On Tuesday, Dr. Segun Gbadegesin focused on the true meaning of Omoluabi, which is broken down into the syllables Omo Olu Iwa Bi, a child begotten of the chief or source of Iwa. Dr. Gbadegesin started the lecture by telling the story of Iwa, who was the wife of Orunmila, the god of wisdom, and how she represented patience, existence, and good character. All of these characteristics tie into the meaning of Omoluabi. However, good character was the key word to remember. Hence, Iwa loba awure: good character is the greatest talisman. Iwa meant nothing without Orunmila. Dr. Gbadegesin went on to describe ways to develop good character, one being, correcting the common mis-educations This exemplifies the type of person that we all should strive to be.
Most stories dealt with African ethics, which developed from The Principles of Maat, The Books of Instructions, The Pyramid Texts, or The Coffin Texts. Many religions we know of today have taken concepts from such texts. Example, the Ten Commandments shows resemblance to the Coffin Texts. This concept reveals the mis-education of blacks not having morality, in view of the fact that many character values today, have stemmed from the teachings of African stories.
The entire lecture was based around the concept of never to lose character, which are based around the principles of goddess Ma’at.
“Honor may vanish from your house
Cosmetic beauty may fade
Iwa is what endures even into the grave
Take care of your iwa”
– A Yoruba poem
The Yoruba poem sums of the entire lecture. Its focal point is the construction of Iwa/ character, if nothing else. Even long after you leave Earth your name will always remain.
This lecture allowed me to reflect upon the value of my character and existence, as well as my role in society as a leader.
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