THE CULTURAL TAPESTRY OF THOUGHT: UNRAVELING THE YORUBA FIRST PERSPECTIVE (YORÙBÁ RONÚ) 

ABULUDE D. DAMILARE – 1st Place Winner

• ABSTRACT:

In the ethereal realm of consciousness, let us embark on a mesmerizing journey, where the concept of “Think Yoruba First (Yorùbá Ronú)” illuminates our minds like a celestial constellation. Imagine this philosophy as a grand celestial dance, where each thought and idea pirouettes gracefully, guided by the rhythm of Yoruba cultural threads woven into the fabric of our being. As we traverse the tapestry of history, we discover a constellation of stars, each representing ancestral wisdom imparted by generations past. These stars nurture a collective consciousness, a cosmic force that connects us to our roots, whispering ancient secrets to our souls. In this cosmic dance of thought, “Think Yoruba First (Yorùbá Ronú)” becomes a guiding constellation, illuminating our path to a harmonious future where celestial threads unite, and cultural galaxies converge in a breathtaking display of unity and brilliance. Let us embrace this celestial philosophy, for within it lies the cosmic heartbeat of our collective soul.

KEYWORDS: Consciousness, “Think Yoruba First”, Celestial Philosophy, Ancestral wisdom, Cultural threads

• INTRODUCTION (ÌFÁÁRÀ):

Àwọn àgbà ló wípé “Ọmọ tí a kò kọ́ ni yóò gbé ilé tí a kọ́ tà“. Òun ló dì ifá fún ìtàn ìgbésí ayé Lágbájá, ọmọ bíbí ìlú Ìbàdàn, “Ìbàdàn ilé Olúyọ́lé, ibí tólè tíń jàre Olohun.” Lágbájá, the son of Olúyọ́lé, found himself adrift, detached from the profound heritage of his Yorùbá lineage. Unbeknownst to him, his footsteps unknowingly tread on the brink of extinguishing the sacred flame that his ancestors had carefully nurtured for generations because he was not taught. The allure of the modern age and its distractions threatened to overshadow the essence of his identity. Yet, fate intervened with a gentle urgency, as a subtle message wafted through the winds of change, forewarning of impending peril. It was a pivotal moment for Lágbájá, a crossroads where he stood, torn between relinquishing his heritage or embracing it wholeheartedly. In this moment of introspection, the call to “Think Yoruba First” (Yorùbá Ronú) resonated deep within him. Like a beacon of wisdom, it illuminated the path ahead, urging him to honor his Yoruba soul and safeguard the iridescent tapestry of customs, values, and treasured traditions for generations to come. In this tale of self-discovery and cultural reawakening, Lágbájá embodied the spirit of the wandering seeker who found his way home. In preserving the luminous traditions of his people, he became a custodian of knowledge, ensuring that the Yoruba legacy would continue to thrive amidst the ever-changing currents of time. Thus, the odyssey of Lágbájá became an enduring testament to the enduring power of “Thinking Yoruba First,” a timeless philosophy that empowers individuals to preserve their identity, enrich their lives, and embrace a harmonious future. However, let us embark on the journey of Yoruba’s phoenix, rising from cultural embers.

• DEFINITION OF THINK YORUBA FIRST: THE CULTURAL TAPESTRY UNRAVELED: 

The term Yorùbá refers to both an ethnic group and a language predominantly spoken by the Yorùbá people in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. However, Just as the sacred Adiré fabric is carefully crafted thread by thread, that is how Yoruba should be intricately woven into the tapestry of thought of Thinking Yoruba First. Thinking as Yoruba First can be defined as a grand mosaic, where each piece represents a fragment of ancestral knowledge, cultural heritage, and spiritual consciousness. Like an ever-flowing river, it draws from the collective consciousness of the Yoruba people, connecting past, present, and future in a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. However, the Nigerian constitution states that its citizens must foster unity among themselves. Yorùbá Ronú is a concept that believes that Yoruba should always think first about Yorùbá and Yorùbá people. 

