Edited by Oluwaseun Bose Rufus
In the city of Oyo, there was a dusty secret room right in the palace of the Alaafin (the king).
Inside it was a calabash carved with tiny ancient symbols. It wasn’t just any calabash, it could talk like a normal human being.
Not just anyone could go into the special room. Only the Alaafin and a few wise elders were allowed to visit it. Whenever there was trouble like killings, war, a bad harvest, or a disagreement in the kingdom, the king would kneel before this calabash and ask: “Oh calabash of wisdom, what must I do?”, and the calabash would sing or speak in riddles, giving wise advice.
Now, in that same palace lived Prince Toba, the curious and playful son of the Alaafin. He loved playing games, racing through the halls, and hearing stories about the calabash. One day, Prince Toba thought to himself: “What if I take the calabash and show my friends? They’ll all think I’m the smartest!”
So, while no one was watching, he walked quietly into the secret room.
As soon as he touched the calabash, it glowed fiercely and shouted: “Ẹtàn kò péjọ!” which means (Deceit never ends well!) Toba screamed in fear and fainted! When he woke up, the Alaafin (king) was by his side. He jumped up feeling scared, but instead of shouting at him, the king said: “You must never use wisdom to show off. It is used to guide others, not for gaining reward or praises.”
Prince Toba cried and promised to do better. Because wisdom is like a spotlight, it is meant to help others find their path, not to beam in their faces.
After that day, Toba spent time learning from the elders, paying attention to stories, and assisting younger children with what he had learnt, which was “True power is not in showing off what you know, but in using it to help others.” 
What You Can Learn From Prince Toba
- Do not try to be smarter just to impress others.
- Listen to your elders and older ones, because they know more than you.
- Humility makes you wiser, more seen and loved.
- Learning is not a race; it’s a gift.
Read also: Beyond Bedtime Stories: Raising Confident, Capable, And Successful Children
