“The evils that men do live after them.” – Shakespeare.
The wrongs of mankind linger long after their time. It’s both delightful, sad, and remarkable to witness Mr. Tortoise’s display of vengeance on a significant day for Ọ̀ṣọkọ, Irúnmọlẹ̀ tó ń jẹ jollof rice (the divine being savoring and indulging in jollof rice delicacy).
The Ọ̀ṣọkọ, Irúnmọlẹ̀ tó ń jẹ jollof rice (the deity who revels in jollof rice), is feeling the sting of his celebratory wounds and is on the verge of retaliating against Mr. Tortoise at any moment now. As a Yoruba proverb wisely teaches, “Those who strike others will receive their due.” A structure built on sand is inevitably destined to fall apart. How humans treat the judgment of today’s tomorrow is unbelievable to rational minds.
Ọ̀ṣọkọ and Mr. Tortoise, both figures, hail from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a dying nefarious organization born out of Nigeria’s military past. This party was established to corrupt, rewrite the accuracy of history, and safeguard the legacies of military rule that have tarnished Nigeria’s future. History reveals the dark deeds committed by mankind against one another. What legacy does Ọ̀ṣọkọ leave behind when we consider the tyranny during his leadership in Ekiti State? What can we say about Obasanjo and the devastation brought upon the people of Odi village in Bayelsa during his regime? How does one regard a man complicit in the annulment of the June 12 presidential election, which was decisively won by the late Chief MKO Abiola?
While some Nigerians may suffer from a convenient memory lapse regarding the past of those who celebrate mediocrity and hypocrisy, the discerning among us—who grasp the intricacies of human nature and the weight of history—know better than to be swayed by the vitriol of Mr. Tortoise or his attempt to overshadow Ọ̀ṣọkọ’s celebration with verbal disgrace. Unfortunately, much like his companion, Mr. Tortoise in his family, Ọ̀ṣọkọ is also viewed with disdain by his verbose relatives and begrudging family members. They harbor no affection for him, revealing a complex legacy of private and public services that only his kin can truly explain truthfully. However, it is none of the public’s business or not for the public’s concern to ponder.
Life and history offer profound lessons, imparting wisdom about morality and immorality; they define the essence of right and wrong. Yet, on this special day honoring Ọ̀ṣọkọ’s unique existence, Ọ̀ṣọkọ bore witness to a public retaliation orchestrated by a vengeful soul, who cleverly turned a birthday invite into an opportunity for disgrace.
Honestly, who in their right mind would invite a person known for their unrelenting grudge against unforgiven enemies to a birthday celebration? When Mr. Tortoise claims it’s raining, you’d better venture outside to verify! Mr. Tortoise’s retaliatory nature is as predictable as the tides of vengeance.
In good faith, Ọ̀ṣọkọ extended an invitation to Mr. Tortoise, who seized the moment to deliver a barrage of verbal retribution mixed with pedestrian praises. In essence, Mr. Tortoise publicly humiliated Ọ̀ṣọkọ, entertaining spectators and the audience in delightful savory of guguru and groundnut.
Mr. Tortoise is a universally known man with a legacy woven from divine benevolence, mixed fortunes, and moral ambiguity, remaining unforgiving. Ọ̀ṣọkọ misstepped by inviting a man he had humiliated in the past to the celebration of his birthday. I wonder what Ọ̀ṣọkọ’s wife would be telling him now about their public humiliation by Mr. Tortoise. Anyways, may Ọ̀ṣọkọ and Baba Tortoise live long enough to witness the repercussions of their past missteps and maladministrations. Amen!
Happy birthday to Ọ̀ṣọkọ, Irúnmọlẹ̀ tó ń jẹ jollof rice (the divine being who delights in jollof rice).
Yahaya Balogun writes from Arizona, USA.
