African American Culture Analysis

Words: 1652
Pages: 7

It is a common saying and belief among the Yoruba (Ekiti) people that Igi kan kii da nikan se igbo (a tree cannot make a forest). The moral meaning of this statement connotes solidarity: “when any member of a family or a tribe suffers, the entire family or tribe suffers as well; on the other hand, if a member of a family or tribe is well-to-do the whole family or tribe benefits from such riches and wealth” (Yoruba Popular saying). Thus, what Ejizu observes about African people in relation to their communality in general also captures the life of Ekiti traditional society of Yoruba race: “Africans share life intensely in common. There are communal farmland, economic trees, streams, barns, and markets. There are also communal shrines, squares, …show more content…
Family head was usually the oldest man in the family. His role primarily involved settling family disputes, and because he was believed to control the channel of communication with the all-important ancestors, he commanded great respect and reverence. In some communities the government of chiefs and elders were composed of governing age grade; in some others, the council of elders was made up of the oldest members of particular families. Their role, among others, was to see to the smooth running of the family by providing dedicated and committed leadership. Hence, what Gregory Chukwudi Okafor, “Reinventing Pastoral Servant-Leadership in the Catholic Church”, says about leadership in general captures what it was among the traditional Ekiti people:
Authentic leaders are generally believed to have genuine desire to serve others through their leadership; empowers their followers in order to make a difference; and are as guided by the qualities of the heart, passion, and compassion as they are by the qualities of the mind. It entails leading with heart, collaboration and harmony
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This was not because there was no noticeable gap between the Haves and have-nots, but because there was integrative and communal spirit in the society then which provided for the integration of the poor into the society; however in this our modern society, the poor people suffer great alienation and degradation because of individualism and nonchalant attitude of those who are blessed with riches” (08/02/2017). Hence, for the realisation of distributive justice in Ekiti State, a serious effort is needed which will take into cognizance the constitutional responsibilities of the government and the solidarity of the well-to-do in the society with the less privileged. However, the less privileged individuals and needy communities must also shun the culture of over dependence, parasitism and indolence; and work towards