Edited by Toluwalase Solanke
Pride goes before a fall is the popular proverb
Obsession with power causes cruelty and destruction. Curious about how this can play out? Let’s tell you a story!
A long time ago, there lived a powerful Chief named Bashorun Gaa. He wasn’t just any chief; he was one of the kingmakers. Second only to the King. People whispered his name, not out of love but out of fear.
Well, Bashorun Gaa was once a loyal servant of the crown. He helped the King to protect the land, judge fairly and keep peace.
However, this all changed as his power grew. He began to think, “Why should the King rule and be the most respected person in the land when I serve it all to him on a platter of gold?” “I do all of the work, so what makes him so important and special?”
With this change of thought came weird actions. Soon, he started acting like a king, to the extent of punishing kings who dared go against his wishes.
As a result, Kings were dethroned one after the other. Bashorun Gaa still went on picking new ones just to get rid of them soon after. With the course of events, he earned the nickname, the Shadow King. People came up with this name for him because he sat beside the throne yet ruled everything.
The people were afraid and terrorized by this tyrant. They dared not speak up. All they could do was whisper these sorrowful words, “Who will save us from Gaa?”
With this newfound control, Gaa forgot one thing. The fact that nothing remains forever. Even the strongest tree can fall when it grows too proud.
Not long after, a new King was crowned as usual.
King Aderoju, unlike others before him, was clever, patient, and much loved by the people. He didn’t fight Gaa with swords or superiority.
Rather, he listened. He watched like a predator sitting patiently for his prey. Then, he began gathering chiefs and wise elders who also believed in ending the era of fear and tyranny.
They planned together. Then one silent night, while Gaa was celebrating himself in his grand hall as usual, the people surrounded his palace.
Gbam! Gbam! The drums of justice started to beat.
King Aderoju came forward calmly. He said, “Power is a gift, not a weapon. You ruled with fear. Now, the people speak.”
Then the people started chanting, “No more fear! No more Gaa!”
Just like that, Bashorun Gaa was captured. His reign of terror was over. Finally, the land could breathe, dance and laugh once again.
This event taught a significant lesson that no one is greater than the people. United we stand, divided we fall. Even the strongest must lead with kindness else they fall with pride.
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