In traditional Yorubaland, truthfulness is one of the highest virtues expected of an elder. It is considered a grave moral failing—almost a taboo—for an elderly person to be found telling lies or living a life of falsehood.
Elders are revered as custodians of wisdom, integrity, and moral authority. They are expected to be above reproach, honourable in conduct, and exemplary in character. Their words are meant to inspire confidence and command respect. Even when an elder makes a mistake, our culture expects such a person to acknowledge it with dignity rather than resort to falsehood, for nothing diminishes an elder’s honour more than being known as a liar.
This is one of the enduring values of the Yoruba Omolúàbí ethos. It places our elders on a moral pedestal, recognising that age should be accompanied by truthfulness, wisdom, and honour. Such standards have long served as the foundation of trust, respect, and social harmony within our families and communities.
As we preserve our cultural heritage, we must also preserve this noble expectation—that our elders remain worthy examples of integrity for younger generations to emulate.
-Chief Abiodun Lasile DL MnbR
Orunto Baalufe Owu Kingdom Abeokuta
