba lands are second-in-command to the traditional leaders of the land. Balóguns are strong warriors that lead the battlefront in times of war. They lead with great courage in the face of grave danger. It is believed that the Yoruba people have no regard for cowards and do not tolerate them in society.
Anísélápá tí kìíse òle: Hardworking Person
A popular Yoruba poem says – Ise Logun Ise, meaning having a job is the antidote for poverty. Having a means of livelihood is very important in Yoruba land. Every adult in society must have a visible means of livelihood that guarantees legal income or sustenance. Such a profession, whether white-collar or vocational, must be lawfully acceptable in society and shouldn’t cause harm to anyone.
Iyi: Honour
Honour for the Yoruba people equals high respect or regard for a person considered honourable. Thus, an honorable person is conferred with special treatments and distinguished. The Yorùbá people often say that when you are out to look for money and you meet honour on the way then you don’t need the journey anymore. This is because honour is considered to be above money or material influence.
Owó tàbí orò: Money or wealth
The first five values preceded this because money cannot be placed above them. The Yoruba upholds other creeds in its value system above money because according to them, good character (iwa rere) goes before every other thing. In addition, if one has imbibed all of these values, money will naturally flow to them.
In our world today, money seems to be at the top of every value system. This cultural exposure is expected to take readers, irrespective of tribes, back to their roots and what they stand for.