Nigeria’s foundation as a nation is solidly built on its enviable socio-cultural diversity, a blessing that can be maximised for the greater good though the reality shows this beloved country has suffered more for it. The people of Edo state are known as tradition keepers, hate it or love it.
A recent traditional ceremony which requires women to go half-naked while young boys are initiated into adulthood, was held in the state. This is one of the many cultural celebrations where nudity is considered an indispensable part.
Pictures taken at the event were posted on Facebook, and people have aired their opinions on a culture which some of them described as “weird and bizzare”.
Critics are yet to figure out the relationship between nudity and a boy’s transition to manhood.
Worse still, the fact that those men at the event were all clothed while women who have nothing to do with such celebrations are made to strip naked, calls for an immediate action from human rights activists.
Isn’t this an an outright violation of women’s rights?
The ceremony was reportedly held on 29 October in Lulehaland, Uzebba, Edo state, according to a report from Tori.ng
The Facebook user who shared the information is known as Comrade Osiki Odion. He wrote: “I want to officially, traditionally and culturally thank friends who grace the age grade celebration in my community Uzebba-Iuleha, Owan West, Edo State, Nigeria for their show of love and belief in promoting and encouraging the values and essence of our culture.
“Of importance, there is none like this culture in the entire globe.
“To my Facebook friends I love and cherish your comments.
“Our aim is to put this age-long tradition in the global scene for it to attract local, national and international tourism.
“We as children of Africa must not allow our Reverend culture to go into extinction. Our names, our language, our greetings, our dressing, our marriage, our naming, our cooperation, our administrative tradition, our economic and social values must stand us out in the world.
“Thanks. Our ancestors will continue to bless you all. ESE.”
“I am just wondering why I am not seeing any manhood displayed since its manhood celebration,” a concerned citizen asked after seeing the pictures.
“Nice one, I don’t poke nose into what I don’t know our cultural heritage must not go into extinction because of the so called civilization. Those bickering about this need to be schooled historically about the need for the renaissance of our cherished traditions,” another netizen argued in defense of the tradition.
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