A TALE OF THREE RULING HOUSES

In the town of Ariwoòdọlà, there are three families namely; Gbádéṣeré, Jọláadé and Wojúadé who are entitled to rule over the affairs of the town. The two (Gbádéṣeré and Jọláadé) out of the three ruling houses always struck deal between themselves which have paved the way for them to be rotating power on the basis of four and eight years respectively. All this while, they left out their third family aloof. For 48 years, the third family never knew the secret of the deal between the other two families and the matter became so worrisome for the family of Wojúadé. In a bid to find a solution to their marginalization at different times, the Wojúadé family members sought assistance from other two families. Unfortunately, some family members of the Wojúadé were approached by the other two who have been ruling to thwart the plan of the Wojúadés. Then, it became an issue of 'Ọmọ inú ọká ló ṣe ikú pa ọká' (in-house betrayal). Recently, the Elders of the Wojúadé family went on a deep search for the anointed candidate and they found one of their prominent Sons, who have been crowned in a foreign land. His name, Adéwámirí. The return of Adéwámirí to the family house of Wojúadé was greeted with mixed reactions. Some people were of the opinion that because he has spent many years in the diaspora, he may not be inured with the needs and aspirations of his people. Yet, some believes that he has what it takes to be so anointed. In order to put Adéwámirí to a test, the Elders made made him 'Crowned Prince' like they did for those who have come before him. Interestingly, Adéwámirí to the admiration of every family member has performed more than his forbears in his role as the Crowned Prince. 'Ó ti sọ'gbó d'ilé, Ó tí s'àkìtàn d'ọjà'. Adéwámirí's giant stride has now become the TALK OF THE TOWN to the extent that other two families that have been ruling for 48 years are now clamouring for the Wojúadé family to present Adéwámirí as their anointed candidate when the tenure of the current King lapses. What can Wojúadé family do to prevent the usual in-house betrayal? How can the family members ensure that the gods are appeased? How can the marginalized family make sure that this coming opportunity is not missed as usual? In the words of Elders, 'Ikán parapọ̀ wọ́n m'ọlé...' Let there be unity. The backwardness of Wojúadé family should supercede other sentiments and personal ego. Let everyone see to it that Adéwámirí is crowned. *Credit: Olusola Ojekunle* olusolaojekunle@gmail.com