Òwé Yorùbá: Eni tí óbá se oun tí enìkan kò serí

Yoruba Proverbs, their meanings and usage

Òwe Yorùbá

Eni tí óbá se oun tí enìkan kò serí, ojúurè árí oun tí enìkan kò rírí.

Yoruba Proverb

He who does what no man has done will see what no man has seen.

Meaning

Every actions come with consequences, and he who take certain actions should be ready to face the consequences.

Usage

This Yoruba Proverb is used to remind people, especially young lads that feel they could do anything they wish, this proverb warns them of impending dangers or consequences that may follow their actions.

This proverb is also be used on someone who finds him/herself in a difficult situation as a result of their past actions. Yoruba people use this proverb to remind such person that their current situation or catastrophe is a result of their past actions. For example, "Eni tí óbá se oun tí enìkan kò serí, ojúurè árí oun tí enìkan kò rírí. Òun l'ódé'lè yí oo, yáa máa ran." Meaning, "He who does what no man has done will see what no man has seen. Now this is what you were warned about, you should prepare to deal with it."

It is also used as caution to convince someone against a dangerous actions as the older or the wiser person might have seen the looming danger or might have actually experienced it.

Moral

Some actions are really dangerous, be cautious when taking rash decision as you might not be able to bear their consequences alone. All actions have consequences,  take actions you'll be able to bear their consequences alone.

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