Trust but Verify: The Kola Nut Rituals

The Ancient Igbo Ritual That Protects You Online

E jiri olu ọma rịọ ka e nyere gị oke oji.
(It is with a good voice that you ask to be given a part of the kola nut.)

In the sacred tradition of the Igbo people, few acts are as profound as the breaking of the kola nut. It is a ceremony that begins with absolute trust. A host presents the kola nut (oji) to their guests—a symbolic offering of their heart, their welcome, and their goodwill. The guests receive it, not with suspicion, but with an open acceptance of this hospitality.

But then, a crucial transition occurs.

The kola nut is carefully examined. It is turned over in the hands of the eldest or most respected guest. They inspect its quality, count its segments (ụlọ oji), and look for any imperfections. This is not an act of disrespect or distrust. On the contrary, it is a deep and solemn respect for the sacredness of the occasion, the spirits being invoked, and the community about to share in the blessing. The ritual itself demands verification.

This is the timeless, elegant essence of “Igbo eji ama echi, mana a na-enyocha oji”—”We trust, but we verify the kola nut.” It is a wisdom that speaks directly to our modern digital lives.

The Digital Kola Nut: What Are You Being Served?

Every day, we are presented with digital kola nuts. A news article shared by a friend. An investment opportunity from a smooth-talking promoter. A “verified” account making an unbelievable claim. A stranger offering a deal that seems too good to be true.

Our first instinct, rooted in our humanity, is to trust. We trust the platform, the sender, or the polished appearance of the message. And this trust is not a weakness—it is the “good voice” with which we accept the initial offering, keeping the channels of communication and opportunity open.

But the wisdom of our ancestors tells us the ritual does not end there. To consume the kola nut without inspection is to disrespect its value and risk the well-being of the community.

The Sacred Act of Verification: How to “Inspect the Segments”

Just as the elder inspects the kola, we must learn to inspect the information and opportunities presented to us. This verification is not cynicism; it is our responsibility.

Here is how we perform this digital ritual:

1. Check the Source (The Quality of the Nut): Who is presenting this “kola”? Are they a known, reputable entity? What is their history? A kola nut that is rotten or infested cannot be blessed. Likewise, an anonymous source or a new entity with no digital footprint requires deeper inspection before you “consume” what they offer.
2. Look for Multiple Witnesses (Counting the Segments): In the kola nut ritual, the community witnesses the inspection. In the digital world, does other credible evidence or reporting support this claim? A single segment is a lonely thing; truth is often found in the multitude of corroborating segments. If only one “witness” is telling a sensational story, pause.
3. Assess for Flaws (The Imperfections): Does the story have logical holes? Does the offer pressure you to act immediately? Are there grammatical errors, emotional manipulation, or promises that defy common sense? These are the cracks and imperfections in the digital kola nut. Our elders teach us, “Onye nyọọ n’azụ ọ ga-ahụ ihe ọ na-ahụ anya.” (He who looks behind the scene will see what he is looking for.) Do not just look at the surface; look behind the scene.

Trust is the Welcome, Verification is the Respect

The kola nut ritual is a perfect system because it balances two sacred duties: the duty of the host to offer a genuine welcome, and the duty of the guests to honor that welcome by ensuring the shared symbol is pure.

In your digital life, “trust” is your open mind—your willingness to engage with the world. “Verify” is your discerning intellect—your respect for your own time, security, and mental peace. It is the wisdom that protects the community from falsehood and harm.

The next time you are presented with a tempting piece of information or an unexpected opportunity, remember the kola nut. Receive it with a “good voice.” But before you consume it, do the respectful work of inspection.

Turn it over. Count the segments. Look for the flaws. It is not distrust; it is the highest form of digital respect.

How do you practice “trust but verify” online? Share your own methods in the comments below.