NIGERIA: ALABEDE OLO' OLA: THE REPETITIVE AND UNHEALED TRIBAL MARKS

 

ALABEDE OLO' OLA

 THE REPETITIVE AND UNHEALED TRIBAL MARKS

Various African tribes use specific body markings as important identity markers or for beautification.

The Yorubas are a myriad of people who inhabit South-West Nigeria.

The Yoruba tribal marks are scarifications which are specific identification and beautification marks designed on the face or body of the Yoruba people. The tribal marks are part of the Yoruba culture and are usually inscribed on the body by cutting of the skin during childhood.

Particular designs of tribal marks denote a certain group of people.

It was a significant part of Yoruba culture and excluded individuals as being part of the tribe if they did not have these marks.

Tribal marks became a very vital feature after the end of the slave trade. People used the marks on their faces to trace their way home as the design of the marks are particular to localities.

The major purpose of tribal marks is for identification of members of same tribes or families.

Some Yoruba societies still practice the tradition of facial marking in these modern times. According to the traditions, every child in Yoruba land is born into a patrilineal clan. This clan share marks or “ila,” family name “oriki,” taboos and poetry.

As in most Yoruba trades and professions, certain people are designated to perform certain acts. They are trained specially and are well equipped for the job.

The one who performs the scarification is called the “Oloola”. In some clans, there are families who perform these rights. They are called “Alabede”, the one who comes with the blades.

The process is very painful and bloody. Some grownups assist the Oloola in restraining the child while man with the blades cuts the skin.

Though painful when it is done, the beauty of the marks on the face, when it heals, is remarkable.

Hence the Yoruba saying “Tita riro la n koi la, to ba jina tan a di oge”

No human will ever envisage a single human being going through the process twice.

The consequences are unimaginable. Apart from the pains, the mutilation on the face would be scary.

So much for the Yoruba tradition and the tribal marks.

Governance at whatever level should be about the people. Whatever policies and opinions by leaders and holders of public office should be in the interest of the people. The people come first.

Any decision that goes against the common good of the citizens should be held back even if the leader feels it is the way out.

African leaders however are known for taking difficult decisions and appealing to their people to endure while waiting for the future positive effects to take place.

Like the child who just passed through the Oloola’s blade, the people endure, waiting for the time to enjoy the dividends of their painful wait.

It is rather inhuman to take the child toan Oloola while the previous scars are yet to heal.

Since May 29, 2023 when the present administration in Nigeria came to power, it’s been one difficult policy after the other. The government keeps telling Nigerians to persevere. The future, they claim, will justify the wait.

Nigerians are expected to keep tightening their belts.

There are no evidences of the government and its agencies adjusting their spending or reducing the cost of governance.

Yet the apologists of government keep telling them “Tita riro la n koi la…”

How many times will the masses go through the process of painful tribal marks?

When will the tribal marks heal?

Why will the POLITICAL ALABEDES place fresh tribal marks when one is yet to heal?

Why will the ALABEDES choose marks for the masses alone and not going through same?

Are these  Alabede Olo'olas not wicked?

When we check the cheeks of the  Alabedes they  have  no Tribal marks not to talk of going through pain.

(Inspired by Idris Ismail’s post in response to a government apologist)