Kunle Bakare the power behind bespoke clothes and related fashion pieces, Omoluwabi By KB continues his niche carving narratives on stepping the best foot forward with the latest churned out tittled ‘Manners maketh man’: live the ethos of Omoluwabi, Ezigbo mmadu, Mutunci and more (2).

It reads…

There is no reason whatsoever to be crude, cruel and crass! No excuse at all as long as you inhabit this wonderful world (made livable and enjoyable by courtesy, consideration for the well-being of all, kindness and more).

Etiquette dates so far back in the history of mankind that its significance is humongous. From Lao Tzu, Confucius and Aristotle to Cicero, Plutarch, Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, they wrote about civility, propriety, humaneness, respect and self-control long before this current calendar was calibrated.[1]

These codes of good form have also always been part of the timeless customs and traditions of African peoples.

In Nigeria, we—the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and more (the 370 ethnic groups)—have these norms and values of good manners and kindness rooted in our cultures.[2]

From Omoluwabi, Ezigbo mmadu, Mutunci and more, we embrace the virtues and principles that promote amity and progress and advancement to the benefit of all.

The Omoluwabi parades noble character traits which highlight being humane, civilised and refined as sacrosanct:

o Ọrọ sisọ (spoken word, the Yoruba accord great respect for intelligent and expert use of language).
o Itẹriba (respect).
o Inu rere (good will, having a good mind towards others).
o Otitọ (truth).
o Iwa (character).
o Igboya (bravery ) personified by an ‘Akinkanju’.
o Ișẹ (hard work).
o Ọpọlọ pipe (intelligence).

The virtues and values expanded to 33 attributes— accountability, adaptability , compassion, community-mindedness, courage, creativity, diligence, empathy, excellence, fairness, forgiveness, generosity, gratitude, honesty, hospitality, humility, integrity, justice, kindness, loyalty, open mindedness, patience, perseverance, pride (positive self-esteem), resourcefulness, respect, respect for tradition and heritage, responsibility, self-control, self-discipline, spiritual awareness (connection to something greater), tolerance and wisdom— are the signposts for the Yoruba.

In Igbo culture, Ezigbo mmadu embodies the ethos of the well-bred and well-behaved:

o Good character (Ọmẹnta): possession of a strong moral compass and behaving with integrity.
o Respect (Ụzọ): showing respect to elders, tradition, and community values.
o Humility (Ọnụọgụ): remaining humble and grounded despite achievements.
o Compassion (Ụrọ): demonstrating empathy and kindness towards others.
o Fairness (Ụzọọkụ): striving to be just and fair in your dealings.
o Responsibility (Ọrụ): taking ownership of your actions and consequences.
o Discipline (Ụzọụwa): exhibiting self-control and restraint in your words and actions.
o Wisdom (Ịmẹnta): possessing sound judgment and good counsel.
o Hospitality (Ọkụkọ): showing warmth and generosity towards guests and strangers.
o Community-oriented (Ọha): prioritizing the well-being of the community and work for the common good.

Individuals who live and breathe these ethos are highly valued in Igbo society, and their presence is considered a blessing to their families and communities. They serve as role models, inspiring others to cultivate these virtues and embody the ezigbo mmadu ethos.

In Hausa culture, a person who embodies Mutunci typically exhibits the following traits:

o Dignity (Kirku): they carry themselves with grace and self-respect.
o Respect (Hattara): they show respect to others, regardless of status or position.
o Integrity (Kirki): they are truthful, transparent, and morally upright.
o Self-esteem (Koshin Kansa): they have a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
o Humility (Rashin Tsoro): they remain humble and grounded despite their accomplishments.
o Compassion (Rahma): they show empathy and kindness towards others.
o Fairness (Adalci): they strive to be just and fair in their dealings.
o Responsibility (Iyaye): they take ownership of their actions and their consequences.
o Discipline (Tsauri): they exhibit self-control and restraint in their words and actions.
o Wisdom (Hikima): they possess sound judgment and good counsel.

For us, good manners, courtesy and kindness are far more important and rated higher than being serenaded on the best-dressed list as a stylish and fashion-forward aficionado. Good form saves us from savagery, barbarism, cruelty and more!

Being well-dressed counts for a lot, but it doesn’t come close to good behavior and compassion. Etiquette defines humanity, elevates civilization and fast tracks development.

‘Manners maketh man,’ the phrase popularized by William Horman (1440–1535) in his collection of everyday sayings and phrases in Vulgaria, published in 1519, summarizes our essence.[3]

The legendary headmaster of Eton College and teacher at Winchester College (both schools in England rooted in deep British tradition of molding gentlemen with noble characters) anchored the ethos which preached that etiquette, good manners and kindness prevent brutality, heartlessness and primitiveness.

The timeless wisdom of ‘manners maketh man’ reminds us that true greatness lies in noble character traits like kindness, respect, and integrity. And our beloved homegrown ethos of Omoluwabi, Ezigbo mmadu, Mutunci, and more—where courtesy, compassion and civility reign— prioritize all the values and virtues that colour the world wondrous and meaningful.

-Kunle Bakare for Omoluwabi by KB (05.07.2024)