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W?r? ?l?s?: the Profound Metaphor for the Incongruities Within Nigerian Society.
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Social Behaviour
Abstract
The Yoruba proverb "W?R? ?L?S?" (Madman in Clothing) serves as a profound metaphor for the incongruities within Nigerian society, highlighting the disconnect between appearance and underlying social realities. This study explores how this proverb encapsulates various societal abnormalities in economics, politics, religion, culture, academia, and interpersonal relationships, revealing a collective madness where societal norms and individual behaviours clash. Through qualitative analysis, including interviews and case studies, this research examines the historical roots, philosophical underpinnings, and contemporary manifestations of "W?R? ?L?S?." It critiques the absurdity of societal practices and proposes sustainable interventions across economic, political, religious, cultural, and health sectors to address these contradictions, aiming for social reform and the restoration of societal sanity.
How to cite this paper
@article{1707426,
author = {Dr. Philip Akinmurele},
title = {W?r? ?l?s?: the Profound Metaphor for the Incongruities Within Nigerian Society.},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {9},
pages = {1638-1649},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1707426.pdf},
abstract = {The Yoruba proverb "W?R? ?L?S?" (Madman in Clothing) serves as a profound metaphor for the incongruities within Nigerian society, highlighting the disconnect between appearance and underlying social realities. This study explores how this proverb encapsulates various societal abnormalities in economics, politics, religion, culture, academia, and interpersonal relationships, revealing a collective madness where societal norms and individual behaviours clash. Through qualitative analysis, including interviews and case studies, this research examines the historical roots, philosophical underpinnings, and contemporary manifestations of "W?R? ?L?S?." It critiques the absurdity of societal practices and proposes sustainable interventions across economic, political, religious, cultural, and health sectors to address these contradictions, aiming for social reform and the restoration of societal sanity.},
month = {March},
}