• HISTORY OF THINKING AS YORUBA FIRST (YORÙBÁ RONÚ):

Àwọn àgbà bọ́ọ́ wọn ní “Bí ọmọdé ó bá ìtàn yio ba àróbá”. The Yoruba people, an ethnic group from West Africa, have a rich history of thinking that dates back centuries. Rooted in their spiritual and philosophical beliefs, Yoruba thinking emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things to Yorùbá philosophy. Nevertheless, the movement and interactions of the Yorùbá community, influenced by historical events like the trans-Atlantic slave trade, commerce, and various migration factors, have resulted in influencing the Àsà Yorùbá and also led to the dispersion of the Yorùbá people and their language to other countries in West Africa. These nations include Togo, Ghana, Republic of Benin, Gambia, and Sierra Leone. Additionally, Yorùbá communities can also be found in regions beyond Africa, such as North America, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and South America, notably in countries like Cuba and Brazil.

In Nigeria’s history, the Yorùbá faced internal division and manipulation among themselves. In the 19th century, Afonja, a general of the Oyo Empire, betrayed his people by allying with the Fulani, leading to the fall of Ilorin to the Fulani jihadists. In the 1960s, Samuel Akintola’s ambitions caused him to betray Obafemi Awolowo, aligning with the Northern People’s Congress. But, Chief Obafemi Awolowo envisioned unity for progress. Self-reflection is crucial for collective growth and influence. Sebí àwọn Yoruba náà ló wípé Adìẹ kí n jẹ ìfun àrà wọn. Àwọn ọmọ Odùduwà jẹ́ tì àrà wọ́n ní o. Yoruba thinking incorporates a deep reverence for ancestors and the practice of divination. These profound ideas continue to shape the worldview and cultural identity of the Yoruba people to this day.

• THE MEANING OF THINK YORÙBÁ FIRST (ÌTUMỌ̀ YORÙBÁ RONÚ):

Yorùbá Ronú ṣé agbekalẹ iṣaro kàn tí ó gbé àṣà Yorùbá, sì iwájú iṣawari ọgbọ́n. Ó jẹ́ ifiwepe kàn láti tán sínú ìjìnlẹ̀ tí ẹkọ-ayé Yorùbá, nibiti ẹ̀mí, ìṣọ̀kan ajọṣepọ, àti ibọwọ fún àwọn bàbá tí ó péjọ. Lérò ngba Yorùbá Ronú pé wá láti gbá ẹsin ìṣẹ̀dá àyè, láti bù ọlá fún isopọmọ tí gbogbo ènìyàn, àti láti wá ọgbọ́n ní ajọṣepọ tí àwọn ó hùn tí ó hàn àti àwọn ojú-ayé alaihan.

English translation:

Think Yoruba First creates a meditation that places Yoruba culture, in the world, before the discovery of wisdom.  It is an invitation to delve into the depths of Yoruba philosophy,  where spirituality, social unity, and respect for the fathers gather. Think Yoruba First emphasizes the importance of accepting the religion of our creation, honoring the connection of all people, and seeking wisdom in the relationship between the visible and the invisible worlds. 

• BALANCING CULTURAL HERITAGE AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT: LACK OF ELEVATION OF THE THINKING YORUBA FIRST PHILOSOPHY:

The essence of the Yorùbá Ronú philosophy lies in the exhortation to treasure our Yoruba culture, heritage, and all the beliefs it encompasses, lest they slip away from us. Òwe Yorùbá ló wípé Ajá tí ó sọnú kò ní gbọ fèrè ọdẹ lailai. Lack of elevation of the Thinking Yoruba First philosophy can be far-reaching. On one hand, embracing the philosophy allows for the preservation and celebration of Yoruba culture, language, and heritage. Janz’s argument emphasizes that philosophy always emerges from a specific context, and this context is not completely overshadowed by abstract ideas. Even if the context has been overlooked or disregarded, it remains relevant to philosophy. However, this does not imply a direct causal link or geographical determinism, suggesting that understanding the context alone cannot fully encapsulate or comprehend philosophy without considering its actual content. The notion of “place” here is more intricate than just geographical location—it encompasses various aspects such as cultural, disciplinary, and intellectual influences. In essence, philosophy is not solely defined by its origin; rather, it continually reflects on and is shaped by the environment from which it emerges.

