A word with the king

Few days later after the scenario that inter-played at the assembly ground between Olu, his cohorts, Ayo, the Principal and his wife (Mrs Bernard) had restored total relieve to the mind of Ayo and perhaps installed disappointment and brokenness into the heart of the Bernards family. King Àjàní, the king of the community who had Ayo, the school Principal and the vice principal in his palace some weeks ago heard about the confessional and dramatic session that outplayed in the school even though the Principal had earlier encouraged everyone at the scene not to share the thrilling moment they witnessed with anyone, but the scene seems to be much more interesting to be contained by only those at the scene.

The entire community had heard about what happened and everyone is talking about it. It might have brought more fame to the already famous Ayo but what about Olu, who is just 15, he might not be that strong to handle such amount of stigmatization from the young and from the old of the community.

The King invited both Ayo and Olu to his palace to outrightly hear from the two most important cast in the thrilling scene that happened in the school. The King tends to be a man who is interested in everything that happens in the community, perhaps he is very versatile and westernized.

The entire chiefs are seated while Ayo and Olu accompanied themselves to the King's palace after school hour.

As a sign of respect and culture of the western African part of the world, they both prostrated to greet and extend regards to the chiefs and the seated King.

"Good Day your highness, may your reign be longer than that of Methuselah, may your ancestors never turn their backs against you, may the kola nuts never get bitter in your mouth, may the land never stop to flourish under your reign." Ayo honorably chanted.

Long live my dear king.

With a gesture that defines being astounded, the chiefs and the king wondered how a small boy like Ayo have ritual prayers in his head.

"Young man, how old are you?" Chief Ladoja asked.

"I'm just 14 sir," Ayo replied.

Chief Ladoja continues,

"You're 14 and you said all those like you have been living for 14 decades."

"Oh, oh, I was surprised too," the rest of the chiefs also emphasized.

"You really impressed me," The king calmly said..

"But why is your friend looking so reticent?

Is he scared to talk?" Chief Lolu, the only female chief in the palace questioned Olu's calmness.

Olu responded;

"I'm sorry ma, I just don't want to be too forward.

I'm sorry your highness."

"You're the principal's son right?

Oh, now I clearly understand where your muteness came from.

At your age, you already made a plot of bringing someone down and making them look bad to the community.

I just wonder, because your parents are perfect opposite of the man you're growing to become.

How old are you?" Chief Ladoja asked.

"I'm just 15 sir." Olu replied.

"What this generation is becoming I seriously don't find ease in figuring it out." Chief Ladoja concluded.

"Don't be like that to him, he is just a young boy.

Don't be surprised that he might not even know the gravity of his plans when he was plotting it. We can't chase him into the lions den because he did a wrong. As elders we only need to call his attention to his wrongs, correct him and ensure he grows from his mistakes.

You earlier mentioned that 'He is clearly the opposite of his parents', that's to show that he came from a good home and all we need to do as elders is to correct him and watch him grow out of his mistakes.

I leave the rest for my king to say," Chief Lolu concluded.

"My chiefs, you both have reasons behind your respective advocacies and I understand every point you have pooled.

But I want you to know that, we are alive today to serve as a means of guardians to this generation.

If they end up good, our named will be mentioned and if they end up bad still our names will be mentioned.

So, its up to us to play our roles not only to our kids but to every younger generation.

Let's hear from Olu himself. Young man, tell us what prompted you to do that and please be honest with your confessions because we are not your enemies." The king concluded.

Olu who was about crying was calmly encouraged by chief Lolu not to cry.

"Don't cry young man, just say it the best way you can." Chief Lolu buttressed.

"Ayo, i am sorry for everything. Please forgive me.

Since my first year during my secondary school education, I have always have it in mind that someday when I am at the height of my final year in school, I'll be the Head Boy of the school.

Truly, I was jealous. But I think peer groups wrongly led me to seeing that the best way for my wishes to happen is to bring Ayo down after the management which includes my father never taught of making me the head boy even though I'm in the right stage and class to be appointed.

I am not a bad person, I only allowed my ego to drive me which I wish I could redeem all I have done and bury them without them happening.

I broke the integrity the community has for my parents, I just hope they totally forgive me.

And also hope the entire community forgives me." Ayo pitifully narrated.

"Son, I want you to know that everyone of us you see today have at one time in our lives made bad decisions and its clear that we grew out of it, that's why we are in the position of your elders today.

One thing I just want you to learn is that;

'Life is ephemeral, you don't bring your brother down because you want to be great cause even tomorrow isn't a promising day for your reign'.

Learn from your mistakes, choose to be a better person and you'll be surprised how far you'll go in life..

Ayo, i want you to also know that Olu isn't your enemy. Don't say because of all he plotted against you then you'll talk bad about him everywhere. He is a just boy like you who cheekily used the wrong method to get the right thing.

Don't laugh at his mistakes or crucify him, rather learn from them and add the lessons to yours cause someday, you'll need them in your life.

However, I believe in you, I know you're a brave and knowledgeable boy. Be a leader and not a ruler." The King concluded.

"Your highness, thank you for the words.

It really mean a lot to us.

We promise to make you proud and never to disappoint you." Ayo acknowledged as they take their leave home with a prostration to the royal chiefs and the king.

"And Ayo, see me in two days time." The king mentioned.

"Alright, your highness." Ayo replied.