6. Ijapa (Tortoise) and Erin (Elephant)

A long time ago, the world was very different. Humans and animals had much in common, lived side by side, spoke the same language and generally behaved the same way. Some animals, like the ijapa (tortoise) possessed remarkable physical and mental capabilities.

In a land far away, in the town of Jakọta , lived an Ọba (ruler) in the human kingdom. This Ọba reigned happily and peacefully over his people who loved and respected him. They had everything in abundance – such as money, food, worldly goods. In the animal kingdom a lion, Kiniun, had just been chosen as leader, much to the consternation of an extraordinarily big elephant, Erin.

“I’m much bigger and stronger than Kiniun. Why have I not been made king? Surely I can protect other animals far better than Kiniun ever could?” Erin was complaining bitterly. “All I have to do is step on something or someone with my huge feet and they would be crushed completely. Look at my trunk! Look at how heavy it is! I can just raise it and knock down everything and everybody”

Erin was very arrogant because he thought size and strength were on his side.

“Why don’t I just use my feet and my trunk to cause problems for humans and see if I can’t get away with it. Then I’ll be able to show Kiniun and other animals how powerful I am. Of course, I’m more powerful than Kiniun!”

To prove his point the elephant decided to encroach on people’s farms when nobody was around. He trampled on crops and seeds, vegetables, fruits and plants, uprooting and eating them whenever he felt like it. He kicked and scattered hay in the fields in anger. He fell trees and poles with his trunk and derived a lot of pleasure in doing so.

Very soon humans started to experience destructions and losses that they had never dreamt possible and they were deeply concerned – more so because they did not know who or what was behind all these destructions and losses.

“What’s going on? What’s happening to us?” the Ọba wondered anytime complaints were brought before him. We’ve got to get to the bottom of all this. I can’t bring my people and my land to ruins. I must call a meeting of my advisers at once to find out what or who is causing the problems and how to put an end to them.

“I must be powerful if I can cause all these problems for humans and they can’t do anything about it”, Erin gloated, well aware of the effect of his action on humans.

It was after a series of meetings with his advisers that the Ọba learnt the truth.

“I saw an extraordinarily huge elephant on my field yesterday, eating my crops, scattering and kicking my hay…” said one of his advisers, “from afar, you know”, he added quickly.

“I didn’t want to approach him because of the dangers…This elephant is very big…” he continued haltingly.

“I saw him felling a pole with his trunk at someone’s farm the other day and quickly hid away in case he attacked me!” put in another adviser.

“I see. So, this is what has been happening?” the Ọba said, relieved to discover the root of their problems.

“I understand your fears. Now that we know who our enemy is what are we going to do about it – about this elephant?” he asked. “We can’t let him drive us to ruins”, he added.

He pondered over the whole thing for a while and then relaxed a little.

“Not all is lost! All we need to do is to get some of the best hunters of our land to capture this animal”, he continued and immediately started to mention a few names – names of hunters who were experts in their field.

As soon as the meeting ended the Ọba summoned seven of his best hunters to another meeting to discuss various ways of capturing the elephant.

“We don’t want disasters on our hands, do we…? You’re seven of the best hunters in the land. I’m sure you can capture the elephant within a week – or can’t you?” he hesitated, suddenly remembering how afraid some of his advisers had been when they spoke about the elephant at the last meeting.

“Now, how are you going to set about it?” he went on suddenly feeling uncomfortable about the whole thing.

“You can rely on us to find a way of killing the elephant within a week, Kabiyesi*,” boasted an old hunter in a confident and reassuring manner, although he knew deep down, like his peers, that it was an impossible task unless one wanted to die. He just did not want to admit it to the Ọba who obviously thought very highly of their skills. Killing this particular animal was very risky indeed.

“Thank you. I knew I could count on you” the Ọba answered even though the hunters had not actually answered his question about how they were going to set about killing the elephant. “No need for me to have asked them. They’re expert hunters after all – seven of the best in the land” he convinced himself.

