BY
Etim
Eyo
MODERNIZATION
DOES NOT MEAN MODIFICATION
Firstly, modernization as is being referred to here is NOT suggesting that Edo people or anyone else for that matter, abandon age-old traditions, nor even modify the traditions as they currently exist - I do not believe that the traditions of any culture can be modified in this fashion i.e. by will of a 3rd party (except possibly in a hostile takeover or invasion scenario which is no longer plausible), but the more likely occurrence for modification, of traditions that exist, is only by either revolt of those who are directly subject to the culture, or modification effected by those who hold absolute authority within it. - So, as long as people accept a tradition and agree to be bound by it, it is a forgone conclusion that it will remain in place. There is no threat to it - Those European monarchies referred to earlier in this thread did not disappear because they felt like going away, but they were forced out under pain of death by their subjects - the same goes for all the modifications to the traditional role of Europe's surviving monarchies e.g the British monarchy.
The "modernization" that is being suggested here, however, takes into account the fact that the historical significance, and current day existence, of the Kingdom of Benin, and indeed, all other cultures that exist in Nigeria today, now have broader relevance to a collective "Nigerian" people, beyond those who are native to the culture.
The modernization that therefore needs to occur is one implemented to foster a greater understanding and respect for the culture, by "other" Nigerians. This begins with the existence of stable, accurate, accounts and records of the traditions, customs and people. In this case, the Edo. A greater understanding derived from this written, digitized and freely accessible record will act as a reference point by which these "others" are enabled to defer to what is in reality, an alien culture.
Another modern benefit that documentation of all cultures and traditions will provide, is the political elevation to the appropriate national significance and national consideration that each culture representing a group of Nigerian people deserves. This is a vitally needed occurrence within the current day cacophony of imposed and insufficient political structures that would make relevant, these traditional institutions that by all indication are still revered and trusted by their subjects. This might likely support a more natural federal and/or social contract than what exists today. Without documentation, which is the modernization we are referring to, there is literally no starting point beyond the dim bloviation of opportunists with little or no integrity. When nothing is written and everything is shrouded in secrecy, it gives rise to suspicion and conspiracy theory which anyone can see is the order-of-the-day within our very complex union.
The point is that, more than just Edo people (and "Edo" is interchangeable here for any other Nigerian culture), are proud of the Benin Kingdom heritage. As Nigerians we have all be come inheritors of the customs and traditions of this land and we ALL must work together to protect our inheritance but there must first be an openness amongst us. Documentation is the modernization step that we are talking about.
Firstly, modernization as is being referred to here is NOT suggesting that Edo people or anyone else for that matter, abandon age-old traditions, nor even modify the traditions as they currently exist - I do not believe that the traditions of any culture can be modified in this fashion i.e. by will of a 3rd party (except possibly in a hostile takeover or invasion scenario which is no longer plausible), but the more likely occurrence for modification, of traditions that exist, is only by either revolt of those who are directly subject to the culture, or modification effected by those who hold absolute authority within it. - So, as long as people accept a tradition and agree to be bound by it, it is a forgone conclusion that it will remain in place. There is no threat to it - Those European monarchies referred to earlier in this thread did not disappear because they felt like going away, but they were forced out under pain of death by their subjects - the same goes for all the modifications to the traditional role of Europe's surviving monarchies e.g the British monarchy.
The "modernization" that is being suggested here, however, takes into account the fact that the historical significance, and current day existence, of the Kingdom of Benin, and indeed, all other cultures that exist in Nigeria today, now have broader relevance to a collective "Nigerian" people, beyond those who are native to the culture.
The modernization that therefore needs to occur is one implemented to foster a greater understanding and respect for the culture, by "other" Nigerians. This begins with the existence of stable, accurate, accounts and records of the traditions, customs and people. In this case, the Edo. A greater understanding derived from this written, digitized and freely accessible record will act as a reference point by which these "others" are enabled to defer to what is in reality, an alien culture.
Another modern benefit that documentation of all cultures and traditions will provide, is the political elevation to the appropriate national significance and national consideration that each culture representing a group of Nigerian people deserves. This is a vitally needed occurrence within the current day cacophony of imposed and insufficient political structures that would make relevant, these traditional institutions that by all indication are still revered and trusted by their subjects. This might likely support a more natural federal and/or social contract than what exists today. Without documentation, which is the modernization we are referring to, there is literally no starting point beyond the dim bloviation of opportunists with little or no integrity. When nothing is written and everything is shrouded in secrecy, it gives rise to suspicion and conspiracy theory which anyone can see is the order-of-the-day within our very complex union.
The point is that, more than just Edo people (and "Edo" is interchangeable here for any other Nigerian culture), are proud of the Benin Kingdom heritage. As Nigerians we have all be come inheritors of the customs and traditions of this land and we ALL must work together to protect our inheritance but there must first be an openness amongst us. Documentation is the modernization step that we are talking about.
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