Yorùbá Ronú philosophy fosters a sense of pride, unity, and identity among the Yoruba people. However, the lack of elevation of this philosophy may hinder societal progress and global engagement. Sébi òwe Yorùbá ló wípé “A kii mo iya Ọ̀sọ́ ju Ọ̀sọ́ lọ” (No one knows our culture more than us). It could lead to a narrow worldview, limited opportunities for collaboration and innovation, and resistance to embracing diversity. Striking a balance between preserving cultural roots and embracing the wider world is crucial for sustainable development and cultural enrichment.

• IMPLICATION OF THINKING YORUBA FIRST (YORÙBÁ RONÚ):

Thinking Yoruba first” refers to the practice of prioritizing the Yoruba language and culture in various aspects of life, including education, communication, and decision-making. This concept can have several implications, both positive and negative, depending on the context and the extent to which it is applied. Let’s explore some of these implications:

POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS:

• Prioritizing Yoruba language and culture can help preserve and promote the rich heritage, traditions, and values of the Yoruba people. The term Yorùbá refers to both an ethnic group and a language predominantly spoken by the Yorùbá people in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. This can contribute to maintaining a strong sense of identity and pride among Yoruba individuals and communities.

Thinking in one’s native language can lead to clearer and more nuanced communication, as individuals may be more expressive and comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions in their mother tongue.

Bilingualism or multilingualism, where Yoruba is given prominence, can have cognitive advantages, such as improved memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Prioritizing Yoruba in educational settings and official communication can make institutions and processes more inclusive, especially for Yoruba speakers who may face language barriers in a predominantly English-speaking society.

NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS:

• While promoting Yoruba as a first language is essential for cultural preservation, it may also limit access to information and opportunities in a world where English is the dominant global language. If Yoruba is predominantly used in education, it could pose challenges for students when transitioning to English-based higher education or the job market where English proficiency is often a requirement.

Overemphasis on Yoruba in business and trade may limit opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships, potentially affecting economic growth and development. Also, In societies where English is already prevalent, focusing solely on Yoruba could lead to a decline in its use and eventual language shift, with younger generations preferring English over their native tongue.

• CULTIVATING CULTURAL IDENTITY: APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF THINKING YORÙBÁ FIRST: 

Applying the process of Thinking Yoruba first involves embracing the core principles of Yoruba culture, language, and heritage in various aspects of life. Firstly, language plays a pivotal role. Yoruba (Ilẹ̀ Káàárọ̀-Oòjíire), spoken natively by around thirty million people in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, plays a vital role in preserving cultural roots. By prioritizing the use and preservation of the Yoruba language, individuals can strengthen their connection to their roots. This can be achieved through promoting Yoruba language education, and actively engaging in Yoruba conversations.

Secondly, Senator Lekan Balógun, the soon-to-be OlúÌbàdàn of Ìbàdànland, emphasized the importance of embracing and maintaining Yoruba cultural practices and traditions. He stated that Yoruba monarchs and their subjects should wholeheartedly accept, celebrate, and protect their cultural values to safeguard the essence and identity of the Yoruba people. This entails actively participating in Yoruba festivals, donning traditional attire, and actively engaging in various cultural activities.

Yoruba culture places a strong emphasis on family and community ties. Elliot and Gray propose that the concept of family is not strictly bound to biological ties but is rather a social construct. They argue that the belief in biological relations, which has been utilized in discussions about property and inheritance, does not accurately reflect how people function within families. In Yoruba culture, the term “Ebi” is used to refer to family, representing the fundamental unit of our society. Individuals can embrace this principle by actively participating in family gatherings, traditional ceremonies, and community events. By doing so, they reinforce the values of unity, mutual support, and respect within the Yoruba community.