A week passed and Erin had not been captured. The Ọba was not happy, so he summoned the seven hunters to another meeting and demanded:

meeting of oba and the hunters

“Why haven’t you caught the elephant by now, as promised?”

The hunters who knew all along that capturing this elephant was a very difficult and dangerous task but did not want to admit it, looked at each other wondering how to answer the Ọba.

“Perhaps we should just reel off existing methods for killing animals: traps, ropes, bows and arrows, guns, spears, hunting dogs, etc. and explain why they are out of the question for killing this animal, so that the Ọba will think that we’re looking into the matter thoroughly and will soon find a solution”, some of them were thinking.

One of the hunters cleared his throat.

“As you know, Kabiyesi, the elephant is not an animal that can be caught in a trap; he’s too big” he said.

“He can’t be killed with a bow and arrow either”, another hunter joined in.

“Getting close to him and throwing a spear or shooting him would be dangerous”, added yet another hunter.” By now all of them were beginning to feel more at ease to speak.

“It would be of no use setting hunting dogs at him…” one of the remaining hunters said.

“Or throwing ropes at him”, added another

“Enough!” the Ọba ordered, jumping up from his throne. “Spare me the details”. It was obvious that the hunters had not done anything about capturing the elephant because they were too afraid to, and were covering up. The Ọba was very displeased with them because he thought that they had deceived him. They should have told him the truth from the beginning.

“You can go!” he said, dismissing them.

After the hunters left the Ọba weighed up the whole matter.

“I must find a solution to this problem. This time I’m going to call everybody – men and women, young and old, in the land, to a meeting, and tell them everything that has been happẹning and maybe somehow we’ll find the answer we need” he convinced himself. Taking steps of this nature was not an unusual practice among Ọbas at that time.

The Ọba sent out a messenger who went around the town ringing a bell, and saying:

“You’re all summoned to a meeting at the market square tomorrow. Make sure you’re all there” he announced naming the time.

When everyone had gathered at the market square the following day, the Ọba addressed them:

“My people, I thank you for the love you have for me, for your support and your trust in me. I will not let you down. I need your cooperation on a matter that’s foremost in my mind.”

Then he went on to report what had been happening.

“Whoever helps us capture the elephant, dead or alive, will be showered with lots of valuable gifts and money!” he added.

Everyone looked at each other. Some of them wanted to speak but in the end, nobody said a word.

“Who would dare approach the elephant when the best hunters in the land could not? Is it worth risking one’s life no matter how tempting the reward is?” most of them were thinking.

Now a tortoise, Ijapa, was present at the meeting – Ijapa who survived on his cunning, his pranks as well as trickery, often boasting that he could solve any problem.

Ijapa had come to live in Jakọta , ashamed and embittered, without letting anyone know – especially his estranged wife, Yannibo – after getting involved in a market brawl in Ọffala between two others that led to the loss of the top part of his nose. It was the last straw because the other misadventures had left him with a cracked shell, a hollowed stomach, and with no hair on his head!

“Surely I can come up with something” he was now saying to himself.

“Kabiyesi, I’ll find a solution” Ijapa addressed the Ọba, prostrating before him. Everybody laughed except the Ọba who was ready to listen to and try anything for the sake of his people.

“What does this creature of all creatures think he can come up with?” many of them wondered.

The Ọba nodded at Ijapa.

“Ijapa and anyone else who has any solutions must come and see me as soon as possible”, he said, ending the meeting. “Let me warn you all though. Anyone who makes promises they can’t fulfil will be punished severely”, he added, remembering how disappointed he had been with his best hunters.

After the meeting Ijapa weighed up matters. Gradually an idea started to form in his head. He knew what was going on in the human kingdom… He also knew what was going on in the animal kingdom – why Erin was behaving in the way he was…

“Of course!” he said to himself and smacked his forehead when the idea suddenly materialised fully in his head.

The following morning Ijapa went to the palace.

