Who imparted such wisdom to this king? These frequent gifts are becoming an overly burdensome expense for my treasury.
This passage describes an infamous incident involving the 18th-century military leader Gaa from the Oyo kingdom, who complained bitterly about Alaafin Abiodun—a figure once elevated through force only for subsequent humiliation and execution. Initially, Gaa found himself compelled to accept lavish tributes and frequent acts of deference from someone significantly shorter than him physically but exalted spiritually. Despite these outward signs of respect, such gestures failed to prevent Gaa's eventual downfall.
In another striking parallel, during his final moments akin to those experienced by Liberia’s former president Samuel Doe before his death, Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi similarly cried out pitifully against violence. Following his arrest, Gaa resorted to increasingly frantic appeals. His reign saw arbitrary killings dictated purely by whim until he realized too late that he suffered mentally; recognition came just as punishment loomed closer.
Among these warriors, Lord Fuji Sikiru Ayinde selected Doe to seize the force of vengeance. In song, he lamented the ruler of an entire nation killed mercilessly: "Ka p'omo eeyan bi eni peran, odidndi olori ilu, atunbotan le ri yen o." Ponder this: If someone had queried Doe during his encounter with Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1982 about his preferred way to leave this world, he likely would have envisioned peacefully aging away inside a gilded coffin. The individual whom 'The Gipper' greeted at the South Portico of the White House—saying, "It has been a delight welcoming Liberian Head of State Samuel K. Doe on his inaugural trip to America. This momentous occasion marks 120 years since U.S.-Liberia diplomatic ties were established"—met a doom far grimmer compared to elephants slain long ago when various blades came into play for their execution. Typically, elephants met their end after having been subdued beforehand. Nowadays, puny specters weakened by tainted liquor and outcasts unwelcomed even by acolytes pontificate as though they own shares in heaven itself.
During his peak influence from the 1930s through the 1940s, Adolf Hitler, often referred to as the leader championing Aryan supremacy, made numerous irrational claims: he asserted that the Third Reich was destined to endure for a millennium; Germany would dominate globally; and the Nazi party aimed to eliminate communism along with various perceived adversaries of the state. In volume one, chapter eleven of "Mein Kampf" ("My Battle"), Hitler stated: “Jews certainly form a distinct ethnicity, yet they do not constitute an independent nation... They are seen as plunderers... They are viewed as parasites feeding off others.” This individual who endorsed characterizing Jews using dehumanizing imagery such as rodents and serpents further expounded upon these ideas during a speech on January 30, 1939: “Should global financial powers led by Jewish interests both within and beyond Europe manage to instigate another worldwide conflict among countries, we can expect...the eradication of European Jewry.” Despite issuing multiple threats, Adolf Hitler ultimately met his end by taking poison, choosing suicide over continued existence, thus concluding his tragic reign marked by suffering.
In April 1998, Lieutenant-General Oladipo Diya faced sentencing from an intermediate court in Malu; he received the ultimate punishment—death by firing squad. On that fateful day, as this ethnically skewed military administration believed they had finally rid themselves of their troublesome adversaries, those controlling the levers of power might well have celebrated excessively with drink and dalliances—though we should remember Shakespeare's adage: alcohol may intensify desires yet diminishes capabilities. Despite these indulgences, they likely felt triumphant, believing they wielded control over everything significant.
Yet within just under two months, ignominy claimed him instead. Some suggest he met his end during another debauchery involving international courtesans. Ironically, the individual initially condemned outlived his executioner by half a decade, surviving for six additional years beyond the judge who passed sentence against him.
Should someone implore the masters of today, let his day be consumed by dense shadows. Nobody asks a child to avoid contracting leprosy; once this happens, the matter is settled provided he lives secluded deep within an impenetrable jungle. A child without a mother requires no caution against receiving wounds from behind. Just like how a lump of earth settles quietly upon entering water, out of instinctive preference. Neither lofty nor paramount sects would interfere with these matters—they wouldn’t hasten to judge those who share their beds. Night inevitably arrives laden with feared afflictions, well outside the contemplation of Mbuyiseni Mtshali; this is known as karma. Proverbs adorn wisdom akin to exchanging them for a flask of whisky. Soyinka at his best ("Madmen and Specialists"): "You have touched pitch."
Related News: Amnesty International urges FG to cease threats against citizens criticizing government — Ex-Lagos PDP leader, Captain Selleh says Nigerians anticipate changes under Tinubu, yet... — National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office reports 68 million impoverished Nigerians listed in the national social registryIn Nigeria, they use the term "werey dey disguise" for actions that make no sense. Many company directors haven’t picked up a book in two decades. Certain restaurants show no signs of improvement even after three decades; their unchanging menus continue to be served hurriedly due to customer impatience. IK Dairo, an acclaimed wordsmith from Osun State, often mentioned directors who lack proper office spaces or genuine workplaces. In essence, the issue plaguing Nigeria stems from individuals possessing vast wealth but lacking sound judgment.
Odd occurrences abound as individuals gone mad deliver final demands, supported by zealots and enabled through prolonged corruption without consequence. Indeed, madness permeates every corner of our existence; however, these afflicted souls typically wear clothes. Trapped within their own caves, they engage in lengthy battles with inner demons each day, devising malevolence toward those who remain rational. Their arrogance serves as an identifier. With raw power, they subjugate sensible folk, reshaping civilization according to their deranged vision. Rumor has it that such crazed beings wield writing instruments and affix signatures to papers. This calamity shall unfold across numerous chapters filled with myriad episodes. Such dishonor awaits them that even their garments will seem imbued with shame.
In this excerpt from Graham Greene’s *The Power and the Glory*, we see a humorous interaction between a priest and an aggressive dog over a bone: "Next to the dog, he attempted to reclaim the bone; however, the animal snarled and bit at him, baring its fangs. Smiling, the clergyman remarked, 'Aren't you quite the formidable beast?' Despite another attempt, the dog proved too swift, holding onto what meant everything to it."
Switching gears to Ayi Kwei Armah’s *The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born*, Chapter 9 reveals a powerful symbol of societal rot when the arrogant politician named Koomson finds himself crawling through a disgusting toilet. This vividly illustrates his spiritual decline amidst widespread corruption within Ghanaian culture. As described by Armah, "First came the overpowering odor—a blend of urine, feces, and perspiration—representative of deep-seated filth... On all fours, he moved ahead, feeling each hand and knee sink into the muck below. Surrounded by the pungent aroma and enveloped in darkness, he felt the squishy substance underfoot." Through such imagery, Koomson faces both physical degradation and symbolic ruin reflective of broader social issues.
Similarly, Chinua Achebe explores themes of insignificance and confrontation against one’s flaws in *A Man of the People*. Here, madness compels individuals to face their triviality head-on.
Beatrice said in Chinua Achebe’s "Anthills of the Savannah": “The world belongs to all its inhabitants, not to some small group, regardless of their talents...”
"And it’s especially ridiculous because they lack talent," Abdul stated.
Precisely. Proverbs flow like rivers of misery.
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