Yoruba culture boasts a vibrant tradition of artistic endeavors encompassing music, dance, visuals, artifacts, and arts. Prince Tunde Odunlade, the CEO and Curator of Tunde Odunlade Art and Culture in Ibadan, strongly emphasizes the significance of revitalizing our cultural identity. Engaging in the arts should be a source of pride for everyone. By embracing and promoting Yoruba artistic expressions, individuals play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and passing it down to the coming generations. Moreover, supporting Yoruba artists and artisans becomes a means of safeguarding and evolving traditional art forms for the future.

Yoruba culture highly values wisdom, and they consider proverbs as a crucial means of passing down knowledge and life lessons. Wisdom is seen as a valuable commodity, and the Yoruba believe that no one should lack it when facing life’s challenges. While wisdom is considered universal, it is not necessarily available in physical quantities; instead, it is believed to have many different aspects. According to Sternberg (2001), the aim is not to provide a scientifically accurate account of wisdom but rather one that aligns with people’s beliefs. Also, embracing Yoruba proverbs and idioms can offer valuable insights into problem-solving, decision-making, and understanding human behavior. By sharing these proverbs within families and communities, Yoruba wisdom is preserved and passed on through generations. Now, I would like to share some of these meaningful proverbs with you.

1. “Ọgbọn la fi ń pa àmúkùru ẹpọn”  (It is with wisdom that a black fly on the scrotum is killed)  
2. “Bí òwe, bí òwe, là ń lùlù ògìdìgbó, ọlọgbọn ló ń jóo, ọmọràn ló ń mọ-ọn”         (Drumming of (Ògìdìgbó) is proverbially encoded, only the wise men can dance to it and only the informed persons can decode it ) 
3. “Bí mi ò tiẹ kà‟wé, mo ka ọgbọn inú mi”  (Even, if I‟m not formally learned, I‟m learned in wisdom) 
4. “Ìrírí ni àgbàlágbà fi ń ṣ‟ọgbọn” (Life experience is what translates into wisdom among elders) 
5. “Ẹni tó jìn sí kòtò kọ àwọn yòó l‟ọgbọn”  (He who falls into a pit teaches others a lesson (wisdom)  
6. “Ọgbọn ọlọgbọn ni kìí jẹkí á pe àgbà ní were”  (Tapping the wisdom of others is what prevents an elder from being tagged a fool).  
7. “Ọgbọn kìí tá n láyé ká wa lọ ọrun” (Wisdom does not finish on earth that we may seek for it in heaven). 

In Yoruba culture, one of the core values is to honor and show respect to elders and ancestors. According to Remi Oyeyemi, A Sahara renowned reporter, this vital principle, known as “Ọmọlúwàbí”, encompasses various other values as well. It involves seeking their wisdom, upholding their legacies, and recognizing their significant contributions to the community. Through this act of reverence towards the elderly and ancestors, individuals express their dedication to safeguarding the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture.

Lastly, Yoruba culture places great significance on Oral tradition, using storytelling as a means to preserve their history, values, and cultural wisdom. By encouraging the sharing of Yoruba stories, myths, and legends, they ensure their collective memory remains vibrant and thriving. However, it is essential for UNESCO, with its focus on promoting cultures, to carefully consider and address any potential hegemony to safeguard the Yoruba cultural elements. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should also step up to protect these oral narratives, recognizing their crucial role in sustaining moral values.

• THINK YORUBA FIRST (YORÙBÁ RONÚ): OUR UNALTERED CIVILIZATION AND RESILIENT HERITAGE:

Just imagine our realm of unaltered history, in this utopian world, the Yorùbá Ronú civilization flourishes without interference from European influences. The Yoruba language unites the people, fostering a strong sense of belonging and cultural pride. The Ooni of Ife serves as the revered head of state, supported by the Ààrẹ as the Executive caretaker. The Bashọ́rùn and Àwọn Aṣojú (Representatives) legislate, while Ìlè Ìfẹ́ becomes the Administrative capital and Èkó the Commercial capital. Ìbàdàn stands as the Military headquarters under the command of Ààrẹ ọnà Kankafo. Key figures like Ọ̀túnbá, Balógun, Òsì, and Ìyálóde play important roles in governance. The Yoruba people remain united under the guidance of their òrìṣà (deities). Recently, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has emphasized the importance of unity among the Yoruba people. He stated that religious beliefs should not hinder the preservation of their cultural heritage. Our wealth is symbolized by Cowries (Owó ẹyọ) and Gold (Wúrà). Traditional music and dance fill the air as the Yoruba people proudly embrace their cultural heritage. The Yorùbá Ronú civilization stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of the Yoruba people under the banner of the Odùduwà nation.