“Kabiyesi!” he said to the Ọba, prostrating on the ground. “I will bring Erin into town within seven days”.

“May I remind you to think carefully about the penalty for empty promises, Ijapa. Expert hunters have not been able to come up with a solution, so how can you who know nothing about hunting?”

“Kabiyesi! I may not have the skills of a hunter, but I believe I’ve wisdom. As long as you can do one or two things that I require of you you’d be amazed.

“What’s it that you require of me?” the Ọba asked.

“First of all, Kabiyesi, I need some honey and some black-eyed beans”, Ijapa said, mentioning the quantity required for both items.

“That’s easily done”, the Ọba replied.

“Secondly, I’d like a large and deep hole to be dug within seven days in the centre of town – at the market square – and covered entirely with layers of beautiful brightly coloured raffia mats (ẹni) with no trace of a hole being there. An Ọba’s throne, covered with rich, luxurious looking silk and velvet cloths, beautifully embroidered in gold, should be placed on the mats. There’s going to be a “coronation”, and on the “Coronation Day”, I’d like some hunters with weapons to be nearby but hidden away from sight” Ijapa continued.

“A Coronation!” the Ọba exclaimed, wondering where all this was leading.

“Thirdly I’d like the whole town decorated. For example, the tree-lined road into town from the gate to the market square as well as the gate itself could be decorated with flowers, plants, palms and pine-needles.”

The Ọba nodded.

“Fourthly I’d like musicians – drummers, trumpeters, flute and pipe players etc to go with me to bring Erin into town.

The Ọba nodded again, beginning to have an idea of what Ijapa had in mind and marvelling at it.

“Finally, on the “Coronation Day” I’d like everyone in town – young and old – to stand on the left and right of the tree-lined road – from the gate to the market square where the throne will be. They should all dress very well, and each person should hold a flag made with palms.

“I’m going to bring Erin into town, and as soon as we arrive. I’d like everyone to welcome us – to rejoice and be merry, to behave exactly as they would on a real “Coronation Day” “.

“All right I accept all your proposals”, the Ọba replied wondering if what he believed Ijapa had in mind could be pulled off.

“My servants will bring the black-eyed beans and honey to your house very shortly. The other requirements will also be dealt with. Is there anything else?”

“Ah! Perhaps you could have some beautiful and colourful clothes, including a hat, made for Erin – you know, an Ọba regalia.” Ijapa asked the Ọba.

“All right, Ijapa. The clothes will be brought to you tomorrow evening.”

Immediately Ijapa left, the Ọba asked his servants to buy the honey and the beans and take them to Ijapa. He also ordered the clothes and a hat to be made by his tailors and taken to Ijapa the following day.

Early the following day Ijapa fried some akara (bean-based food) in small balls, soaked it in honey, got dressed and headed for the forest taking the akara along with him – in search of Erin. He walked and walked until he saw Erin in the distance resting under the shade of a large tree.

As Ijapa approached him he started showering him with praises; he rolled on the ground, throwing in the word “Kabiyesi!” here and there, with deference.

Erin, completely taken aback, looked around to see whether Ijapa was addressing someone else.

“Kabiyesi! Me!” Erin wondered.

As he listened to what Ijapa was saying his bewilderment grew – that he, Erin, was great not only among animals but also among humans, that both parties recognized him as their Ọba – that he (Erin) was going to be crowned king because the present Ọba had just died – that humans had asked him to bring some akara …

“Impossible!” I must be dreaming. This resentment I feel towards Kiniun is causing my mind to play tricks on me. I resent not being made king of animals, but I’m not saying that I want to be king of humans!” he thought, aghast.

But he could not be dreaming because Ijapa was saying something about akara as well and was indeed tossing some at Erin who was now munching the akara with delight.

“Just one minute”, Erin stopped Ijapa in his track and touched him at the same time to make sure that Ijapa was flesh and blood.

“What are you saying?” he wanted to know.

