OMOLOLA TALKSTV YÀRÁ ÌKẸ́KỌ̀Ọ́
MODULE 1 – PARÁKÒYÍ
Lesson 006
Modern-Day Parákòyí: Does the Spirit of the Title Still Exist Today?
Ẹ káàbọ̀ sí Omolola TalksTV Yàrá Ìkẹ́kọ̀ọ́.
Throughout this module, we have explored the meaning of Parákòyí, the qualities associated with the title, and the values that have shaped Yoruba commerce for generations.
This leads us to one final question before we conclude this module.
Can We See the Spirit of a Parákòyí Today?
The answer is Yes.
Across Yorubaland and beyond, we can identify entrepreneurs and business leaders whose lives reflect many of the qualities traditionally associated with a Parákòyí—commercial wisdom, integrity, resilience, innovation, leadership, and service.
For example, many people may look to business leaders such as Chief (Mrs.) Folorunso Alakija, Chief Razak Okoya, Dr. Mike Adenuga, and Dr. Adebayo Ogunlesi.
Dr. Adebayo Ogunlesi, a distinguished Yoruba businessman and investment banker, is internationally recognised for his leadership in infrastructure investment. Through Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the company he led, major airports—including Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom—were among the assets managed by the firm before GIP was acquired by BlackRock. His career demonstrates how Yoruba excellence can make a global impact.
Likewise, Chief (Mrs.) Folorunso Alakija, Chief Razak Okoya, and Dr. Mike Adenuga have built businesses that have created employment, inspired entrepreneurs, and contributed significantly to economic development.
This does not mean that they hold the traditional title of Parákòyí.
Why This Matters Today
Beyond recognising successful business leaders, the lesson of Parákòyí reminds us that Yoruba culture has never separated success from responsibility.
In today's world, where many people admire wealth without asking how it was acquired, the philosophy behind Parákòyí teaches a different lesson.
Yoruba tradition celebrates those whose success is built on honesty, wisdom, perseverance, and service to society.
This is perhaps why the concept of Parákòyí has continued to endure across generations. It reminds us that the greatest business leaders are remembered not only for what they owned but for the lives they touched, the opportunities they created, and the legacy they left behind.
As young entrepreneurs continue to emerge across Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world, the values represented by Parákòyí remain just as important today as they were in the days of our ancestors.
Rather, the business leaders mentioned above demonstrate many of the qualities that Yoruba culture has historically associated with the word—vision, commercial wisdom, resilience, leadership, integrity, and service.
In that sense, they may be described as reflecting the spirit of a modern-day Parákòyí.
This reminds us of an important lesson.
Yoruba titles are not merely labels.
They represent ideas.
They celebrate values.
They preserve history.
They remind us of the kind of people we should strive to become.
In preserving the meaning of Parákòyí, we are also preserving a valuable part of Yoruba history, philosophy, and identity.
It represents more than business success.
It represents wisdom.
It represents character.
It represents leadership.
It represents service.
These values remain relevant in every generation.
As we continue to preserve Yoruba language and culture, it is important to distinguish between traditional titles and modern figurative expressions.
By doing so, we honour our ancestors while also recognising excellence in today's world.
Key Takeaways
• The spirit of Parákòyí is still relevant today.
• Modern entrepreneurs can reflect the values associated with a Parákòyí.
• Using the word Parákòyí for contemporary business leaders is generally a figurative expression, not a traditional appointment.
• Character, integrity, wisdom, leadership, and service remain timeless values.
Classroom Question
Who would you describe as a modern-day Parákòyí, and why?
Remember, we are discussing the qualities associated with the word Parákòyí in its modern figurative sense, not conferring a traditional title.
Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.
Editor's Note
Yorùbá language, titles, and customs may vary across different kingdoms and communities. This lesson discusses the modern figurative use of "Parákòyí" while respecting its traditional significance.
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