ITAMA EBIRA · WORDS OF THE ELDERS
Ancestral Proverbs & Wisdom
In Ebira culture, a proverb is the palm oil with which words are eaten. Explore philosophical teachings, moral parables, and timeless community maxims.
All Themes
Wisdom & Philosophy
Kinship & Respect (Ubayin)
Patience & Strategy
Courage & Valor
Leadership & Legacy
Hard Work & Craft
Wisdom
“Érẹyi oza nyi irezu, ete reyi ohu”
Literal translation: When a person walks with respect (Irezu), the earth yields peace.
Philosophical Meaning:
Respect (Irezu) is the cardinal civic and spiritual virtue in Ebira civilization. Honoring elders, guests, and fellow citizens guarantees divine tranquility and communal security.
Wisdom
“Evuenyi Oosiosa naari agagana ni”
Literal translation: One goat leads another to eat poisonous shrubs
Philosophical Meaning:
One reckless goat leads its companion to browse upon a poisonous shrub
A stern warning against bad companionship, peer pressure, and following irresponsible influencers into shared destruction
Hard_work
“Ahuozuse emerireyi ohimi”
Literal translation: Walking legs do not see an evil or negative result
Philosophical Meaning:
Active feet do not walk into misfortune; enterprise yields opportunity
Active diligence and honest labor preserve a person from mischief and hardship, whereas idle hands invite ruin (an active counterpart to 'an idle mind is the workshop of the devil')
Kinship
“Óza véhe, éne ázi méyi”
Literal translation: A person is life; having people is true wealth.
Philosophical Meaning:
In Ebira philosophy, human relationships, community bonds, and kinship transcend any material fortune. Possessing true companions and caring kin is the greatest treasure in life.
Wisdom
“Ozueyi aadochi inavi ozoku oyizaamazi ni”
Literal translation: When a child cuts a tree in the forest, it is the elders who know the direction it will fall
Philosophical Meaning:
When a youth fells a tree in the forest, only the seasoned elders foresee which way it will crash
Highlights generational wisdom and long-term foresight; youth possesses raw strength, but only age and experience foresee unintended consequences
Kinship
“Eesi eesi ookurezi engwu niyani”
Literal translation: The more you pet a dog with sweet names, the better its body becomes pleasing
Philosophical Meaning:
The more affectionately you praise and address your dog, the more obedient and responsive it becomes to your will
Affirmation and sincere appreciation foster loyalty and productivity; encouragement achieves far more than harshness
Patience
“Utuuto ekehi siiguni”
Literal translation: Bit by bit gathering of cowries makes a complete sum of money
Philosophical Meaning:
Cowrie shell by cowrie shell, substantial wealth is assembled
Encourages steady accumulation, patient discipline, and incremental steps; the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
Patience
“Ọ̀dọ́do ka yéyi, éne ka hẹ́n”
Literal translation: The patient hunter waits until the prey turns its belly.
Philosophical Meaning:
Supreme achievements and enduring victories belong to those who cultivate strategic patience and precision rather than rash haste.
Wisdom
“Epe’ema godo huoza enechire”
Literal translation: The okra plant cannot grow taller than the person who sowed it
Philosophical Meaning:
The okra stalk can never outgrow the farmer who planted it
A stark warning against arrogance, insubordination, and ingratitude toward mentors, parents, or benefactors who nurtured one to prominence
Kinship
“Ukonkono ka ahuoruru oowavini”
Literal translation: The millipede said it is by the effort of many legs that grasses die
Philosophical Meaning:
The millipede said: 'It is through the concerted tread of many feet that the thick grass is flattened'
A celebration of collective solidarity, organizational teamwork, and division of labor; immense tasks are conquered through unified action
Wisdom
“Aashochi tiiza, anayirema ogodohuni”
Literal translation: When one puts a long pole on the shoulder, the portion behind is always longer
Philosophical Meaning:
When you hoist a long timber onto your shoulder, the length trailing behind you is always greater than the part visible ahead
Reminds people to consider the unseen future and lingering consequences of current actions; what follows behind an act carries far more weight than immediate gain
Wisdom
“Ezi-ezi kehuengwu vaahi”
Literal translation: Puppies say let the play-stumbling move vice-versa
Philosophical Meaning:
Puppies say: 'Let us take turns tumbling over each other as we play'
Advocates for mutual reciprocity, fairness, and shared rights; social harmony and play endure only when power and vulnerability alternate fairly