Ijapa offered Erin some more akara which Erin found delicious and irresistible. Elephant’s penchant for sweet foods – especially foods flavoured with honey – was well-known.

“As you know, humans have been having a lot of problems – incurring a lot of damages in their farms. Unfortunately, their Ọba who loved and cared so much for them died yesterday; he died of grief because he could not resolve their problems and was afraid of bringing his kingdom to ruins”, Ijapa said. Then he noticed an expression of uncertainty on Erin’s face. Erin was indeed thinking:

“How can they want me as their Ọba when I’m the one who is responsible for all their problems?”

Ijapa went on quickly:

“They know that this is the work of an enemy or enemies, but they have no idea who this enemy is or who these enemies are” he lied.

“That’s true I must say. Nobody has seen me at work” Erin thought, not realizing that he had been observed at a safe distance by some people.

“When a very good friend told me that the Ọba was dying”, Ijapa continued “and that he had you in mind as his successor – someone stronger and more powerful – I went to the palace immediately and offered my help.

“‘I’m happy you’ve come, Ijapa’ ”, the Ọba said to me. “‘You’re the best person to send to Erin. I want him to be king of humans, and his coronation to be in seven days’ time’.

‘As a token of the wish of my people and myself take some sweet akara that I’ve been told he loves so much, to him. I’ve also ordered a set of colourful and magnificent clothes, including a hat to be made for him for his coronation. Go and tell him all I’ve been saying’ “, Ijapa finished.

Erin was excited by the news and asked Ijapa for some more akara.

“If you agree to be their Ọba there’ll be no limit to the akara you’ll be eating everyday, Erin. Think about it” Ijapa continued.

“Yes” Erin thought. How could I have been jealous of Kiniun. I’m definitely

better off as king of humans!”

But even as this thought entered his mind, he was suddenly besieged by doubts.

“How can I be sure you’re not lying to me, Ijapa?” Erin asked. “We all know you’re not to be trusted.”

“Why should I be lying? Just look at your size – think of what you can do with your huge feet and heavy trunk. You’re so strong and powerful and can protect humans…”

Ijapa flattered Erin further; he knew how huge Erin’s ego was.

“It’s true” Erin thought, starting to relax. Then another thought struck him.

“No wonder humans haven’t caught me! They can’t fight me because they fear me! So, I must be stronger and more powerful than all of them – definitely stronger and more powerful than Kiniun whom they don’t even want as king! Imagine wanting to be king of animals when I can be king of humans!”

Nevertheless, Erin kept on having this nagging fear.

“If I’m stronger and more powerful than Kiniun, why has he been chosen over me by the other animals?” he asked Ijapa.

“Kiniun, as you know, eats other animals and these animals have made him king believing that this criminal habit will stop. Surely a king can’t eat his subjects. Whom would he have left to govern?”

It was a long shot because Ijapa knew very well that being king will not stop Erin from eating other animals. But the gamble seemed to work.

“That’s true enough”, Erin replied munching more of the sweet akara tossed at him.

“In reality it’s you the other animals recognise as king because of your size. They believe you can protect them against their enemies better than Kiniun could”, Ijapa added quickly.

Erin thought about this for a while. Then the nagging fear gnawed at him again.

“Ijapa, have the Ọba and his people really sent you to me? Can’t they find someone else among them to be their Ọba other than an animal? For all I know you may be setting a trap for me – trying to lead me to my death! No one has ever heard of an animal ruling over humans before!” Erin said, and he seemed to be coming back to his senses.

“I have nothing to gain from lying to you and your death won’t benefit me in any way. I’m doing all this for your good really”, Ijapa quickly reassured him.

“You’re the one the dying Ọba has chosen to succeed him. Is this akara from them not enough proof of their esteem for you? Akara is just one of the delicious things you’ll be eating when you’re Ọba.”, he quickly added when he saw an expression of delight on Erin’s face at the mention of akara that he was enjoying thoroughly as they spoke.

