Ego Mbute Phenomenon: Towards A Rediscovery of Igbo Philosophy of Wealth

Abstract

The work is concerned with ego mbute phenomenon that is preponderant among the contemporary generation of young Igbos. Using the method of hermeneutics, it x-rays the nature of this phenomenon and its attraction. It further elucidates on its characteristic features It discovers that the fundamental feature is the absolutization of wealth and materialism. An interesting feature includes also ritualization and spiritualization of economic space. Given the danger which this absolutization portends and the plethora of social ills it engenders, the work moves for a displacement of ego mbute ideology using the Igbo philosophy of wealth. In the articulation of this philosophy, the work digs into the goldmine of Igbo proverbs and names which are shown to be reservoirs of principles and values of Ndi Igbo. It shows that this philosophy while specially valuing wealth, does not absolutize it. It rather subjects wealth to hierarchy of values, moral and communalist principles, all of which constrain one against all forms of social ills and ultraindividualism in the quest for quick money and wealth. Employing a hermeneutics of metaphysics of Ikenga, a symbol of drive for power and success in Igbo cosmology, the work discovers that economic success Igbo worldview while having the possibility of being a predetermined reality is nevertheless and importantly predicated on toil, endurance, struggle, diligence and discipline. It is the concatenation of these values implicit in Igbo philosophy of wealth that is embodied in the elegance and regally exuded by the ‘ogalanya’ as the morphological analysis of the word shows, otherwise there is a degeneration into empty exhibitionism of the contemporary ego mbute phenomenon.