Image credit: James C. Lewis
Freedom of information is generally assumed to be an invention of contemporary liberal and democratic societies of the western hemisphere. This write-up takes us to the African roots of both concepts, using an indigenous practice in Okhuesan, a village in Southern Nigeria as a signpost. In the midst of the excesses of monarchs and demagogues, a peculiar style of freedom of information and whistle-blowing developed and flourished.
Freedom of information and whistle-blowing in this context was orchestrated through a practice called Ikhio. It set aside a day in which tradition and the authorities provide protection for members of the community willing to volunteer information about anything or anybody, irrespective of status. The idea was to” lay it bear, say it as it is”, although satires were also entertained. There were no sacred cows, none was considered untouchable, and even the king was not spared.
The practice fostered vigilance, and inclusiveness through the freedom of expression. It encouraged good conduct and discouraged vices because of the possibility of their being reported on the D-day. It was, indeed, a day of reckoning as inappropriate conduct was exposed. The practice, therefore, was a factor in behaviour modification.
The whistle-blowers of the Ikhio day were free from prosecution. But tradition and taboos made truthfulness and good conscience conditions for participation. The Ikhio tradition is fast becoming a thing of the past because of western influence on indigenous practices in Africa.
Africans lived in majestic empires and kingdoms and have set up a system of government that negate the assumption that Freedom of information is an invention of contemporary liberal and democratic societies of the western hemisphere. This write-up takes us to the African roots of both concepts, using an indigenous practice in Okhuesan, a village in Southern Nigeria as a signpost. In the midst of the excesses of monarchs and demagogues, a peculiar style of freedom of information and whistle-blowing developed and flourished.
Freedom of information and whistle-blowing in this context was orchestrated through a practice called ikhio. It set aside a day in which tradition and the authorities provide protection for members of the community willing to volunteer information about anything or anybody, irrespective of status. The idea was to” lay it bear, say it as it is”, although satires were also entertained. There were no sacred cows, none was considered untouchable, and even the king was not spared.
The practice fostered vigilance, and inclusiveness through the freedom of expression. It encouraged good conduct and discouraged vices because of the possibility of their being reported on the D-day. It was, indeed, a day of reckoning as inappropriate conduct was exposed. The practice, therefore, was a factor in behaviour modification.
The whistle-blowers of the ikhio day were free from prosecution. But tradition and taboos made truthfulness and good conscience conditions for participation. The ikhio tradition is fast becoming a thing of the past because of western influence on indigenous practices in Africa.
Looking forward to reading about parallels from your community.
What was your experience with other practices in your community?
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