“Besides”, Ijapa continued “You won’t have to work anymore or hassle over anything. You’ll be in command, with everything you want at your fingertips: money, servants – even wives! You’ll be able to do whatever you want, as and when you want. In short, you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of your life in good health and happiness! What’s more you’ll be the first animal to be honoured in this way. What more can anymore ask for?”

Ijapa went on to describe the preparations awaiting Erin’s coronation (including the pomp and fanfare) and how Erin would be led to town by Ijapa and his delegate.

“Don’t let us forget that some colourful and beautiful clothes including a hat befitting an Ọba are being made for your coronation as we speak”, he added cheerfully.

Hearing all this Erin did not need further convictions. He was now totally bawled over by the whole idea.

“All right. I’ve listened well to all you’ve said. Please thank the people for me. Tell them that I accept wholeheartedly to be their Ọba. Let them reconfirm the coronation day and let me know soon. Goodbye and thank you Ijapa”.

This was how Ijapa flattered Erin into accepting. The flatteries were so intoxicating that Erin could not contain himself, and started telling some of the other animals about the matter on his way home:

“Guess what? I’m going to be made king of humans!” he boasted to a group of animals he met on the way

“I, Erin, who was rejected by you!”

“But Erin, you can’t possibly be made king of humans” advised one of the animals – an older gorilla, Inọki?

“Think about it… You know what Ijapa is like. He’s often up to no good. He’s deceiving you”, Inọki was extremely concerned. By now more and more animals had gathered round and had learnt what was going on, and they too were concerned.

Erin stopped suddenly to consider what Inoki had just said and was about to admit to himself that maybe he was getting too carried away with the whole thing – that his jealousy, anger and pride were perhaps blinding him from seeing reason.

Then an idea struck him:

“Surely Ijapa would be afraid of leading me astray because he knows that I can crush a creature like him to pieces – shell and all – in the twinkle of an eye. Yes, doesn’t he keep on reminding me of my size, my strength, my power? Yes, I’m powerful – more powerful than Kiniun…” he convinced himself.

“What’s more isn’t this the opportunity I’ve been looking for, to show them all – to show them to behave to me with deference. “Perhaps now they’ll regret not choosing me as their king and beg me to be. Of course, I shall have to turn them down….”

By now he had got so carried away with his own importance that his only answer to the other animals was:

“I’m going to be king of humans. Very soon you’ll be saying “Kabiyesi!” to me just like Ijapa has already addressed me. It sounds good doesn’t it? “Kabiyesi! Ọba Erin!” sounds much better than just “Erin”, don’t you think? Perhaps all of you should practise saying it” he laughed waving them “Goodbye” as he continued on his way home.

Inoki did not know what to say; he just shook his head and looked at Erin with concern and pity. He and the others felt uncomfortable – worried about the matter. They were deeply concerned about Erin whom they really liked and cared for, despite his arrogance. They preferred him to Kiniun. Erin had always been protective towards them, and deep down they saw him as their king. They had chosen Kiniun only because they were afraid of him; Kiniun was wild and wicked and he ate other animals – the smaller or helpless ones especially, such as deer and rabbits.

“I know we did it because we thought that Kiniun would kill us all if we had chosen Erin instead of him. Now look at what’s happening…Instead of venting his anger on us, Erin has been causing havoc on people’s farms. What’s more he’s very likely heading for his grave with all this nonsense about becoming king of humans – letting Ijapa lead him by the nose.”

The other animals said nothing.

“Let’s call a meeting immediately and invite Erin along. Maybe it’s not too late to rectify our mistake”, Inọki suggested, delegating the task of summoning the others to two of the animals that were present.

In the meantime, Ijapa went home, fried some more akara – in bigger balls than before, and soaked them inside the honey. The following morning, he went to look for Erin taking along with him the akara, the clothes that had arrived the evening before, as well as the hat.