OPEN LETTER TO THE YORUBA: YORÙBÁ RONÚ, ILORIN IS YORUBA CITY 

• Esteemed Yoruba brethren,

Let us revisit the poignant history of Ilorin, a city that bears the Yoruba legacy, tainted by a grievous betrayal in the annals of time. The once-loyal Afonja, a valiant general of the Oyo Empire, betrayed his roots by relinquishing Ilorin to the Fulani people in the 19th century. This treacherous act fractured the unity of our people and allowed a foreign influence to take root in our cherished homeland.

In the spirit of reconciliation and cultural preservation, we stand in solidarity with Wole Soyinka’s call to the Emir of Ilorin. We urge the Emir to extend an apology and foster peace with the Osun priestess, who represents the sacred Isese festivals. Let us remember that Ilorin is a Yoruba city, and its people must be allowed to practice their ancestral religion without hindrance.

We call upon all Yoruba people to rise and protect our land, “Àwọn Yorùbá lo wípé ilé bàbá kí bá ọmọ lẹ́ru” (a child should not be scared of his father’s house). Let us unite and reclaim the essence of Ilorin as a Yoruba city, where our ancestral traditions and cultural heritage thrive without hindrance.

We must honor our history and ancestors by embracing the diversity that enriches us while safeguarding the core values that bind us together. Together, let us work towards a harmonious coexistence, where every Yoruba person can express their faith and celebrate our customs with pride.

In solidarity, we shall overcome the shadows of the past and forge a united front to protect the essence of Ilorin and preserve our Yoruba heritage for generations to come.

• YORUBA ORACLE (IFÁ) AND SCIENCE: CREATING A NEW MODERNIZATION FOR HUMANITY :

The Yoruba Oracle, Ifá, is a revered divination system and spiritual tradition practiced in Nigeria and West Africa. Integrating Ifá with science can pave the way for a new modernization, emphasizing a “Think Yoruba First (Yorùbá Ronú)” approach. The Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́, Ọba Lamidi Adeyẹmi III, expresses faith in Yoruba culture’s capacity to solve existential problems and advance human civilization.

Ifá’s ethical principles, holistic perspective, and understanding of human nature can complement scientific progress, guiding humanity toward a balanced and sustainable future. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life, responsible technology use can be promoted, and global challenges tackled with empathy and cooperation.

Ifá’s wisdom promotes sustainable living, respect for nature, and communal values, offering insights for scientific research to develop innovative solutions for environmental conservation and social equity. Àwọn Àwo ní o pé oríkì ifá ni “A-kéré-finú-ṣọgbọ́n” ni oríkì ifá. The divination system’s guidance from spiritual deities can inspire humility and a deeper comprehension of human consciousness, fostering ethical decision-making.

By embracing Yoruba heritage alongside scientific advancements, a profound opportunity arises for humanity’s growth, harmoniously blending tradition and innovation to create an enlightened path forward.

• POEM ABOUT YORUBA’S RESOUNDING SYMPHONY: THE MELODY OF THINKING YORUBA FIRST:

Yorùbá Ronú, ìdààmú tí ó pariwo,

 Fìdí múlẹ̀ nínú ọgbọ́n, àṣà àkọ́kọ́, 

 Àwọn ìwọ bàbá, èrè ogún wá, 

 Péjọ ‘yíká iná, jẹ́ kí àwọn ìtàn ṣé àlàyé. 

