ÌGBÉRAGA (PRIDE)
by Kehinde Adepegba, PhD
Ìgbéraga ìs a negative behavior detested by the Yorùbá. The word priide does not carry the real meaning of ìgbéraga as captured in their worldview.
Ìgbéraga ló ń ṣáájú ìparun (ìgbéraga comes before a fall) ìs a primary proverb describing the consequence of igberaga.
Ìgbéraga ìs derived from ìgbé-ara-ga (raising one’s body up). This implies that each man has his appropriate height, trying to do any stuff that amounts to giving an impression to others that you are taller than your real height is ìgbéraga and the Yorùbá considers this act as a vice. This shows that everyman of any height can become oníìgbéraga.
Physical height is metaphorical, though it is one way to exhibit igberaga, but ìgbéraga manifests in so many ways including what you say about yourself, about others and to others; how your appear to people and how you relate to others.
The Yorùbá always wish that everyman should abhors ìgbéraga because of its ultimate implication. Hence, they often say, Ìgbéraga ni ìgbéra ṣánlẹ̀ (ìgbéraga amounts to falling flat to the ground in disgrace).
The opposite of ìgbéraga is ìrẹ̀lẹ̀ – ìrẹ-ara-ẹni-sílẹ̀ (to lower oneself). Definitely if you are not showing ìgbéraga, it is because you are onírẹ̀lẹ̀ (humble). Ìrẹ̀lẹ̀, though in short circulation, is one of the greatest human virtues. According to the Yoruba belief, the ones who are onírẹ̀lẹ̀ are the ones who are lifted, ìrẹ̀lẹ̀ is a great virtue that every one should possess.
What is observable is that, igberaga is found among all shades of people including those perceived not having anything to boast about. For instance, a poor woman was given a token to help her take care of her needs by two people. To the first she said: who begs for money from you, who told you I am a needy? To the second she said, so this is what you can give me, a whole me, please take your money. This is Ìgbéraga.
In another dimension, a man who does not value the gifts in others, who overrates himself by speaking good of only himself, who sees himself as the wisest and does not take the advice of others, the only one who is right and just, is a typical agbéraga. Such people are on their way to ìgbéra-ṣánlẹ̀.
Picture taken from the internet.
Mr. Nice. One of the most humble musicians.
In your words and actions be sure you are not exhibiting igberaga because àgbà òfìfo ló ń dún woroworo (empty barrel makes the loudest noise).
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