Otito (truth)

Spotlight on the eight attributes of the Omoluabi

This is post #9.

We acknowledge the Almighty OLODUMARE. The one who is ÒYO ÌWÀ (the Creator of Existence) and salute every man, woman and child.

We salute the home-born and the stranger - Ìbà ọ!

In our last post, we examined the third of the eight attributes of an Omoluabi - Inu rere (good mind toward others).

Over the next while, we will spotlight these other attributes. They are as follows:

1. Oro siso (sound speech),

2. Iteriba (respect),

3. Inu rere (good mind toward others),

4. Otito (truth),

5. Iwa pele (gentle conduct),

6. Akinkanju (bravery),

7. Ise sise (diligence) and

8. Opolopipe (intelligence).

No matter how long a lie masquerade as truth, truth will be revealed.

To the Omoluabi, Otito (truth) also called Òótó (that which is right) is a crucial virtue.

In a world where lies often masquerade as truth, one must side with truth, and doing this may mean you have to stand alone because as the Yorubas say, “Aiyekooto (truth is scorned at)”.

See, truth is very bitter (otito korò).

There aren’t many today who cherish truth; many-A-people are out to get gain at all cost, and are prepared to sacrifice just about anything, and anyone on the ignoble altar of material gain.

The Omoluabi will not be numbered with those who are greedy for filthy lucre.

An Omoluabi is not the type that reject truth; even if and when confronted with it, after a mistake or lapse in character.

We are not infallible and none of us is without error.

Polopolo ti a na ni popa, eni ti o ba ta ba, ko ma fi se ibinu (truth is a respecter of no man)

To the person who rejects truth when confronted with it, we say in the eternal Yoruba language that “ara ę ko òótó (you despise truth)".

A prudent fellow courts truth and will in no wise wrestle her.

As an Omoluabi, we are to listen to correction and change our ways if we are on the wrong path.

The Omoluabi is one who is toeing the right path. The omoluabi is a friend of truth.

We must always stand with the truth because no matter how long a lie masquerade as truth, truth will be revealed.

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Ti a ba so Òótó, a o ku (If we tell the truth, we will die)

Ti a o ba so Òótó, a o ku (If we lie, we will die)

Ka wi be, ka ba be ni iyi Omoluabi (Telling the truth is the hallmark of good character)

Enu opuro kii se eje, iro ni n pa (The mouth of a liar does not bleed blood, but lies)

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May it be well with us today and next - Àṣẹ Wàá!