The gentleman in the picture is my dad. His name is Benjamin Olaniyi Onilari. He lived from 5-05-1945 to 8-07-2009. I love him dearly.
As you might have noticed, he has deep scars on his face. Those marks are called tribal marks.
Tribal marks are used to identify a person’s tribe, family, or patrilineal heritage. For example, in the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria (where I’m from), tribal marks are used to distinguish one sociocultural group from another. It’s was common in his generation but not so much now.
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As I got older, I began to love my dad and his tribal marks. I loved him holistically. I grew up to draw from his wealth of wisdom and character that I was so proud to be his son.
Christians believe they bear a tribal mark. You might not see it, but you can sometimes tell by the way they are. I, as one who bears the mark, have not always lived according to the code of conduct of my tribe, but I am reassured that even though I get it wrong sometimes, our tribe leader loves me, and he doesn’t hold it against me. Even though I might want to deny the Christian tribe, I know the tribe will never deny me.
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In summary
If you are not part of the tribe and you want to be, all are accepted. Come roll with us! Are you part of the tribe but far away? Nothing can change how the tribe leader feels about you. Come home!
Pharmacist
31 January 2025
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