From The Perspective Of African Proverbs, Iwuanyanwu, Ubah, And Onyeka Still Live

BY ISAAC ASABOR

They reflect the cultural values, beliefs, and wisdom of African societies, providing insight into their history, customs, and way of life. In many African cultures, storytelling is an important part of the oral tradition, serving to share knowledge, entertain, and preserve cultural heritage. In fact, African proverbs and sayings are frequently used in storytelling to convey messages, lessons, and wisdom to audiences.

Simply put, African proverbs are short, concise sayings that convey moral lessons, advice, or life truths. They are frequently metaphorical, employing vivid imagery drawn from nature, daily life, and social interactions. These proverbs are an essential part of African oral traditions, used in storytelling, teaching, and everyday conversations.

Given the foregoing, it is not surprising that a diverse collection of African proverbs about life and death exists. This is because African culture regards death as a natural part of life, and proverbs in that vein have remained important means of communication for honouring the dead and developing a deeper understanding of death.

For example, the proverb, “Death does not knock on the door,” applies to the recent deaths of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ifeanyi Ubah, and, most recently, Onyeka Onwuenu.

The proverb “Death does not knock on the door” is widely accepted throughout African societies. It represents the fact that nothing can stop death from occurring. This proverb emphasises the inevitability of death for Iwuanyanwu, Ubah, and Onyeka; regardless of their status, accomplishments, or influence, death comes without warning and spares no one. It serves as a reminder that death is a universal human experience that goes beyond individual identities and societal roles. Their legacies, on the other hand, live on because good men’s names are remembered even after death.

In a similar vein, “If you do not sleep because you do not want to die, you will die because you do not sleep” expresses the inevitability of death, and another African proverb, “No matter how beautiful and well-crafted a coffin may look, it will not make anyone wish for death,” speaks to the dreadfulness that death instills in everyone’s subconscious.

Another African proverb about death states, “If the rich could hire someone else to die for them, the poor would make a great living.” The preceding proverb, without a doubt, highlights the fact that the wealthy are willing to pay any price to avoid death; however, death is priceless because it has no market value and thus cannot be sold or bought.

In fact, continuing from a proverbial perspective, “The only truly dead are those who have been forgotten.” Simply put, if you are a good person, your grave will be loved even after you die. As another African proverb states, “Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names.” In a similar vein, there are numerous African proverbs that express the futility of death and its inability to kill.

Some of these proverbs include: “As long as a man lives, the entire world is too small for him; after death, the grave is big enough,” “Say not in grief that he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was,” “There are two kinds of perfect people: dead and those who have not yet been born,” and “Life is not separate from death. It only appears that way,” “Death is not the opposite of life but a part of it,” “For life and death are one, just as the river and the sea are one,” and “There is no rich person in a grave.”

Other proverbs include: “Death is like a robe that everyone must wear.” No one can jump high enough to avoid death,” “Only one thing in life is certain, death,” “The ugliest life is better than the nicest death,” “Life is the beginning of death,” and “Death is always news.”

Other death-related African proverbs include: “Who dies, dies, and who lives, lives”, “You will not live forever, so leave a legacy”, “Live your own life, for you will die your death”, “Everybody will face the sentence of the grave”, and “There is a cure for everything except death”.

Against the foregoing proverbial backdrop, there is no denying that proverbs are threads in the tapestry of African culture, connecting wisdom, tradition, and communal understanding. These brief sayings, handed down through generations, encapsulate profound truths about life, relationships, and human nature.

In fact, in this context, it is appropriate to recall that the month of July 2024 has been marked by profound loss as the Igbo community mourns the passing of three iconic figures: Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and music goddess Onyeka Onwenu. Their legacies, on the other hand, defy mortality, inspiring future generations, and given their individual accomplishments, as well as the preceding proverbial backdrop, it is not unreasonable to believe that they are still alive.

For example, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a towering figure in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, was an achiever, especially because his vision and leadership in his earthly journey left an indelible imprint. His philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on countless lives, and his legacy lives on.

In a similar vein, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, known for his entrepreneurial spirit, tirelessly drove economic growth in the Southeast. His businesses created jobs and opportunities, promoting regional growth.

In a similar vein, Onyeka Onwenu, the Elegant Stallion, a revered musician, actress, and activist, has crossed borders. Her songs touched millions, conveying messages of love, unity, and resilience. Her commitment to social justice made her a beloved figure around the world.

In fact, as tributes pour in and vigils are held, we consider their profound impact. These remarkable individuals may have passed away, but their legacies continue to inspire, a testament to the power of vision, commitment, and unwavering dedication, and as African proverbs go, the threesome is still alive, not dead.

In fact, when viewed through the lens of African proverbs, the three remarkable individuals undoubtedly thrive beyond the bounds of mortality.