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| Apagun |
"Ile njo, asiwere nlánlá fún agbara. . . Wọnni ṣe ohun tó kàn nìyẹn, ọ ni toun ni won yóò padà sé kehin"
Literally, a big conflagration is busy consuming a mansion, and a foolish man is busy making trenches, when the foolish man was being challenged of his actions, he laughed hysterically and asserted that it's his actions they will all adopt at the end of the day.
In the complex tapestry of human experiences, the phrase “successful failure” encapsulates the journey of a man whose overestimation of his own cleverness led to gradual self-destruction. This is the story of a political tramp—a figure who, in his quest for success, ingeniously orchestrated his own downfall through a series of misguided choices. It can only be best imagine for someone to put the chariot before the horse or be engulfed in misplacement of priorities or better still misguided actions or inactions.
*The Dream of a Mansion*
The story of Obalola started when he was born, though from a noble home, Ifa priest was consulted for divination and spiritual guidance in respect of the new born baby, the priest said he will be king in the nearest future, and a child that will beckons on one while thousands will answer him, but bàbá warned that:
_"Eni aja ba wa, oun laja nba lo, a dífá fún èjì koko ìwòrì, tii tẹju mọ akapo rẹ girigiri, ifa tẹju mọmi, ọ womi rẹ, b'eji koko ìwòrì tìí tẹjú mọ akápò rẹ girigiri"_
The oracle made attestation to the fact that the child in question named Obalola will surely be king but must be focused, and must not engage in divided loyalty, he further stated that _"okan pin-un l'obinrin dun mo, bo ba di meji a d'owu, bo ba di meta a di etaanu, bo di merin a d'ẹrin woroko. . . '_
The man, Obalola, envisioned a life of grandeur—a mansion filled with luxury, power, and admiration. Yet, rather than laying the groundwork to achieve his dreams through hard work and dedication, Obalola chose to dwell in a fantasy world. He believed Mo on the prophecy rather than the process of walking the talk. He was enamored with the idea of success, but utterly unprepared to build the foundation required to realize it. He imagined himself being hosted in extravagant parties and programs home, and abroad. Hosting guest in his opulent home, surrounded by the accolades of political allies and the envy of his adversaries. However, dreams do not construct themselves, and reality would prove unforgiving, as _"eni ọ ṣe bii alaaru l'oyingbo, ko le se bíi Ajigboro l'ọja Oba"_ meaning, he who did not work himself tirelessly like a pawn in Oyingbo market cannot walk majestically like Ajigboro at the King's market
*The Illusion of Smart Choices*
Believing he could outsmart the system, processes and the principles, Obalola devised a strategy he thought was foolproof. He attempted to manipulate the political landscape, often opting for shortcuts at the expense of genuine development. Rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue with constituents or secretly investing in his political party that would later be the platform for his kingship, he resorted to moving without direction, dashing out giveaways outside his immediate constituency . The allure of apparent success clouded his judgment, as he convinced himself that the prophecy is sure, that these tactics would secure his position of power. Ironically, in his pursuit of being clever, he outsmarted himself. Yoruba rightly concluded that _'when wisdom gymnastically jump over Iroko and Boabab trees, she will disgracefully landed herself at the backyard of foolishness'._
The truth, however, is that brilliance without substance is hollow. His clever maneuvers alienated not just his supporters but also those who once believed in his vision. Many destines that were attached to his dreams were bruised and disillusioned. While trying to play the game, for name and fame same way he was known for, he failed to realize that true leadership requires commitment, integrity, and a willingness to face adversity. He forgot the game changer who specializes in altering rules of the game is right inside the pitch against him, visibly controlling the referees and the supposedly unbiased umpire who are now eating the crumbs from the table of the Emperor.
*The Price of Avoidance*
Obalola's fear of injury led him to avoid the political fights that would forge respect and rapport. He craved the trophy of a winner—a position of authority and recognition—yet shied away from the battles necessary to earn it. Each time a challenge presented itself, he would sidestep it, hoping that with enough avoidance, he could change the narrative, emerge victorious without the scars of conflict. This approach left him stagnant, and the accolades he desired became increasingly elusive.
In essence, he sought to claim a win while remaining untested, ultimately exposing the fragility of his ambitions. The unwillingness to engage meant he never stood firm for his beliefs, and as a result, he lost the chance to inspire others, weakening his platform, by unnecessarily starving them of funds, and leaving himself vulnerable to those more willing to fight for their convictions.
*The Cost of Complicity*
Despite working diligently day and night, Obalola became complicit in eroding the very foundation of what he sought to build. In focusing solely on future aspirations—a mansion of influence and prosperity—he neglected the present, sabotaging his own efforts. The overextension in chasing dreams without investing in reality took a toll. Relationships soured, trust dissipated, weaknesses exposed with time, and his political aspirations became a mirage.
Working tirelessly without purpose culminated in a paradox: his perpetual endeavour to secure a bright future paradoxically led to the destruction of the very opportunities present today. Instead of solidifying his position, he unwittingly undermined it by failing to cultivate genuine connections and delivering on promises. When his followers needed a word in season, he kept mute, dragging his feet as he wallowed in valley of decision, unnecessarily delaying in allaying our fears as his shadows were being double cast, he seems to appears or being represented in several political platforms. Who is this man, and who can outrightly understands his ways?
*The Realization*
Ultimately, Obalola’s story is a cautionary tale. Successful failure embodies the delicate balance between ambition and reality. His journey serves as a stark reminder that success requires more than clever manipulation and dreams of grandeur; it demands hard work, resilience, and the willingness to engage with the present.
As he stands at the precipice of his political career, pondering the remnants of his ambitions, Obalola is left questioning whether the fantasy of a mansion was worth the price of his integrity and prospects. The lesson is clear: one cannot build a future on the foundations of avoidance and illusion. True success is achieved through authenticity, grit, and a commitment to facing the battles ahead, not by simply wishing for a mansion without laying any bricks, and walking away as a trademark at any point of stiff opposition and imaginary danger. Somebody rightly stated emphatically; power is not served, it is deserved, fought for and won.
In a world where many aspire for the accolades without effort, Obalola's tale serves as a poignant reminder that genuine achievement is rooted in reality—what we build today ultimately shapes the legacy of tomorrow and not by surreptitiously implanting some people to supplant a host in the nearest future, that the Yoruba proverb may not ultimately come to pass as they believed "Obalola may never becomes the king".
Apagun Olaolu Samuel
#egberunsaamu2206@gmail.com
Abure wahala go kill you
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