By Uche J. Udenka
Ndi Igbo people of SouthEast Nigeria are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, industriousness, and cultural emphasis on success. However, in recent decades, a phenomenon of excessive materialism and the ostentatious display of wealth has become prevalent within Igbo communities. This practice, while indicative of economic success, raises profound social, ethical, and cultural concerns, particularly when it manifests as a disregard for traditional values and ethics. Come with me, let’s analyze the implications of the flagrant, callous, and ostentatious display of wealth, the adoption of loud titles and names, and the erosion of ethical foundations within the context of Igbo society.
The Culture of Wealth and Material Display
In traditional Igbo society, wealth was celebrated as a measure of hard work, industriousness, and contribution to the community. However, wealth was expected to be earned through honest labor, trading, farming, craftsmanship, or other productive endeavors. The community highly valued wealth that served collective interests, such as funding communal projects, supporting extended families, or contributing to cultural activities. Today, these values are being eroded by the increasing focus on materialism and personal aggrandizement. The ostentatious display of wealth has taken center stage, with expensive houses, luxurious cars, flamboyant parties, and designer clothing becoming the dominant markers of success. These displays often go beyond the realm of reasonable comfort or prestige to project an image of superiority and exclusivity. In some cases, such displays serve as a tool for gaining societal validation or asserting dominance over peers. The consequences of this trend are multifaceted and include the fostering of unhealthy competition, envy, and societal divisions.
The Callousness in Wealth Display
One of the troubling aspects of this phenomenon is the disregard for the economic realities of the broader society. Nigeria remains a developing country with a significant portion of its population living below the poverty line. For many, access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and food remains a daily struggle. Against this backdrop, the flagrant display of wealth by a privileged few is not only callous but also deeply insensitive. Lavish parties, where millions are spent on decorations, food, and entertainment, occur within communities where many cannot afford to eat. Such extravagance highlights the growing inequality within Igbo society, contributing to feelings of alienation and resentment among those who struggle to make ends meet. Moreover, the callous disregard for the collective well-being reflects a shift away from the communal ethos that once defined Igbo culture.
The Adoption of Loud Names and Titles
Another manifestation of this materialistic culture is the adoption of loud and self-aggrandizing names and titles that emphasize wealth. Titles such as , “Aku Atata” (Wealth will never finish), and “Eze Ego” (King of Money), “Ana enwe obodo enwe” (Only the strong and the rich can direct the affairs of the town) have become popular, often reflecting the bearer’s affluence rather than their character or contribution to society. While titles have historically been part of Igbo culture, they were traditionally earned through merit, wisdom, and service to the community. The modern trend of attaching titles to wealth, irrespective of the source, undermines their cultural and moral significance. It sends the message that success is measured solely by financial power, not by integrity, character, or community impact. This shift has contributed to the normalization of questionable and even illicit paths to wealth acquisition, as long as the end result confers social status and recognition.
Questionable Sources of Wealth
A significant concern is the lack of scrutiny over the sources of wealth in contemporary Igbo society. Traditionally, Igbo culture emphasized accountability and transparency, with elders playing a critical role in questioning and verifying wealth accumulation. Today, there is a growing tendency to celebrate wealth regardless of its origins, leading to the glorification of individuals engaged in fraudulent activities, political corruption, drug trafficking, and other unethical practices. The lack of accountability has contributed to a culture where young people aspire to “make it” at all costs, often prioritizing quick riches over legitimate and sustainable means of income. This culture erodes the ethical fabric of society, discourages honest labor, and encourages a get-rich-quick mentality that undermines the values of hard work and perseverance.
Disregard for Values and Ethics
The growing obsession with material wealth and titles has led to the abandonment of traditional values and ethics that once defined Igbo society. Humility, respect for elders, communal responsibility, and integrity are being overshadowed by selfishness, arrogance, and greed. Wealth now dictates social status, often sidelining individuals who have contributed to society through education, arts, or humanitarian efforts but lack financial clout. This shift in values has far-reaching consequences, particularly for younger generations. The emphasis on material wealth creates a distorted value system where financial success is seen as the ultimate goal, regardless of the means to achieve it. Ethical boundaries are blurred, and the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly ambiguous. This moral decline not only affects individuals but also undermines the social fabric, breeding mistrust, corruption, and disunity.
Socio-Cultural Implications
The socio-cultural implications of this trend are profound. The Igbo concept of “Igwebuike” (strength in unity) is being replaced by individualism and selfish pursuits. The communal spirit that once defined Igbo society is giving way to a fragmented community where wealth serves as the primary determinant of status and influence. Traditional institutions, such as the “umunna”(extended family) and “ndi ichie” (council of elders), are losing their relevance as wealth becomes the primary arbiter of power and decision-making. They are replaced by such cycles as “ Billionaires Club.” Furthermore, the pressure to conform to this materialistic culture has led to a loss of cultural identity. Younger generations are increasingly disconnected from traditional values, as the pursuit of wealth overshadows the importance of preserving cultural heritage. This disconnection threatens the continuity of Igbo culture, as values such as communal support, respect for elders, and ethical integrity are no longer prioritized.
Toward a Cultural Renaissance
Addressing the issues associated with the ostentatious display of wealth and disregard for values requires a collective effort to revive the ethical and cultural foundations of Igbo society. Key steps include: Reinforcing Ethical Standards: Community leaders, elders, and institutions must play a more active role in promoting ethical standards and scrutinizing the sources of wealth. Celebrating individuals who achieve success through honest and legitimate means can serve as a counter-narrative to the current materialistic culture.
Promoting Education and Awareness: Education can serve as a powerful tool for instilling values of integrity, hard work, and community responsibility. Schools, religious organizations, and cultural institutions should prioritize teaching these values to younger generations. Reviving Traditional Institutions: Strengthening traditional institutions, such as councils of elders and cultural associations, can help restore accountability and ethical behavior. These institutions should actively engage in mentoring and guiding younger generations.
Celebrating Non-Material Success: Communities should place greater emphasis on celebrating achievements in areas such as education, innovation, community service, and the arts. This shift can help redefine success beyond material wealth.
Encouraging Philanthropy and Communal Responsibility: Wealthy individuals should be encouraged to invest in their communities through philanthropy, infrastructure development, and support for social programs. This approach aligns with traditional Igbo values of communal responsibility and collective progress.
The flagrant, callous, and ostentatious display of wealth among Ndi Igbo is a reflection of broader societal challenges, including the erosion of values, the glorification of materialism, and the lack of ethical accountability. While economic success is commendable, it should not come at the expense of cultural and moral integrity. By addressing these issues through education, ethical reinforcement, and the revival of traditional values, Igbo society can strike a balance between material progress and cultural preservation. Only by reclaiming its ethical and communal foundations can Igbo society ensure sustainable progress and unity for future generations.
•Uche J. Udenka
Social & Political Analyst
#AfricaVisionAdvancementTrust