On Thursday, February 20, 2025, during the “Matin d’Eden” program in the “Actu décalé” segment, Eden TV hosted a distinguished guest: Ardant Prost DJENONTIN, a researcher in classical humanities and a Fâ priest. Through a captivating discussion, he highlighted the importance of tradition in building peace and social cohesion in Benin. By emphasizing the transmission of ancestral knowledge and the preservation of values, his intervention sparked deep reflection on the need to reconnect with our roots to ensure harmonious development.
An Essential Identity Foundation
“If we are Beninese, it is tradition that makes us Beninese,” Ardant Prost DJENONTIN declared at the start of the February 20, 2025, program. According to him, the identity of a people is not defined solely by geographical boundaries but, above all, by cultural and spiritual heritage. Far from being mere folkloric customs, tradition is a science, a social architecture that shapes mentalities and guides development.
Far from the misconception of a Benin stuck in the past, he insists on the need to integrate ancestral knowledge into modern dynamics. “Economy is history,” he asserts, denouncing globalization’s tendency to erase the collective memory of peoples. For him, a nation that does not value its history is vulnerable to externally imposed models.
Traditional Values in the Service of Peace
Historically, Beninese society was built on governance systems that prioritized collective well-being. Under the ancient monarchies, social organization was based on traditional chieftaincy, emphasizing the family as the primary unit of stability. Each lineage held specific knowledge, whether in blacksmithing, divination, or traditional medicine.
Spiritual deities and institutions also played a key role in maintaining social balance. The example of the deity Heviosso, guardian of justice, illustrates the desire for a harmonious order based on equity and truth. Each year, the priests of the Ifa science consult the Tofa oracle to anticipate upcoming challenges and guide the nation. This approach helps avoid tensions and make informed decisions to preserve the country’s stability.
In a context where conflicts are multiplying at Benin’s borders, Ardant Prost DJENONTIN emphasized, during the February 20, 2025, program, the crucial role of traditional and religious leaders in maintaining peace. “Our ancestors declared that there would be no more war in Benin,” he recalls. This commitment is reflected in continuous rituals and sacrifices to secure the territory spiritually.
Challenges and Resistance to Modernity
While tradition is a bulwark against social fractures, it is now being severely tested by modernization and globalization. During his intervention in the “Actu décalé” segment, the researcher pointed out one of the main obstacles: greed. In a world governed by money, values of solidarity and transmission are fading in favor of a relentless pursuit of profit.
The gradual abandonment of initiations is a direct consequence. “Initiation is difficult; it is a trial of humiliation and self-transcendence,” he explains. Yet, this rigorous transmission of knowledge once ensured the sustainability of traditional institutions and structured society.
He also laments the marginalization of traditions in public policies. The lack of legal recognition of traditional chieftaincies prevents a true articulation between ancestral heritage and modern structures. In this regard, he advocates for legislation that fully reintegrates these authorities into national governance.
Reconciling Tradition and Modernity for a Sustainable Future
Ardant Prost DJENONTIN used his appearance on “Matin d’Eden” to call for the revaluation of Benin’s cultural wealth, not only as an identity lever but also as an economic driver. He cites the example of Zinli, a traditional Beninese dance, which could become an export product on par with Western music. By structuring this knowledge into educational and artistic institutions, Benin could not only preserve its heritage but also generate resources and create opportunities.
Ultimately, his plea is a call for balance between heritage and modernity. Tradition, far from being an obstacle to progress, is a solid foundation on which to build a harmonious future. In a world searching for benchmarks, he reminds us that peace and social cohesion are not decreed; they are built through the recognition of our essence and the valorization of our roots.
To conclude the February 20, 2025, program, he issued a call to all the nation’s active forces: to fully commit to ensuring that Benin’s social fabric is never shaken. He thus urges all actors and active forces in the country to mobilize for peace, thereby guaranteeing a strong, united Benin anchored in its ancestral values.