By Mudiare Onobrakpeya - Lagos, Nigeria 

Taken from my diary notes this morning Oct 1st, Nigeria's day of Independence 63 years ago. The expression Ota Gbinowe in Urhobo language, asks the question Will the Future be Good or Bad? It is the title of Bruce Onobrakpeya’s 1974 artwork.

Bruce Onobrakpeya tells us about Ota Gbinowe, which imparts valuable lessons about the pursuit of a better destiny and the consequences of one's choices. The story revolves around a dissatisfied man who embarks on a journey to the spirit world, seeking an improved fate. However, his encounter with an assembly in the spirit world, presided over by a flying spirit, with a white chalk on one hand and a sword on the other hand, leads to a profound revelation.

The man's inability to find his creator in the spirit world symbolizes the elusive nature of divine intervention in our lives. It underscores the idea that seeking external solutions to our problems may not always yield the desired results. This serves as a reminder that true transformation often begins from within.

The assembly scene, with the flying spirit holding a white chalk and a sword, serves as a powerful metaphor. The white chalk represents wisdom gained from past experiences, emphasizing the importance of learning from history. It suggests that societies or individuals who make decisions based on accumulated knowledge and selflessness are destined for a better future. On the other hand, the sword of destruction symbolizes the grim consequences of selfishness, corruption, and an unwillingness to learn from past mistakes. This part of the narrative teaches us that the choices we make have far-reaching implications, affecting the course of our lives and the world around us.

The oracle's explanation reinforces the narrative's lessons. It emphasizes the need to apply the wisdom of Ota Gbinowe to one's life. By doing so, an individual can align their actions with the principles of learning from the past, avoiding selfishness, and contributing positively to the future. This advice conveys the idea that personal growth and the reshaping of one's future begin with self-awareness and a commitment to making choices that reflect wisdom and selflessness.

In essence, Ota Gbinowe by Onobrakpeya serves as a parable, urging us to look within ourselves for answers, learn from our past experiences, and make choices that align with the principles of wisdom and selflessness. It reminds us that our destiny is shaped not only by external forces but also by the decisions we make and the values we uphold.

May the Spirit of OTA GBINOWE be with us in the month of October.

Mudiare Onobrakpeya

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