Proverb #19

“Ogbu opi, n'efichaa imi.” 

This is a proverb which finds kinship with another in Hebrew culture. It's sense is shared with 'Thou shalt not muzzle the ox which treads out the corn' - from Deuteronomy 25 verse 4.  The apostle Paul, while trying to explain that  proverb to his more modern listeners noted that God had to be more interested in mere oxen; he concluded that a person facilitating some function had a tacit or implicit right to profit or benefit from that function. (From his first letter to the Corinthians 9 verses 9, 10).

In Igbo culture, you had musicians, praise singers and flutists, who served to add colour and verve to any festival. Any lucky hosts securing their services, can be pictured telling this proverb to the wards and helpers - not to forget to fill the clay cups of the musicians and their plates - nothing at all is said about kerchiefs.  As an extreme example, the proverb might be cited, while trying to justify bribe taking or other profiteering behaviour, but it needn't be cited. The Igbos recognise the manifest justice of the situation, literally - 'The flutist, gets to wipe his nose'.

The man pictured (half in the shadows) is my Dad, and he has been hand-making flutes for the past 3 or 4 years and is rather serious about the whole thing. You know, what they say, if you make a better mouse trap, the world beats a pathway to your door. How about flutes? Well, the man will give you one 'for free' too. So go on to Umunjam, Mbieri. Ask for Reverend Isiodu. He really will give you one and try his flat out best to assist you in coaxing some sound from this instrument. Well, good luck with that!  Yet don't forget, if you accept his gratis, then, don't forget his nose.

To See Reverend Eugene Isiodu, playing a Christmas Sample,
'Bianụ ndị okwukwe' or 'O come all ye faithful', visit.
To download some brief information about his ọpị or ọja. Visit

Angles and Anecdotes
By Kelechi Isiodu.
Contributed By Kelechi Una Isiodu, Umunjam, Mbieri.

for iFaT at ifont@groups.facebook.com

© ifont 2011, as it appears here.

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