Once upon a time, there was a kingdom called Itoro. The Itoro kingdom had a strange problem. None of the kings they coronated lasted more than six years on the throne. It seemed as if the kingdom was always in mourning. According to the traditions of the kingdom, markets had to be closed for forty days when a King died. He also had to be buried with a significant amount of gold for him to take to the ancestors to guarantee him a place in their midst. When the people complained it was pointed out that in the days of old, it was able bodied men and women who accompanied the dead King to the great beyond, now, the gold was a replacement for human sacrifice. The people stopped complaining about the gold. Unlike what transpired in neighbouring kingdoms, the Princes of Itoro were not particularly keen on ascending the throne since it came with a short life expectancy. Instead of the usual jockeying for power and intrigues that characterized royal courts, the Itoro Princes had to be coaxed onto the throne.
After a particularly well- liked King passed away in his fifth year on the throne, the Kingmakers met to plan yet another elaborate and expensive funeral, which would be followed by another grand coronation. One of the Kingmakers suggested that instead of relying on the Itoro Chief Priest who interpreted the wishes of the Oracle, they should seek a second opinion from another Priest known as Ezowan from a town far away, who had a reputation as a powerful medicine man. The Kingmakers agreed, and a delegation was sent to bring the great Ezowan to the Itoro kingdom. Ezowan asked his hosts to give him seven days to prepare for his consultation with the Oracle. After seven days, the Kingmakers gathered to witness the consultation. When it was over, Ezowan told the Kingmakers that in order for the next King to live a long life, certain changes needed to be made.
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Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a Gender Specialist, Social Entrepreneur and Writer. She is the Founder of Abovewhispers.com, an online community for women. She can be reached at BAF@abovewhispers.com
14 Responses
What an interesting and captivating illustration. The gift now is not just for you ma’am, I just got it too. May God continue to keep you for us
Yes oooooooo, health indeed is wealth. Somethings people fail to realize that life has no duplicate, they eat anything they see without thinking of the jeopardy it can cause. I have seen people eat expired pasta and indomie in my hostel during ma undergradute days all in the name of “na money I take buy am”. That’s suicidal. It’s always good to circumspectly select the right food to consume and visit the Doctor regularly for check up!
Waoooooooooh what a fantastic illustration. At Princess did you just say someone consumed an expired pasta? Jesus is King! That person is very cruel and doesn’t care about his/life. May God always continue to watch after our spirit, soul and body Amen!!!
Interesting ma. Can’t wait to see the movie out. This is a precious birthday gift. A lesson to all.
my prayer to you ma is long life and prosperity
Enjoyed the way the message was passed….Health is Wealth…Don’t live life like you have a spare one….appreciate everyday and do your best to remain healthy….God bless the writer
The story really got to me, i really need to take my health seriously. Thank you for the enlightenment via the illustrations of the events in Itoro Kingdom. And I don’t mind starring in the movie if possible. What a birthday gift.
Waoh….. Beautiful illustration. I got the message through the story. Obedience is better than sacrifice. God bless you ma. Indeed, health is wealth…. Living healthy is living long.
I can’t wait to see the movie of this story ma. You ar a great writer. Happy Bday once again and may God grant all the good desires of your heart and grace to live healthy ijn. Amen.
Thank you so much for your comments everyone. Thank you too for the warm birthday wishes. God bless.
Happy belated birthday Mrs Fayemi. May you continue to soar in good health and vitality.
Great lesson Ma. We all really need to be mindful of our health. I wish you health and vitality this new age Ma.
A word is enough for the wise. Thanks YE.
Don’t mind those Doctors. They will always have a But 🙂 . One of their Buts is making me to carry bottles of water around and not eat too late again. Thanks to the Doctors. They help us to know when moderation is necessary.
Great lessons always Y.E.
Truly I must admit majority in this part of the world don’t pay attention to their health until something goes wrong. Great birthday gift and we all hope you keep growing in good health Ma.