Child Right Law: Fayose Ban Tattoos And Tribal Marks In Ekiti

It is now illegal for Parents to inscribe Tribal marks on their children in Ekiti. similarly tatto is also banned .


http://odili.net/news/source/2006/jun/12/15.html


Is this a Right step?

Ethnic scarification (aka tribal marks) played a very functional role in pre-colonial Nigerian societies. In the modern world, that role has become meaningless. A child should not have to go through the torture of ridicule all his/her life because of a decision in which he/she had no part. The practice should only be banned on children below a certain age however, say 18, 21?

Banning the practice without educating the would be subscribers (illiterate parents for example) of the meaninglessness of the act is only going halfway and that us not satisfactory. 

If an adult decides to get a facial scarification or tattoo, it is up to them, and it should not be for the government to decide whether or not they can get it.

The issue is, of course, a little more complex than it seems at first glance. I think we have so far been addressing this issue only within the context of ethnic identification. Like I said earlier, it is totally meaningless and not called for in a modern world. But parents do not always administer facial scarification because they consider their children as property.

One other reason many people get facial scarifications is because it is tied to ritualistic beliefs. In the case of a seriously sick infant, a helpless, illiterate parent who is poor and has no access to free health care may opt for a traditional healer and the prescribed sickness may involve the scaring of the child's face.

How does the govt. expect parents in such a situation to deal with such a scenario? Live with the torture of not knowing if their child will live or do whatever lies within their power to do, albeit based on limited knowledge? If govt. does not provide the necessary health care and education to its citizens, then such a ban is at the best shortshrift, and at the worst hypocritical.

The fact that in the 21st century Nigerians still get facial scarifications for health and security reasons only reveals shortcomings of the govt. to provide basic health care, security and education.

Hopefully somebody will be able to start a new face jewelry business. That will make available traditional African scarification patterns.

In 200 years they'll wear the face jewelry in memory of their ancient traditions on that holiday.

Alarinjo,

No I am saying when they have a one day or so holiday to honor their anscestors. Then they can wear the face jewelry as part of the holiday costume.

Interesting, good idea I guess, though most "unnecessary" cultural norms die out naturally as a society becomes more educated.

Enforcement now becomes the issue, especially the provisions banning child hawking. Money can be very powerful motivation for law-breaking.

hooray for the law.but lets hope it would be implemented properly. at least children in ekiti state wont have to have their faces permanently disfigured, especially when they have no say in the matter. my problem is Nigeria has issues with continuity.the next governor might not see it as an issue and so be lackadaisical bout the whole thing. well other states should learn and follow suit.so also the other arms of government should all work together to make it a reality.