All instruments of historical study demonstrate the high value given to human life in the Omoluabi matrix. Compared to some of his successors that introduced the deification of men Oduduwa definitely gave great value to blood. While the names of Despots like Sango invoke great dread up till the present day, it is difficult to locate any genuine evidence that Oduduwa demanded any form of self worship. It is on recorded that he imposed the supremacy of the beaded crown over the traditional leaved crowns he met in Ile-Ife but did not introduce oppressive measures into the spheres of governance. The high value given to life and the abhorrence of unnecessary bloodshed and violent crime entrenched in our systems today came as a result of his reforms.The exhortative greeting system designed around the “Eku” prefix is another pointer to the value accorded to life as a gift to be celebrated.
The thinking behind our traditional tribal marks that foreigners decried as cruel Scars was simple. It was the identity card that helped our ancestors to locate one another. From a man’s tribal markings his identity and roots could easily be read without one word.What has become a source of shame today was simply evidence of Oduduwa’s social engineering skills. The bonding needful for a national identity was etched into the different designs of our tribal marks. Oduduwa’s genius employed the technology of his day to overcome the identity crises that Nigeria is yet to solve till date. From a peculiar dress code called “Aso ebi” to the standard opening lines in story telling- our people were set apart from others and bonds forged engaging simple devices.
Unlike primitive societies where homesteads were self sufficient in all areas of production our Omoluabi arrangement permitted distribution of labour. Hunters hunted, fishermen specialized in fishing, the smiths concentrated on forging and an interdependent economy was created. The distribution of work policy encouraged specialization and excellence was promoted. Such arrangements naturally lead to the creation of new jobs and the arts could then find expression. This basic thinking fostered a prosperity and wellbeing in our ancient nations such that the first Europeans to see our lands were astonished at the orderliness that existed. This however did not stop them from exploiting our naiveté and good natured accommodation in the later years.
