Philosophy is how people understand life and the world around them. It shapes their actions, decisions, and relationships. Some societies write their philosophies in books, while others pass them down through stories and traditions.
The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria pass down their philosophy through culture and traditions. They call it:
Omenala, meaning “the way things are done.”
Instead of writing it down, they share Omenala through storytelling, proverbs, and life experiences. Elders teach younger generations about their heritage and values. The Igbo believe that life must stay in balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. Every action must respect this balance to bring harmony and peace.
This series will explore Igbo philosophy, its beliefs, values, and how it continues to shape their culture.
Igbo Philosophy Explained: The Traditions and Beliefs of Omenala
The throne at the left is for a young man who is being elevated to a high
title and high status at this ceremony
Igbo philosophy rests on key ideas that shape daily life.
• Omenala (Omenani): Omenala is followed as tradition and custom. It goes beyond rules and guides marriage, farming, respect for elders, balance with the spirit world, and care for the land. Elders pass it down through storytelling, proverbs, and cultural practices.
• Uche: This means thought or reason. The Igbo believe wise people think before acting. They see those with uche as good leaders.
• Ako Ndi Igbo: This refers to wisdom gained through experience. The Igbo value real-life knowledge more than theory. They say an elder who has lived through challenges knows more than a young person who has only read about them.
• Amamihe Ndi Igbo: This means deep wisdom. The Igbo see wisdom as a gift from the gods, meant to serve the whole community, not just one person.
These beliefs shape how the Igbo think, make decisions, and relate to others.
How Igbo Philosophy Shapes Daily Life, Traditions, and Culture
Igbo people do not write down their philosophy. They live it and pass it through experience. It appears in:
• How they greet and respect elders.
• How they settle disputes through dialogue.
• Their belief that hard work and honesty lead to success.
• Their understanding that life must stay balanced between people, nature, and spiritual forces.
This way of life has preserved Igbo culture for centuries. Their traditions follow strong values that help them thrive wherever they go.
In the next section, we will explore the Igbo view of the world, their belief in the connection between all things, and how they maintain balance between the physical and spiritual realms.
The Igbo Worldview: Understanding Life Beyond the Physical
Igbo people believe life extends beyond what they can see or touch. They see the world as a connection between the physical and spiritual. Nothing happens by chance. A good harvest, an illness, or sudden luck all come from unseen forces. To live well, they strive to keep these forces in balance.
The Three Realms of Existence in Igbo Belief
The Igbo see life as three connected realms, each shaping human destiny.
• Uwa Mmadu (The Human World): People live in this physical world with nature, animals, and each other. They farm, trade, marry, and raise families. The Igbo believe every action in this world has effects beyond what the eyes can see.
• Uwa Mmuo (The Spirit World): Spirits, including deities (arusi) and ancestors (ndi ichie), exist beyond human sight. They guide and protect the living but bring misfortune if ignored or disrespected.
• Ala Mmadu (The Underworld): Souls rest here after death and wait to be reborn through reincarnation (ilo uwa). The Igbo believe people return to continue their journey. Families often recognize ancestors in newborns through familiar traits.
These three worlds stay connected. What happens in one affects the others, so people must live in a way that keeps everything in balance.
The Spiritual Forces That Shape Life in Igbo Belief
The Igbo believe spiritual forces shape their lives. These forces include:
• Chukwu: The supreme god who created everything. Chukwu holds the highest power but stays distant, letting lesser gods handle daily matters.
• Ala: The Earth goddess who governs fertility, morality, and justice. The Igbo believe the land belongs to her. Harming it through broken laws or bad farming brings punishment.
• Chi: A personal spirit that guides each person’s life. The Igbo believe effort matters, but Chi also plays a role in shaping destiny.
They say, “Onye kwe, Chi ya ekwe”. “If you agree, your Chi agrees.”
• Arusi: Deities that control different parts of life, like wealth, health, and protection. Families and communities worship specific Arusi to seek blessings and guidance.
Life Among Spirits: The Igbo Connection to the Unseen World
The Igbo believe that to live well, they must keep a balance between the physical world and the spiritual. These unseen forces affect everything in life, from success to misfortune. They maintain this balance through prayers, traditions, and righteous living. The Igbo stay connected to these forces through;
- Prayers and Offerings: Offering kola nuts, pouring palm wine, and making sacrifices to honor ancestors and seek blessings from the gods.
- Festivals and Rituals: Holding ceremonies to ask for guidance, receive blessings, and maintain harmony with the spirits.
- Elders’ Wisdom: As guardians of tradition, elders lead rituals, settle disputes, and ensure the community remains in balance with the spiritual world.
For the Igbo, honoring this balance is the key to a good and fulfilled life.
Ndi Ichie: How Ancestors Guide and Influence Igbo Life
In Igbo philosophy, the dead do not disappear. They remain in the spirit world and watch over their families. Ancestors protect, guide, and bless their living relatives, but only if their families honor them with prayers, food offerings, and rituals.
Neglecting them brings misfortune, illness, or bad luck. To show respect, many families pour out drinks or set aside food during special occasions, inviting their ancestors to join the celebration.
Next, we will explore the Igbo belief in destiny, personal responsibility, and the guiding spirit that shapes each person’s journey.
Chi na Eke: How Destiny and Free Will Shape Igbo Life
The Igbo believe life’s journey follows destiny but depends on hard work and effort. Chi na Eke explains this balance between fate and human action.
Every person is born with a Chi, a personal spiritual force that shapes their path. Some describe it as a divine fingerprint assigned by Chukwu, the supreme creator. But having a strong Chi is not enough. The Igbo believe hard work and responsibility matter just as much. They often say:
“Onye kwe, Chi ya ekwe” – “When one agrees, their personal god agrees too.”
This means destiny and success depend on a person’s willpower and determination. If you believe in yourself and take action, your Chi aligns with your efforts and supports you. Success is not handed out; it comes when a person works hard, makes the right choices, and stays disciplined.
Balancing Fate and Effort in Igbo Belief
The Igbo see life as a balance between Eke (fate) and Olu (effort). Some things, like family background or natural talents, are beyond human control. But how a person develops those talents and faces challenges determines their success.
For example, a person destined for wealth (Eke) must still work hard (Olu) and make smart decisions. Someone with a difficult fate can overcome struggles with perseverance and determination.
Reincarnation (Ilo Uwa): A Second Chance at Destiny
The Igbo believe life continues after death. Souls return through reincarnation to fulfill their purpose. Ancestors come back through their descendants, and families often recognize familiar traits in newborns. A child’s characteristics, talents, or preferences may remind them of a relative who has passed.
Reincarnation ensures that no destiny is lost. If someone fails to complete their purpose in one life, they return to finish it in another. This belief strengthens the idea that life moves in a continuous cycle, with each return offering new chances for growth and redemption.
Conclusion
The Igbo way of life balances destiny and effort, the physical and spiritual, and the individual and the community. But beyond personal beliefs, justice, and family keep society strong. Next, we’ll look at how the Igbo ensure fairness, resolve conflicts, and keep their communities united through justice, family ties, and collective decision-making.
Coming Up Next:
- Ofo na Ogu: The Igbo principles of truth, justice, and morality.
- Umu Nna: The extended family system that provides support and guidance.
- Umu Ada: The daughters of the lineage who play a key role in social matters.
- Ohanaeze: The collective community where decisions are made for the common good.
Bibliography
- Dr. T. Uzodimma, Nwala. 1985, Igbo Philosophy, Lantern Books, Ikeja.
- Ogbaa Kalu, PhD. 1995, Igbo, Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, NYC.
- The British Museum – www.britishmuseum.org