August 2, 2022

“Had a congenial tête-à-tête with the number one citizen of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Oba ton gba idobale oba!

Let me share a little story about how we greet and relate with the Kings in Ibadanland….

Bashorun Gaa of old Oyo was renowned for obsessive power, yet when he was greeted ‘Kabiyesi’, he objected and shouted, “No! K’araole laa k’Osorun (‘May you be well’ is how the city greets Bashorun).”

When a kingmaker covets the throne, he invites trouble and disaster. He is no longer a watcher of the king; he has become an object in the range of the king’s binoculars. That is why those whose lot it is to put princes on the throne retreat after every coronation.

The Yoruba put it in this elegant way: move near the king in seven steps; stay far from the king in six steps (sunmo Oba ni igba emeje, sa fun Oba ni igba emefa).

Kabiyesi la n ki Oba Alade. Karaole la n ki awon ijoye. Loogun ofe la n ki jagun-jagun.

It is wisdom harvested from the facts of history that the blood of kingmakers paints the footmat of the throne.

So, wherever you meet me and need to greet me, just say “Karaole” or “Loogun ofe” 😀.