From The Perspective Of African Proverbs, Iwuanyanwu, Ubah, And Onyeka Still Live

There is no denying the fact that African proverbs and sayings are elements of African cultures that have been passed down through generations for centuries. They echo the cultural values, beliefs, and wisdom of African societies, throwing insight into their history, customs, and way of life. In many African cultures, storytelling is a key part of the oral tradition and is used to share knowledge, entertain, and preserve cultural heritage. In fact, African proverbs and sayings are often used in storytelling as a way of conveying messages, lessons, and wisdom to listeners.

To explanatorily put it, African proverbs are short, concise sayings that convey moral lessons, advice, or truths about life. They are often metaphorical and use vivid imagery drawn from nature, daily life, and community interactions. These proverbs are an integral part of African oral traditions and are used in storytelling, teaching, and everyday conversations.

Against the backdrop of the foregoing facts, it is not surprising that a rich portfolio of African proverbs about life and death exists. This is as the African culture considers death as a normal aspect of life, and proverbs in that vein have remained important means of communication used in honouring the dead as well as have a deeper understanding of death.

For instance, the proverb, “Death does not knock on the door” aptly speaks to the recent deaths of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ifeanyi Ubah and most recently, Onyeka Onwuenu.

The proverb "Death does not knock on the door" is universally acknowledged across African societies. It signifies that when the time to die comes, nothing can avert it. In the context of Iwuanyanwu, Ubah, and Onyeka, this proverb underscores the inevitability of their passing, regardless of their status, accomplishments, or influence, death arrives without warning, sparing no one. It serves as a reminder that mortality is a shared human experience, transcending individual identities and societal roles. Their legacies, however, continue to live on, as good men's names persist even after death.

In a similar vein, “If you do not sleep because you do not want to die, you will die because you do not sleep” finds expression on the inevitability of death, and another African proverb says, “No matter how beautiful and well-crafted a coffin might look, it will not make anyone wish for death”, speaks to the dreadfulness which death conveys into the subconscious of everyone.

Also, another African proverb about death says, “If the rich could hire someone else to die for them, the poor would make a wonderful living”. The foregoing proverb, no doubt, throws insight to the fact that the rich are ready to pay any amount to stop death, but unfortunately, death is priceless as it does not have market value, therefore, it can neither be sold nor purchased.

In fact, still opining from proverbial perspective herein, is the one that says, “The only truly dead are those who have been forgotten. Interpretatively put, if you are a good person, even after death, your grave is loved. This is as another African proverb says “Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names”. In a similar vein, there are myriads of African sayings that find expression on the futility of death, and its powerlessness to kill.

Some of such proverbs cut across, “As long as a man lives, the entire world is too small for him; after death, the grave is big enough”, “Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was”, “There are two kinds of perfect people: dead and those who have not been born yet”, “Life is not separate from death. It only looks that way”, “Death is not the opposite of life but a part of it”, “For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one”, and “There is no rich person in a grave”.

Other proverbs include, “Death is like a robe everyone has to wear. No one can jump so high as to escape death”, “Only one thing in life is certain, death” and “The ugliest life is better than the nicest death”, “Life is the beginning of death” and “Death is always news”.

Other death-related African proverb says, “Who dies, dies, and who lives, lives”, “You will not live forever, so leave a legacy”, “Live your own life, for you will die your death”, “Everybody will undergo the sentence of the grave” and “There is a cure for everything except death”.

Against the forgoing proverbial backdrop, there is no denying the fact that in the tapestry of African culture that proverbs are threads that weave together wisdom, tradition, and communal understanding. Passed down through generations, these concise sayings encapsulate profound truths about life, relationships, and human nature.

In fact, in this context, it is germane to recall that the month of July 2024 has been marked by profound loss as the Igbo community mourns the passing of three iconic figures: Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and music gogdess Onyeka Onwenu. Their legacies, however, defy mortality, inspiring generations to come, and given their individual achievements, and against the foregoing proverbial backdrop, it is not out of place to opine that they still live.

For instance, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a towering figure in Nigeria's political and economic landscape, was an achiever, particularly as he through his vision and leadership in his earthly journey left an indelible mark. Markedly enough, his philanthropic efforts have touched countless lives, even as his legacy endures.

In a similar vein, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, celebrated for his entrepreneurial spirit, relentlessly drove economic growth in the Southeast. His businesses provided employment and opportunities, fostering development in the region.

Also in a similar vein, Onyeka Onwenu, the Elegant Stallion, as a revered musician, actress, and activist, transcended borders. Her songs resonated with millions, carrying messages of love, unity, and resilience. Her dedication to social justice made her a beloved figure worldwide.

In fact, as tributes pour in and vigils are held, we reflect on their profound impact. These remarkable individuals may have left this world, but their legacies continue to inspire, a testament to the power of vision, commitment, and unwavering dedication, and as African proverbs say, the threesome still live, they are not dead.

In fact the three remarkable individuals, when seen through the lens of African proverbs, no doubt thrive beyond the boundaries of mortality.