“Kabiyesi!” Humans thank you very much for agreeing to be their Ọba and have asked me to bring you some more akara as a token of their gratitude.” Ijapa started. “They’re planning a very grand coronation for you in five days’ time and are excited about it. Look at the clothes they’ve made especially for you for the occasion. Look at this magnificent hat!” he added showing Erin the gifts.

“Thank you Ijapa. These akara balls are even bigger and sweeter than the first “, he said tasting one of them. There’s no doubt then that humans really want me to be their Ọba. Otherwise why would they have gone into all this trouble? And look at these clothes and hat!” he exclaimed.

“Come in five days’ time. I’ll be dressed and ready for you”, he promised, after eating more of the akara.

Ijapa was very happy. He went straight to the palace to tell the Ọba about the developments:

“Kabiyesi! I bring you good news. The matter is almost resolved”. He then went on to discuss the other arrangements that were being made for the “Coronation Day”.

“Very well Ijapa. Everything you’ve requested will be done”, the Ọba reassured him. After leaving the palace Ijapa went home and started frying plenty of akara – in huge balls. He soaked them inside some honey for three days, so that they were dripping honey.

When Erin was informed about the meeting of the animals his first reaction was:

“I knew they’d want me to be their king now that I’m going to be king of humans. Well it’s too late. I’ll go to the meeting all the same – just to see them grovel!”

Ijapa heard about the meeting but did not attend.

Inọki was the spokesman at the meeting:

“Erin, we realize our mistake in not electing you as king, but you know the reason why – that it’s because of the way Kiniun is and how he would have reacted if we had not chosen him. But you know that deep down we’ve always seen you as our king. We’re willing to overthrow Kiniun, with the help of some other strong and powerful animals like yourself, such as Tiger, Ẹkun, and, Leopard, Amọtẹkun, although we know that you alone can do it. If Kiniun turns wild, you, Erin, can trample on him with your huge feet, or you can use your heavy trunk to knock him down. We know how you’ve been using both to cause problems for humans, so you can do it” he continued.

“I’m happy you now recognize that I’m more powerful and stronger than Kiniun and would like to make me king. I’m afraid I have to say “No”, Erin replied haughtily.

“Being king of humans is even better, and let me remind you again that very soon you’ll be addressing me as Kabiyesi – not just Erin” he continued

“Erin, Ijapa is deceiving you. Humans can’t possibly choose an animal to rule over them no matter how strong the animal is. Ijapa is leading you to your death. Isn’t it better to be our king than to die?” Inọki warned him.

Erin hesitated and was suddenly besieged by doubts. What this animal was saying might be true. Then he remembered all the things Ijapa had brought to him the day before – the akara balls which were bigger and sweeter than the first, and the clothes. How magnificent they looked, especially the hat! Then he thought :

“Surely humans really want me to be their Ọba. Otherwise why would they have gone into all this trouble?”

Erin told the other animals about all the akara that humans had been sending him through Ijapa, and about the clothes.

“What are the proofs that you want me to be your king? You can’t even provide what humans have provided for me! You just talk. It’s only talk you can offer – just talk”.

The other animals did not know what to say or do any more. They were shocked by Erin’s reply; this was so unlike him. This sense of power and strength had obviously gone to his head!

The meeting ended and Erin was the first to leave – eager to go home to prepare for his ‘Coronation’ the following day before Ijapa arrived to lead him into town.

“We’ll just make sure some, if not all, of us go to the “Coronation” and see if there’s anything else that can be done”, Inọki said to the rest of the animals.

On the appointed day Ijapa, dressed from head to toe in a chief’s regalia, headed for Erin’s house. He was accompanied by one or two drummers, trumpeters, flute and pipe players, and others, blaring their music, dancing and singing.

Erin was already dressed when they got there, looking magnificent and regal in the beautiful and colourful clothes and hat, and he was parading all over the place, walking majestically, raising his trunk as if to wave.

When the delegation led by Ijapa got near him they all prostrated and called out:

“Kabiyesi!” at the same time.

