The Yoruba Value System Explained

Last updated: January 7, 2026

The Yoruba Value System: Why Money Comes Last

In Yorùbáland, money has never occupied the highest place in the value system. Contrary to modern assumptions, owó is not the foundation of worth in Yoruba moral reasoning. In fact, money ranks sixth.

So what comes before it?

1. Làákà’yè — The Application of Knowledge and Wisdom

(Ogbón àti ìmò-òye)

The highest Yoruba value is not possession, but understanding. Làákà’yè represents the ability to apply knowledge with wisdom and discernment. It is not enough to know; one must know how, when, and why to act. A person without applied wisdom, regardless of wealth, is considered incomplete.

2. Ìwà Omolúàbí — Integrity and Upright Character

Integrity is central to Yoruba identity. Ìwà (character) defines the Omolúàbí — a person of honour, truth, and moral consistency.
Someone who lacks integrity, no matter how wealthy, is regarded as empty. In Yoruba thought, wealth without character has no value. Your word, your conduct, and your reliability define who you are.

3. Akínkanjú (Akín) — Valour and Courage

Courage is not optional in Yoruba society. Akínkanjú refers to bravery, resolve, and strength of spirit — especially in the face of danger.
This is why Balóguns (war leaders) traditionally stand just behind kings and chiefs. They are entrusted with leading people into battle when survival is at stake.
Cowardice attracts no respect in Yoruba culture; courage earns honour.

4. Anísélápá tí kìíse òle — A Visible and Lawful Means of Livelihood

Every respected person must be known for a legitimate means of sustenance. Anísélápá tí kìíse òle emphasises honest labour — work that is visible, lawful, and socially acceptable.
Wealth acquired through deceit, coercion, or exploitation is rejected. One’s profession must sustain life without corrupting it.

5. Iyì — Honour and Public Esteem

Honour shapes how a person carries themselves and how they are remembered. Yoruba society places immense value on dignity, reputation, and self-respect.
This is why Yorùbá wisdom teaches that if, while pursuing money, you encounter honour, you may end the journey — because even if you later acquire wealth, you will only use it to purchase the honour you overlooked.

6. Owó tàbí orò — Money and Wealth

Money comes last. Owó is useful, but never supreme. In traditional Yoruba society, anyone who placed money above wisdom, integrity, courage, honest labour, and honour was regarded as lacking substance.

Today, this order has been dangerously inverted. The erosion of values has pushed money to the forefront, weakening the moral foundations that once sustained Yoruba society. The result is not progress, but imbalance.

Yoruba wisdom reminds us: wealth has meaning only when it follows value, not when it replaces it.

— Author Unknown