A Time In History When Yoruba’s Chose A Wrong Oba

[justseyi]

In the year 1252, the Oyo Mesi, led by Basorun Erindinlogunagbonkosedaniifa, approached Alaafin Ajuan, also known as Ajaka, and advised him to step down as the ruler of Oyo. Their reason? They felt he was too gentle, too peaceful, and not fierce enough to be king.

Alaafin Ajaka was the son of Oranyan, a warlike king who had established Oyo as a powerful empire. Unlike his father, Ajaka was calm, promoting animal husbandry and peaceful relations with neighboring kingdoms. He avoided wars, even paying tribute to his cousin, Olowu. His temperament did not sit well with the Oyo Mesi, who saw him as weak.

So, Ajaka quietly stepped down, spending the next seven years in exile. In his place, the kingmakers installed his half-brother, Sango—a fierce, violent, and war-hungry ruler known for his ability to breathe fire and smoke. Sango’s arrival was met with excitement, as the Oyo Mesi believed they had found the perfect warrior-king to secure the kingdom’s future.

At first, Sango did not disappoint. He defeated Olowu, who had once demanded tribute from Ajaka. With fire and smoke, Sango won battles and instilled fear in his enemies. But as his victories mounted, so did his tyranny.

Sango’s reign became restless and chaotic. His love for creating deadly charms led to the tragic death of his wives and children. The people, once excited for his fiery leadership, became terrified of his destructive nature. Finally, the Oyo Mesi had had enough and demanded that Sango step down. Honoring their request, he committed suicide, and in time, he was deified as a god by his loyal followers.

In the end, the Oyo Mesi, regretful of their decision, recalled Ajaka from exile. He was the only Alaafin in Oyo’s long history to rule twice. Ajaka’s peaceful leadership was welcomed again, proving that gentleness and wisdom were far more valuable than the brute force they had once craved.

---

Key Takeaway: Sometimes, what we desire might seem ideal at the moment, but we must be cautious of the consequences. We often overlook the power of steady, thoughtful leadership, believing boldness and aggression are the keys to success. However, wisdom, patience, and balance often lead to greater and more lasting achievements. Be careful what you wish for—sometimes what you think you need might not be what’s best for the long term.

---

What are your thoughts? Has there ever been a time when you realized you wanted something, but it wasn’t the right fit in the end? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let’s talk about how to balance ambition with wisdom and patience.

4o

[Author]

Posts