As an Igbo writer, I have always been fascinated by the moral fabric of my people—a system of values deeply rooted in community, spirituality, and justice.
When I think about how my ancestors defined right and wrong, I marvel at their wisdom. Their morality wasn’t codified in books or enforced by external institutions but lived and breathed in the relationships between individuals, the community, and the natural world.
Yet, as we live in a globalized world shaped by Western influences, I often ask myself: whose definition of right and wrong should prevail?
Should we abandon our indigenous moral systems for frameworks imposed on us, or is there a way to reclaim and celebrate the values that once defined us?
Let us explore the beauty of Igbo morality, contrast it with Western ethics, and understand why preserving our indigenous values is essential for our identity and self-preservation.
The Foundation of Igbo Morality
Growing up, I learned that in Igbo culture, morality begins with the community.
The Igbo worldview sees the individual not as a solitary entity but as part of a greater whole. The principles of igwebuike (“strength in unity”) and onye aghana nwanne ya (“do not abandon your sibling”) were more than just sayings; they were the bedrock of how people lived and related to one another.
In Igbo society, actions are judged by their impact on others. It wasn’t enough to be personally successful—your success had to contribute to the collective good.
Kindness, honesty, and fairness were virtues that ensured the community thrived. And when someone strayed from these values, justice wasn’t about punishment; it was about restoration.
Our spirituality also shaped our morality. The Igbo believed in Chukwu (the Supreme Creator) and revered ancestors who acted as moral guides.
To wrong another person was not just a social offense; it was a spiritual one. Rituals of atonement were performed to restore harmony between the physical and spiritual worlds, emphasizing that balance—not vengeance—was the ultimate goal.
The Pillars of Western Ethics
Western ethics, on the other hand, often seem to prioritize the individual.
Influenced by Enlightenment ideals and secular philosophies, Western morality emphasizes autonomy, universal principles, and legality.
I remember reading about Immanuel Kant and his categorical imperative, which insists that we act only according to rules that can apply universally.
While this is admirable, it struck me as rigid and impersonal. How can the same moral rule apply to everyone, regardless of context? Western ethics also lean heavily on legal systems to enforce morality.
Unlike Igbo justice, which seeks to reconcile and heal, Western justice often punishes and isolates. This punitive approach can feel cold and disconnected from the human experience.
A Clash of Values
Living in a world shaped by these two moral systems, I’ve seen the tension between them play out in everyday life.
Igbo morality is rooted in relationships, spirituality, and situational wisdom, while Western ethics emphasize individual rights, universalism, and rationality.
For example, in Igbo culture, respect for elders is non-negotiable. Elders are seen as the custodians of wisdom and tradition, and their guidance is paramount. But Western values prioritize equality, often challenging hierarchical relationships.
While equality is important, the Western disregard for age-based respect can feel alien—and even disrespectful—to my Igbo sensibilities.
Similarly, Igbo justice is restorative, focusing on repairing harm and maintaining harmony. In contrast, Western justice often prioritizes punishment, which does little to address the underlying issues. I can’t help but wonder: how much more effective would our modern legal systems be if they borrowed from our indigenous practices of reconciliation?
Why Indigenous Morality Matters
As I reflect on these differences, I realize that preserving Igbo morality is not just about honoring the past—it’s about shaping a future where our identity remains intact.
Here’s why I believe our indigenous values matter now more than ever:
1. Reclaiming Our Identity: Morality is the soul of a people. When we lose our moral systems, we lose the essence of who we are. Western ethics, while influential, can never fully capture the richness of Igbo values, which are tailored to our worldview and way of life. By preserving our moral framework, we ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots.
2. Strengthening Our Communities: The communal nature of Igbo morality is a powerful antidote to the isolation and alienation that often accompany Western individualism. By reviving principles like igwebuike, we can rebuild strong, supportive communities that prioritize collective well-being over self-interest.
3. Offering Moral Flexibility: Igbo morality is deeply contextual. It recognizes that life is complex and that moral decisions often require nuance. This flexibility is a strength in today’s world, where rigid, one-size-fits-all frameworks often fall short.
4. Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Preserving Igbo morality doesn’t mean rejecting all Western ideas. Instead, it offers a way to balance tradition and modernity, ensuring that our cultural values coexist with global influences without being overshadowed.
A Call to Action
As I write this, I feel a deep sense of responsibility—not just as an Igbo writer but as a custodian of my people’s heritage. Preserving our morality is not just a theoretical exercise; it’s a call to action.
We must teach our children the values that defined our ancestors. Let them learn that success is meaningless if it doesn’t uplift others, that justice is about healing rather than vengeance, and that spirituality is the foundation of a good life.
We must also challenge the systems that prioritize foreign ideals over indigenous wisdom. By reviving our traditional practices—be it through storytelling, rituals, or communal gatherings—we can reclaim the moral compass that guided us for centuries.
Defining Right and Wrong, the Igbo Way
So, who defines right and wrong? For me, the answer is clear: it is the people who live within the culture, who carry its traditions, and who understand its unique worldview. For the Igbo, morality is not a set of abstract rules; it is a way of life.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us never forget the values that sustained our ancestors. Let us hold on to the wisdom of our elders, the strength of our communities, and the balance that comes from living in harmony with the natural world.
In doing so, we define right and wrong—not through the lens of others, but through the enduring legacy of our own Igbo heritage.
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