THE ETHICS OF ASO-EBI CULTURE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Aso-ebi culture originated from the Yorubas. The original idea of aso-ebi was for the easy identification of family members during a landmark event. It was also meant to serve as a means of reinforcing social identity and solidarity among group members. The culture has gained acceptance and spread across other ethnic groups in Nigeria. Despite the growing acceptance of aso-ebi, there are some practices that have ravaged it of recent, thereby questioning its relevance. The study, therefore, examine ethical issues relating to aso-ebi culture in Nigeria. The study administered questionnaires to 100 respondents in Lagos, Nigeria. A descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS, and it was found that aso-ebi culture had lost its original purpose. Instead of being a culture of solidarity, it has metamorphosed to serve as a medium of social strive, display of affluence, and discrimination against people, who are either unwilling or unable to buy aso-ebi.

Keywords: Ethics, Aso-ebi, Culture, Yorubas, Nigeria