 Alágbára àti dídán, ìgbéraga Yorùbá,

 Àwọn rídìmí rẹsílìẹntì, wọn kò lọ sílẹ̀ rárá, 

 Nínú ifaramọ èdè, àwọn ọkàn ṣí ṣí sílẹ̀, 

 A jo sì lílu, ẹgbẹ́ sì ẹgbẹ́.

 Ronú, ẹyin Yorùbá, ìwọ ní a gbẹkẹle,

 Nípasẹ̀ àwọn ìdánwò àti àwọn iṣẹgun, ó dúró logan,

 Àwọn orín aládùn rẹ̀ àtijọ́, wọn ṣàtúnṣe nitòótọ́, 

 Si awọn ṣiṣan ti n yipada, ninu rẹ, a rii ododo.

 Pẹ̀lú anafora kọọkan, àwọn ẹ̀mí wá gòkè, 

 Tí à bá ń pè ìṣọ̀kan, á fí ìtara gbèjà,

 Ronú, ẹ̀yin Yorùbá, jẹ́ kí ìró yín gbòòrò síi,

 Ní ìṣọ̀kan cadẹnsí, rekọjá lailai. 

 Kò àwọn ọdọ jọ, kọjá lórí arúgbó, 

 Àwọn ìtàn tí ó tí kọjá wá, tí à sọ ní ẹwà, 

 Ní ìparí ràímì àṣà wá, à yóò tàn, 

 Yorùbá Ronú, a yoo ni igboya lailai.

 Idaduro ènìyàn wá, ó má korin lailai,

 Asonansi àti alitiretọ̀, àwọn ayọ tí ó mú,

 Yorùbá Ronú, ní a’ya àwọn ọba,

 Titọju ogún wá, okùn tí ó lẹ mọ̀.

 Nípasẹ̀ àwọn ìran, ogún yìí tí ó tóbi púpọ̀, 

 Yorùbá Ronú, ẹ̀mí wá lóye, 

 Gbongbo wá tí à gbìn ṣinṣin ní ilẹ̀ mímọ yìí,

 Tápírísì tí àṣà, ọwọ́ ní ọwọ́. 

 Nítorí náà jẹ́ kí àgbáyé gbọ ohùn ìwòyí wá, 

 Ẹ ronú, ẹyin Yorùbá, ní ìṣọ̀kan, à sọ,

 Pẹ̀lú ariwo àti orin, àwọn ìtàn wá pọ̀ sí, 

 Ní yí ailakoko simfoni, olókìkí lailai. 

English translation:

Think Yoruba First, resounding refrain,

Rooted in wisdom, a cultural main,

Ancestral echoes, our heritage gain,

Gather ’round the fire, let stories explain.

Bold and brilliant, Yoruba’s pride,

Resilient rhythms, they never subside,

In language’s embrace, hearts open wide,

We dance to the beat, side by side.

Think, dear Yoruba, in you we trust,

Through trials and triumphs, you remain robust,

Your ancient melodies, truly adjust,

To the changing tides, in you, we find just.

With each anaphora, our spirits ascend,

Calling forth unity, we fervently defend,

Think, dear Yoruba, let your echoes extend,

In harmonious cadence, forever transcends.

Gather the young, pass on the old,

The tales of our past, so beautifully told,

In end rhyme, our culture, we’ll enfold,

Think Yoruba First, we’ll be forever bold.

The refrain of our people, forever it sings,

Assonance and alliteration, the joy it brings,

In Think Yoruba First, the heartbeat of kings,

Preserving our heritage, the thread that clings.

Through generations, this legacy so grand,

In Think Yoruba First, our souls understand,

Our roots firmly planted in this sacred land,

A tapestry of culture, hand in hand.

So let the world hear our echoing sound,

Think, dear Yoruba, in unity, we’re bound,

With rhythm and rhyme, our stories abound,

In this timeless symphony, forever renowned.

STORY ABOUT YORUBA’S RESOUNDING SYMPHONY: THE TALE OF THINKING YORUBA FIRST:

• In a mysterious land, there once lived a prodigal child named Ọmọlúwàbí, which means “the child of a noble person.” He was born into a wealthy and respected family, but unfortunately, he had not yet been taught the ways of life before he became entangled with wayward strangers. These strangers, with their alluring charisma, led him astray, gradually pulling him away from the values and customs of his ancestors.

