I’ll like to start this piece by giving a detailed explanation of the term ‘Ancestors’. What do we really understand by ‘Ancestors’? It’s very common these days that at the mention of ancestors people tend to forbid and reprove with all manner of seriousness. Perhaps we mistake our ancestors to be the devils acting as strongholds to our material advancement in life.
Some days back, I was engaged in a discussion with a friend, reminisce of the old days was the topic of discussion. Specifically the tradition of our forefathers of pouring libation to ancestors was the focal point, “God forbid ancestors, I rebuke” that was the reaction from my friend. I queried his reaction and sought to know the basis for his reaction. His response was: my pastor have warned severally about that, there is nothing like ancestors, there are agents of the devil, he concluded.
Well, the aim of this write up is not to criticize pastors or churches, I have no authority to do such rather with my little level of knowhow, I write to illuminate the great minds. Hence this write up addresses particularly great minds; the African tradition enthusiast and not religious fanatics.
Now, what does the dictionary conceive ancestors to mean? “One from whom a person is descended, whether on the father’s or mother’s side at any distance of time; a progenitor; a forefather” (Oxford advance learner’s dictionary 8th edition). Biologically we are made to understand that often times offspring do not inherit the traits of their immediate parents rather traits of grandparents and great grandparents are often inherited, therefore to somewhat, ancestors are of vast significance to our existence and deserves our unending respect and honour as long as we still live on the planet earth.
About the African tradition of pouring libation. Kimani Nehusi (2013) in his book titled: libation: A Ritual of Heritage in African Life, opines; “pour libation to your father and mother who rest in the valley of the dead. God will witness your action and accept it. Do not forget to do this even when you are away from home. For as you do for your parents, your children will do for you also”. Explicating further on what libation signifies to Africans, Kimani asserted that: Libation in Africa is a ritual of heritage, a drink offering to honour and please the Creator, the lesser divinities, our sacred ancestors, humans present and not present, as well as the environment. This ritual is also practiced in many other parts of the world. Among Africans it may also be deployed to issue curses upon wrongdoers” (The same way we pray against the wicked in various churches) According to the Kwanzaa guide, “pouring of libation is a spiritual and venerable act which has its roots in traditional African societies. It was done then and is done now to honour those who have gone before us. Their lives and contributions made it possible for us to live with more dignity, freedom, possibilities, and opportunities. In traditional African societies, libation is poured to honour the ancestors, who remained spiritually active in the lives of the living”.
In Nigeria and particularly Obubra been my ancestral land, libation, as narrated by my grandmother and father is poured to honour our ancestors. It is a way to consecrate the dead and to raise their spiritual souls. It’s a means of remembering those who have passed: grandmothers and grandfathers, mother and fathers, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, husband and wives, siblings, and of course, friends. Thus, libation is a fundamental part of their daily activities then. (Though done occasionally this days) For in actively remembering our grandparents and parents as well as other loved ones, we ensure that they are not forgotten, that their lives had meaning, and that they live through us still living on earth. “We call upon our ancestors far and near, Fathers of our fathers, mothers of our mothers, to bear witness to what we have done, and by their example, to continue to inspire us to make progress, and achieve morally and socially at our highest potential. We pour this libation to bring into our midst their venerable spirit, radiating their great wisdom, courage, dedication, and unflinching commitment to live ethical and productive lives. It is in honour of them that we pour this libation, Calling their names is a way of bringing them into spiritual existence. And in remembering the lessons they taught us, the love they gave us, and the example they lived by, that we may live better lives”. The ancient Egyptian precept says: to do that of value is eternity. A person (our parents and love ones) who is call forth by his or her works is not forgotten.
Given the significance of pouring libation, the question is: why do we tend to regard pouring of libation as a “sin” or “abomination”? Some may consider this piece to mean dogmatism. Yes it might be regarded as dogma but evidence abounds to support its purpose. Truth be told, a lot of people go through several life difficulties because they neglect the pouring of libation, though quite unknown to them. Cases abound where pastors refer their members to go back to their ancestral lands for cleansing and pouring of libation to get rid of some certain life difficulties. This piece is meant to illuminate as many that are still wallowing in such slumber of neglecting the African tradition. I implore you to be pragmatic for once. The African tradition need not to die, it is our responsibilities to awaken the tradition. Wake up my African brothers, great enthusiast of our great tradition I admonish you.
As a rising advocate of the African tradition, I like to summarize this piece by stressing further that there is need to reawaken the African tradition of pouring libation, our tradition need not to die, it’s our identity, it’s our symbol, our cultural heritage vested with abundant spiritual benefits and others. To this end, I like to state lucidly that am not unmindful of the fact that this piece may be vulnerable to attract widespread criticisms, but like I stated earlier, I address only great minds and enthusiast of the African tradition, and they must willing to consider these with genuine conviction in order to reap its dividends. Other religious enthusiast may as usual hold unapproachable, for it is undoubtedly true that they are always detrimental to the truth.
Long Live Nigeria
Long Live Africa
Long live our Great Tradition
God bless the Mbembe Tradition
God bless the African Tradition
~ThankGod G. Inyang
