Discourse in Esan Epistemology
THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF "UKWEKI IZAGHEN" IN ESAN TRADITIONAL THOUGHT
By Prof. Matthew A. Izibili
Opening thoughts~
Knowledge is power to those who have it. Hence, it is correct to say it differently, that it is what you know that gives you an edge. This, of course, is the true nature & purpose of knowledge. Epistemology as a branch of philosophy, deals with knowledge, its advanced theories, asking questions like: What knowledge is & how it can be acquired, what is it that is knowable? By extension, do we know what we claim to know....? At any time the subject of what could be known & "how" of knowing such, comes to the fore, it presents along with it that which is not yet known & it is seen to be located within the ambience of IGNORANCE. This is the starting point of knowledge, to know that you don't know. When education becomes expensive, ignorance is not as an option.
The thrust of this reflection is to attempt an unbiased exposition of the place of "Ukweki Izaghen " in Esan thought system as it concerns precedence laying, succinctly called in Esan, IYI (good or bad). Our recognition of precedents set over time & there pragmatic usefulness or otherwise, informed the use of "Ukweki Izaghen" aphorism. You hear statement like, it is not in my time, anyone will say so so & so thing happened (changed). The use of 'game changer' in contemporary times, comes to my mind. However, no one changes games that he/she has nothing new to replace the old pattern. Status quo that is not working, must it remains? Hmmm.
The etymological survey of "Ukweki Izaghen " is rather identified as one of the known aphorisms used in Esanland. That is, the community approved laconic phrase(s) conveying some principles or concepts of deep thought & made comprehensible to the reflective minds within the societal milieu. Examples of such known Esan aphorisms include but not limited to the followings :
1. "Aihuen, olegbo Odia" ( restlessness is responsible for Odia's death; meaning, life is not all about work. Take some time to rest). Pls, don't ask me where's Odia from?
2. " Airobolu, ole gbo okhue Odia" ( Odia's wife died of laziness). Even the Holy book says that a little sleep, a little slumber, will only invite poverty like armed bandit on oneself. Lock down does not stop you from having a small garden @ the back of the house oooo!
3. " Ataman obhokhan Ailu ughulu... " ( Tell a young man that Esan don't eat vulture, but he insists, may he live to tell the story)
4."Aimiotuokpa tuonkpa bholo" ( It takes more than one person to become a secret (cult) group),
5. "Omon noyole Inenolen da wee, ono omon, da wee" ( Any child who says the mum will not sleep, even the child will not sleep), etc.
Undoubtedly, one of the properties of the human person is that he can achieve genuine, true & full humanity only by means of culture; i.e, the cultivation of the permissible good acts & the values of nature. Then, the society makes available to man what he will consider moral or immoral according to the approved norms & customs which he has already internalized in the understanding of natural order.
By the natural constitution of the human being, it is not all kinds of actions that befits his nature & that would lead to happiness & self fulflment . Besides, the society is the product of human persons & in turn, the same society determines & largely shapes the human person's character, motive & aspirations.
Ukweki Izaghen, have positive & negative connotation in its usage. To families know for dececy, respect, diligence, truth, integrity, etc would try to instill these virtues to their children from generation to generation. Then, you here statement like, "Ukweki Izaghen, oki na bho Obomen de "; meaning, this known standard of living in this family, may I not be the one that will rubbish or lower it or bring the name to disrepute.
There are also situations where you know what is expected to be done but you just can't. For instance, kingship in Esanland to the best of my knowledge is hereditary. We now have in most kingdoms where the Onojie that ought to be found at Eguare (the seat of power) is never there. Here comes Ukweki Izaghen. I will not be the one to install 'a-ready to-stay' in the palace king. "Oki na bhobomen de". Think about it again... Nature should be allowed to take its course.
With the understanding of the Esan aphorism being examined, it brings to mind that not until their are convinced "game changers" beginning with change in character, perception, attitude, motive, etc, there may not be head way any where: family, community, & the nation at large. Re-branding is not enough.
If we thoroughly understand the deeper meaning of the epistemology of Ukweki Izaghen, we will be up & doing in the pursuit of what is for the common good, be more dedicated to making the family work, & by extension, the society will be better for it. It will not fall in my hands is the mind set of those with the understanding of this clarion call. This means that I will do my bit to the best of my ability. Its conclusion is " Obo Oyi ole oada de" ( may it fall from the hands of a thief; this typifies that irresponsible shameless, incorrigible & heartless, individual) . But remember the only thing that is permanent is change. May we take this time to manage change, using superior argument in the light of Ukweki Izaghen, laying good precedence in all that we do or say.
For anyone to be called a thief in Esan yesteryears, is something no one is ready to be associated with. Right now, Haaaa, things are no longer the same oooo. Pressure from within & without, on the increase. It is more dignifying to say calmly to those from whom pressure is coming: this is what I can afford than to be loud while massaging your ego. Esan celebrates success as well as its source back in the days. What's up with us now? When elders now prefer to call a young man if his son's age, Owanlen perhaps because, the young man has suddenly made money through 'any' means. Chaiii! Any young man that wants to be popular before his time, will be forgotten in a hurry. "Bene Bene, Ughulu reyiso Yi isooo". (The vulture flies higher with ease with a display of slow & steady).
Ukweki Izaghen of responsibility, let it not fall from your hands: husband, wife, children, siblings, friends, well wishers, etc. He who puts his hands on the plough need not look back. Remember Lot's wife...
There's no excuse that is satisfactory enough for a man's failure. In times like this, let it not be you that became a stumbling block. After all, there can be no life unless existential issues are attended to & there can also be no culture without life in the words of Bewaji.