In his newfound company, Ọmọlúwàbí discarded his noble name and adopted the alias Àbí Kọ́, meaning “born but not trained.” He immersed himself in their culture, indulging in activities that contradicted the teachings of his father and his people. His reckless behavior led him to request his share of his father’s wealth, intending to move away with the strangers to their distant town, where he believed he could fully embrace their way of life, free from the constraints of his heritage.

His father, heartbroken but understanding, granted his request, hoping that Ọmọlúwàbí would eventually learn the true value of his heritage. With his newfound wealth, Àbí Kọ́ embarked on his journey, eager to savor the pleasures of the strangers’ world. Yet, he soon realized that the old saying held true: “Ajo olè dàbí ilé,” meaning “The journey can’t be compared to one’s home.”

The allure of the strangers’ ways led Àbí Kọ́ to squander his wealth extravagantly, without any guidance or discipline from his father. The absence of his father’s teachings left him unprepared to face the challenges and responsibilities that life presented.

As time passed, a sense of emptiness engulfed Àbí Kọ́. He began to long for his home, his family, and the teachings he had neglected. Realizing the mistake he had made, he decided to return to his father’s house, seeking forgiveness and hoping to rediscover his true identity.

On his journey back, Ọmọlúwàbí, now humbled by his experiences, sang songs of regret, reflecting on the wisdom of his ancestors and the values he had forsaken. With every step closer to his father’s house, he felt a mix of anxiety and hope, wondering if he would be accepted back into the family fold. 

Finally, he arrived at his father’s doorstep, weary but determined. To his surprise, his father was there, waiting with open arms and a forgiving heart. The father’s love transcended Àbí Kọ́‘s mistakes, and he welcomed his prodigal child back into the warmth of the family.

In the presence of his father’s unconditional love and acceptance, Àbí Kọ́ resolved to embrace his Yorùbá heritage fully. He vowed to learn the ways of his people and to honor the customs and traditions that had shaped his family for generations. His father, delighted with his son’s transformation, proclaimed, “Ẹ jẹ́ kí á padà sí àṣà àti ìṣe ilẹ̀ Yorùbá,” which means “Let us, the Yorùbá children, hold onto our culture and traditions tightly.”

And so, Ọmọlúwàbí, now a wiser and more enlightened soul embarked on a journey of rediscovery, determined to be a true Yorùbá son in heart and action. He learned from his past mistakes, knowing that embracing his heritage would lead him to a path of fulfillment and righteousness. His journey of self-discovery became an inspiration to others, a reminder that one’s true identity and happiness lie in honoring their roots and embracing the wisdom of their ancestors.

Òwe Yorùbá ló wípé Ọ̀pọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀ kó kún àgbọ̀n, afẹ́fẹ́ ní gbé lọ. The essence of this story is to implore Àwa Ọmọ Odùduwà who have decided to forsake their father’s culture and heritage to learn from Ọmọlúwàbí. Àwọn àgbà lo wípé Ẹni tó jìn sí kòtò kọ àwọn yòó l‟ọgbọn. So, let’s learn from this story and cherish our culture, heritage, and people. 

CONCLUSION (ÌPARÍ):

• Ní parí, ó wú ní kí á jẹ́ ẹran pẹ́ lẹ́nu ṣùgbọ́n òòfà ní kó jẹ́. However, as we gaze upon the majestic panorama of Yoruba thought, we witness the beauty and resilience of a culture deeply intertwined with the art of thinking. The metaphorical tapestry of Thinking Yoruba First beckons us to engage with the essence of this ancient philosophy, unravel its intricacies, and weave its vibrant threads into the fabric of our collective consciousness. Additionally, it involves cherishing and safeguarding Yoruba art, music, dance, and storytelling, passing them down to the coming generations for preservation and continuity. Lóòótọ́ Yorùbá pé, inú mí sí dùn láti jẹ ọmọ Odùduwà, may Elédùmarè bless our ancestors (Àṣẹ).