TODAY Sunday October 30, 2022 IS IHYIGILE
Opening info: Every society thrives on rules and expectations, and Igede nation is no exception. In Igede society, there is a system of values governing morality and acceptable conduct, these acceptable principles of right and wrong have been woven into the ways of life of Igede people and are transmitted from one generation to another. They become measures for the determination of right and wrong. Unlike taboos, they are no express punitive measures against defaulters. Still, they are sheer expectations and branding is done based on them–you could be labelled or perceived as a good or bad person depending on your adherence or non-adherence to them. We hope in Ekurwe to explore a series of Igede ethical values and allow individuals to decide whether they should be thrown away with the dawn of modernization. Buckle up as we take a tour for 10 Ihyigiles. Welcome to edition 9.
RESPECT FOR TRADITIONAL LEADERS (ỊGABWỌ BALA ỊDỊRỊHỤ).
a. Our traditional leaders are the moral power house. The institution is regarded as sacred, the elders are seen not only as representatives of the ancestors but also as the symbol of solidarity and promoters of inherited values.
b. You are expected to give them maximum respect, you bend to greet them, do not put forward your hand first to greet, do not talk while they are talking, do not talk back at them even if you feel you are right, do not take them before the secular court or attempt to arrest them using the instrument of secular government.
c. They are to be visited, paid homage to with assorted gifts periodically.
d. They are the pillar and symbol of our traditional identity and promoter of common good and justice devoid of political manoeuvre. As much as they are human and may try at times to project their personal interest, they have the fairest perspective to issues because of the fear and belief in the spirits of the dead ancestors (Alegu). You know naa–the kola nut and libation keeps them on their toes most times.
Noteworthy: Respect is one of those fundamental qualities that played an indispensable role in the cultural life of an Igede person. The concept, the idea, life of respect and respect for life is as second nature to the Igede as her religion. These are among the basic education and values that a person is meant to acquire early in the childhood. A child must respect and show signs of respect to all his elders, his parents and all who are older than him, in all forms and circumstances– Respect both in word, thought and deed. The junior dare not flippant or talk much before a senior nor answer back in case of a rebuke by an elder. He must listen attentively to the words of the elder which are loaded with traditional wisdom. The elders are supposed to be nearer to the ‘spirits and ancestors’ on account of their age and knowledge of tradition.
The elders on their own part, should always be conscious of their position in the community as repository of communal wisdom and values, and therefore maintained some decorum in whatever they will say and do. This give rise to this adage– Ọkpana ọkpa alegu á jẹ ẹbị ka.
The respect for elders and chiefs is an authentic human value woven into the fabric of Igede culture and transcend the dynamics of modernity. This value has formed the fertile ground for growth and the many blessings in the land and should be allowed to die in our hands even in this time.
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