By Oluseye Ojo
President of the International Council For Ifa Religion (ICIR), Chief Fayemi Fakayode, has attributed Nigeria’s current economic crisis to a pervasive culture of greed, largely imported from foreign influences.
He made the assertion, mirroring deep-seated concerns about the nation’s financial instability, when he delivered a thought-provoking lecture, entitled: ‘Foreign Culture In Yorubaland: Its Negative Impacts on the Economy of the Land’, during the 2024 celebration of the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, held at Ilaji Resorts, Akanran, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Fakayode explained how foreign traditions have infiltrated Yoruba life through alien religions, and probably compromised core values that once defined the society.
His words: “Our traditional ethos of Omoluabi—characterised by hard work, trustworthiness, and contentment, has been tainted by these external influences.”
Fakayode stated that greed has pervaded the actions of political, religious, and traditional leaders, resulting in policies that benefit only a select few, while curtailing the economic potentials of the wider population.
He emphasised, “The greedy acquisition syndrome among our leaders has led to the formulation of policies that exclude the majority, leaving them struggling to actualide their economic dreams.”
Fakayode traced the onset of the cultural contamination to the advent of foreign religions in the 14th and 19th Centuries, which shifted the focus from indigenous values to foreign ideals.
“Foreign culture is the alien traditions which are not indigenous to the Yoruba. Among these are influences from the West and the Arab world,” he noted.
Further reflecting on the significance of the term “Omoluabi,” he lamented the current generation’s misunderstanding of its true meaning, which he described as someone embodying the traits of good character and patience, akin to the divinity Ọ̀rúnmìlà.
Fakayode warned, “Lying, stealing, and other negative habits have overshadowed our moral compass, leading to dire consequences for our economy.”
He urged Nigerians to reconnect with their roots: “To triumph over our challenges, we must shed these foreign cultural impositions that strip away our morals and pride. We need to embrace our identity as Omoluabi once again.”
Fakayode advocated a cultural revival that values integrity and benevolence in the face of adversity, a message as timely as ever amidst Nigeria’s ongoing economic struggle.
