Egbe bere, Ugo bere; nke si ibe ya ebela, nku kwaa ya.
One very common and powerful Igbo proverb is:
“Egbe bere, Ugo bere; nke si ibe ya ebela, nku kwaa ya.”
Literal Meaning:
“Let the kite perch, let the eagle perch; whichever says the other should not perch, let its wings break.”
What It Really Means:
This proverb teaches tolerance, coexistence, and fairness.
It emphasizes that:
Everyone deserves space to live and succeed.
No one should deny another person opportunity.
Jealousy and oppression bring destruction upon the oppressor.
It promotes peaceful coexistence within families, communities, and even nations.
When It Is Used:
During conflict resolution.
When advising against envy.
When encouraging fairness in leadership.
In political or social discussions about justice.
Cultural Significance:
In Igbo worldview:
Balance is important.
Harmony is valued.
Community stability depends on mutual respect.
This proverb reflects the Igbo belief in equity and shared existence — no one should rise by pushing another down.