THE revival of the Olufuko ceremony is a step in the right direction because many African cultures are under threat from customs and traditions that are not suitable for Africans.
African traditions that instilled discipline among the youth are under constant threat. And the irony is this threat is from within.
Many of us because of our gullibility have forsaken time-tested African traditions and embraced cultures that were imposed on us.
From the moment we are born, many of us Africans try to live comfortably in a modern westernized world yet struggle to hold onto our traditions shaping us as a proud people.
Globalisation has seen more and more Africans swallow hook, line and sinker Western or rather white customs at the expense of their own traditions and customs.
In worst-case scenarios some people discourage their children from speaking their languages – all in the name of civilisation.
The adage, no matter how long a log stays in the water it doesn’t become a crocodile could aptly apply to Africans who want to become more English than HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
Our cultural identity and values are diminishing at an alarming rate and even indigenous food is constantly being shunned.
Opponents of African cultures and traditions such as Olufuko denounce these rituals as unconstitutional and barbaric without looking at the societal advantages of these cultures.
African cultures are diverse and varied and they are not static, which means they could simply be modified to suit modern times.
Those opposing Olufuko should make a complex analysis as opposed to the simple binary assessment of either good or bad.
Olufuko and other traditions such as Sikenge should be analyzed in a much broader context as they physically and psychologically prepare courting couples for marriage.
Marriages in the past used to be life-long commitments and men and women only became “marriage- aterial” after they underwent this rite of passage to adulthood.
The reason why couples were happier and more dedicated in the past is they were better prepared for marriage unlike in modern times when divorce has become fashionable.
In most of the cases, coming-of-age rites were group activities designed to build character, foster productive adult behaviour and forge friendships and alliances among the initiates who underwent the rites together.
Boys and girls usually participated in separate rituals and acquired specialised knowledge required throughout their lives.
Instruction focused on domestic life and daily chores, raising families, making baskets among a raft of other specialised skills.
This ritual instruction that could last for a period of up to four months involved the physical removal from the community of the initiates who were confined to a special enclosure.
The end of the initiation was characterized by the slaughtering of cattle, goats and chickens and some African beer was brewed for all to rejoice in this feast of the rite of passage.
Africans should take pride in their rich cultural heritage and should preserve their culture and traditions with the same fervour that they have embraced modernity.
Marcus Garvey once said a people without the knowledge of their history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. We should be proud of our rich African cultural heritage.
By The Editor