“How magnificent you look, Erin! How will you look when they place your crown on your head?” Ijapa exclaimed.

Erin, totally flattered, continued to walk in a halting, majestic manner, totally in raptures, raising his trunk at everybody.

Ijapa tossed the akara balls that had been soaked in honey for three days at him. Erin tasted them and was happy. He puffed out his chest, flapped his ears, raised his body slightly up and down, swaying to the right and then to the left, revelling in the whole thing, imagining himself as an Ọba.

“Let the music begin!” Ijapa ordered, and the drummers started playing accompanied by trumpeters, flute and pipe players, etc, and there was singing, and hailing of Erin as Ọba. Very soon the following song, could be heard from the combination of musical instruments and voices:

A o m’Erin jọba, We’re going to make Erin king

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

A o m’Erin jọba,

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹlẹ, ni wẹle, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹlẹ, ni wẹle, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹmu, ni wẹmu, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹmu, ni wẹmu, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin nlọ jọba wa Erin’s going to be our king

Erin nlọ jọba wa Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ẹ wolẹ fun Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Pay homage to Erin

Ẹ wolẹ fun Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin ka re le o, ko wa j’ ọba Erin come home with us to be king

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin ka re le o, ko wa j’ ọba Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ẹ wolẹ fun Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ẹ wolẹ fun Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

A o m’Erin jọba, We’re going to make Erin king

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

A o m’Erin jọba,

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹlẹ, ni wẹle, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹlẹ, ni wẹle, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹmu, ni wẹmu, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹmu, ni wẹmu, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Everybody started dancing, moving to the rhythm in an elated manner – to the left and then to the right, backward and forward, round and round. They were lowering their bodies to the ground and then rising again.

Ijapa kept on tossing the akara balls at Erin, one after the other, as Erin danced away flanked by them all – the procession moving forward towards the town.

A crowd was waiting at the gate leading to the centre of town to welcome the procession with a roar. People stood on both sides of the decorated, tree-lined streets, dancing, clapping, waving, hailing, cheering and paying homage to Erin, as he walked majestically by. Among them were women who had brought beautiful and colourful wrappers to spread on the ground for Erin to walk on, as their way of honouring him. People from nearby villages, where news of Erin’s “Coronation” had spread, came out quickly to join the procession, welcoming Erin in the same way.

The festive mood was intense as “Kabiyesi!” resounded everywhere.

Erin was in a complete state of euphoria, leaping up and down with joy, flapping his ears with pride, and dragging his trunk along on his head. Humans were paying homage to him, Erin. They wanted him to be their Ọba, whereas animals had rejected him earlier on as their Ọba and chosen Kiniun instead!

“If only Kiniun can see me now!” he said, lifting his trunk to wave at the crowd. His morale was high because he thought that Ijapa must have been right all along about the humans’ intentions, with this kind of reception.

“They must really believe that there’s no other being who is fit to be their Ọba. Maybe they are right! After all, look at how big and strong, and powerful I am” he thought arrogantly.

After some time, seeing Erin in this state, Ijapa could not resist the urge to gloat, knowing what was in store for the foolish animal. The urge was so strong that Ijapa found himself halting the drumming and back up and the singing to say:

“Erin, iwoyi ọla rẹ

Ọbẹ a ṣe fara

Ẹjẹ a ṣe bala

Eṣinṣin a kun wọn-in…”

“Erin, this time tomorrow

Knives will be slashing

Blood flowing everywhere

Flies buzzing”

Some of Ijapa’s words caught Erin’s hearing. He had got so carried away with what was happening to him and had not been listening attentively. He wavered and pricked his ear. However, the animals who had turned up for the occasion, heard every word and one of them – a bird – flew quickly to where Erin was and whispered all the words in his ear.

Erin stood still. Realization dawned on him that the other animals could be right and that Ijapa could be leading him to his death. He was very angry and he refused to move on; he then turned back.