Song:
Ukweki Izaghen re, Izaghen, (2ice)
Oki na bho bomen de, Izaghen.
Obo Oyi Oada de, Izagheeeeen!
I will do my part. I hope you will do yours too?
Stay safe & strong.
TGIT@Zibilism.
Prof. Matthew A. Izibili is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
By Prof. Matthew A. Izibili
Opening thoughts~
Knowledge is power to those who have it. Hence, it is correct to say it differently, that it is what you know that gives you an edge. This, of course, is the true nature & purpose of knowledge. Epistemology as a branch of philosophy, deals with knowledge, its advanced theories, asking questions like: What knowledge is & how it can be acquired, what is it that is knowable? By extension, do we know what we claim to know....? At any time the subject of what could be known & "how" of knowing such, comes to the fore, it presents along with it that which is not yet known & it is seen to be located within the ambience of IGNORANCE. This is the starting point of knowledge, to know that you don't know. When education becomes expensive, ignorance is not as an option.
 |
| Prof. M. A. Izibili |
The etymological survey of "Ukweki Izaghen " is rather identified as one of the known aphorisms used in Esanland. That is, the community approved laconic phrase(s) conveying some principles or concepts of deep thought & made comprehensible to the reflective minds within the societal milieu. Examples of such known Esan aphorisms include but not limited to the followings :
1. "Aihuen, olegbo Odia" ( restlessness is responsible for Odia's death; meaning, life is not all about work. Take some time to rest). Pls, don't ask me where's Odia from?
2. " Airobolu, ole gbo okhue Odia" ( Odia's wife died of laziness). Even the Holy book says that a little sleep, a little slumber, will only invite poverty like armed bandit on oneself. Lock down does not stop you from having a small garden @ the back of the house oooo!
3. " Ataman obhokhan Ailu ughulu... " ( Tell a young man that Esan don't eat vulture, but he insists, may he live to tell the story)
4."Aimiotuokpa tuonkpa bholo" ( It takes more than one person to become a secret (cult) group),
5. "Omon noyole Inenolen da wee, ono omon, da wee" ( Any child who says the mum will not sleep, even the child will not sleep), etc.
Undoubtedly, one of the properties of the human person is that he can achieve genuine, true & full humanity only by means of culture; i.e, the cultivation of the permissible good acts & the values of nature. Then, the society makes available to man what he will consider moral or immoral according to the approved norms & customs which he has already internalized in the understanding of natural order.
By the natural constitution of the human being, it is not all kinds of actions that befits his nature & that would lead to happiness & self fulflment . Besides, the society is the product of human persons & in turn, the same society determines & largely shapes the human person's character, motive & aspirations.
Ukweki Izaghen, have positive & negative connotation in its usage. To families know for dececy, respect, diligence, truth, integrity, etc would try to instill these virtues to their children from generation to generation. Then, you here statement like, "Ukweki Izaghen, oki na bho Obomen de "; meaning, this known standard of living in this family, may I not be the one that will rubbish or lower it or bring the name to disrepute.
There are also situations where you know what is expected to be done but you just can't. For instance, kingship in Esanland to the best of my knowledge is hereditary. We now have in most kingdoms where the Onojie that ought to be found at Eguare (the seat of power) is never there. Here comes Ukweki Izaghen. I will not be the one to install 'a-ready to-stay' in the palace king. "Oki na bhobomen de". Think about it again... Nature should be allowed to take its course.
With the understanding of the Esan aphorism being examined, it brings to mind that not until their are convinced "game changers" beginning with change in character, perception, attitude, motive, etc, there may not be head way any where: family, community, & the nation at large. Re-branding is not enough.
If we thoroughly understand the deeper meaning of the epistemology of Ukweki Izaghen, we will be up & doing in the pursuit of what is for the common good, be more dedicated to making the family work, & by extension, the society will be better for it. It will not fall in my hands is the mind set of those with the understanding of this clarion call. This means that I will do my bit to the best of my ability. Its conclusion is " Obo Oyi ole oada de" ( may it fall from the hands of a thief; this typifies that irresponsible shameless, incorrigible & heartless, individual) . But remember the only thing that is permanent is change. May we take this time to manage change, using superior argument in the light of Ukweki Izaghen, laying good precedence in all that we do or say.
For anyone to be called a thief in Esan yesteryears, is something no one is ready to be associated with. Right now, Haaaa, things are no longer the same oooo. Pressure from within & without, on the increase. It is more dignifying to say calmly to those from whom pressure is coming: this is what I can afford than to be loud while massaging your ego. Esan celebrates success as well as its source back in the days. What's up with us now? When elders now prefer to call a young man if his son's age, Owanlen perhaps because, the young man has suddenly made money through 'any' means. Chaiii! Any young man that wants to be popular before his time, will be forgotten in a hurry. "Bene Bene, Ughulu reyiso Yi isooo". (The vulture flies higher with ease with a display of slow & steady).
Ukweki Izaghen of responsibility, let it not fall from your hands: husband, wife, children, siblings, friends, well wishers, etc. He who puts his hands on the plough need not look back. Remember Lot's wife...
There's no excuse that is satisfactory enough for a man's failure. In times like this, let it not be you that became a stumbling block. After all, there can be no life unless existential issues are attended to & there can also be no culture without life in the words of Bewaji.
Song:
Ukweki Izaghen re, Izaghen, (2ice)
Oki na bho bomen de, Izaghen.
Obo Oyi Oada de, Izagheeeeen!
I will do my part. I hope you will do yours too?
Stay safe & strong.
TGIT@Zibilism.
Prof. Matthew A. Izibili is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
Comments