Beyond Wise-Sayings: The Unspoken Rules of Life

BY AFOLABO GLORIA AYOBAYO

Every evening, beneath the shade of the oronbo tree, children of Egbajo gathered to hear Baba’s stories. But it wasn’t just stories they were absorbing. Baba always ended with a proverb “Àgbájọwọ́ là fí ń sọ̀yà’’ Teaching them that cooperation is needed for every successful project and process of life. But how many of us truly understand the weight of such words? How often do we view these sayings as mere advice, when in reality, they shape how we live, think, and interact?

Yoruba proverbs are not just catchy phrases passed down through generations,they are the very blueprint of how we navigate life. Proverbs reminds us that wisdom is not just about knowing what to do but the ability to know how to live in harmony with others. These words resonate deeply, helping to shape our attitudes and behaviors, creating a framework that molds our personal and communal lives. As you hear them, do you ever pause to consider what they are really telling you about your own role in the society?

Beyond offering advice, proverbs reflect the Yoruba worldview where life is a balance of individual responsibility and communal cooperation. We are not just being told to work hard; we are being taught that success is an individual’s responsibility, but it is nurtured through the community’s collective wisdom. You see, these words are not just to remind us of where we come from but they are sayings that shape our reality.

But let us not overlook how these proverbs dig into something deeper: our need for belonging. Proverbs are the connective tissue of Yoruba culture.

“Ọmọdé gbọn àgbà gbọn lafi dá òtu ifẹ̀” is more than advice,it is a social contract. These proverbs  remind us that our actions have ripple effects within our communities, that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. Something bigger than our family or even the extended family.

So, next time you hear a Yoruba proverb, remember it is not just a piece of wisdom. It’s a guide to life. And it’s waiting for you to apply it, to live it, and to pass it on. Because as much as we like to think of ourselves as individuals, we are, in fact, deeply connected to the stories and proverbs of those who came before us.

Afolabi Gloria Ayobayo writes from University Of Ibadan