“It was foolhardy of me to have said what I’ve just said, but I just couldn’t help it. Erin is so full of himself. How on earth could he have thought that humans would want him to rule them!” Ijapa, thought, racking his brains quickly as to what to do to rectify the situation. Just then he caught sight of Kiniun arriving on the scene – among the other animals.

“Excellent” Ijapa thought and whispered quickly into Erin’s ear:

“Erin you said just now “If only Kiniun can see me now”. Well, guess what, he’s here…”

#earing this brought back Erin’s pent-up resentments against Kiniun, and once more his resolve to show Kiniun that he was more powerful and stronger took over. Intercepting this Ijapa quickly tossed some akara balls at him and called for the drumming and singing and back-up to recommence:

A o m’Erin jọba, We’re going to make Erin king

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

A o m’Erin jọba,

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹlẹ, ni wẹle, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹlẹ, ni wẹle, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹmu, ni wẹmu, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹmu, ni wẹmu, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin nlọ jọba wa Erin’s going to be our king

Erin nlọ jọba wa Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ẹ wolẹ fun Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Pay homage to Erin

Ẹ wolẹ fun Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin ka re le o, ko wa j’ ọba Erin come home with us to be king

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin ka re le o, ko wa j’ ọba Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ẹ wolẹ fun Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ẹ wolẹ fun Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Erin o Erin Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

A o m’Erin jọba, We’re going to make Erin king

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

A o m’Erin jọba,

Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹlẹ, ni wẹle, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹlẹ, ni wẹle, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹmu, ni wẹmu, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

Ni wẹmu, ni wẹmu, Ẹrẹku – ẹwẹlẹ

By now all the people in the town had joined in the singing, dancing away excitedly and happily towards the market square, and Erin was caught up with the flow. He turned around.

The people were excited and happy because they believed that they would soon see the end of their problems. Erin, on the other hand, thought they were rejoicing because they were happy to welcome him as their future Ọba. He was immensely moved by the esteem he thought the people displayed towards him. He danced away lifting his trunk and then one foot after the other, conscious of Kiniun’s presence among the other animals, thinking:

“Yes, Kiniun, look at me now! Who is stronger and more powerful – you or I?”

When the procession got to the market square a big crowd was awaiting them, cheering loudly and haling Erin as their new Ọba. The fanfare continued in full force. People were dancing around as drummers drummed away, and trumpeters blew their trumpets full blast, amidst the sound of pipes, flutes and other musical instruments and amidst shouts of “Kabiyesi”!

Erin saw the beautifully, colourfully, and richly decorated throne dazzling in the sunlight, beckoning him, and could not believe his eyes. He was ushered to the throne by Ijapa and some courtiers from the palace who had been waiting to receive him. Head swollen with pride Erin marched on majestically to occupy his rightful “seat”.

Totally in raptures, he raised his trunk at everybody, as their new Ọba. He stepped on the decorated mat, and dropped into the trench with a terrific bang, filling it up entirely with his huge body. He tried to lift himself up, but could not, and was shocked when nobody came to his rescue. Instead he noticed that there was complete silence around him. The fanfare had stopped – the dancing, the singing, the hailing…That was when it dawned on him that he had been tricked. In the twinkle of an eye all the hunters rushed out with their weapons – knives, cutlasses and clubs – and bludgeoned him to death.

That was how the foolish animal came to his end. Shouts of joy resounded everywhere.

“Hooray! Erin is dead! Ijapa has saved us from our enemy!”

The fanfare resumed in full force as Ijapa was carried head high and led to the palace by the Ọba’s courtiers. All the animals present, except Kiniun, were deeply upset by Erin’s death, which they had done everything in their power to prevent. They went away in silence to mourn him.

The Ọba was overjoyed by the developments.

“Let the fanfare continue! My people and I are very grateful to you for rescuing us from Erin” he said to Ijapa and thanked him. “As promised, you’ll be greatly rewarded”.

Ijapa was showered with a lot of valuable gifts and money, and he went away pleased with himself – a very happy individual