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A f'ago ko eyin aparo, ohun oju n wa l'oju ri. A story with Moral Lessons

Why do you think Yoruba people make the below expression "A fago ko eyin aparo, ohun oju n wa l'oju ri"? In what instance is the statement used? Today, in this post we will check out the reason behind the saying, and the Yoruba story that follow it. At the end of the day, we will learn important lessons..

atako fo eyin aparo, ohun oju n wa loju ri
THE STORY
In the olden day Yoruba land, there was a village called Isanlu, and there lived a renowned hunter named Igbayilola. His name is known across neighboring lands as a brave hunter, a man who knew no fear and hunted with accuracy. From the fiercest leopards to the swiftest cheetah, no creature was beyond his bow and arrow. His strength brought him fame, and his people liked him.

One fateful morning, with his hunting bag hung on his shoulder, Igbayilola went into the forest, eager to return with a prize that would further cement his reputation. However, despite walking tirelessly from morning till evening, he could not kill a single animal. With shame in his heart, he returned home empty-handed. The next day, he set out again, determined to reclaim his lost glory. Yet, just like the day before, the forest offered him nothing. The villagers began to whisper, mockingly suggesting that the great Igbayilola had lost his touch.

On the third day, anger and desperation drove him deeper into the forest. As he wandered through the vegetation, he saw an antelope caught by one of his traps. The animal caught was still alive. To his surprise, the antelope spoke, pleading for its life, saying... "Igbayilola, great hunter of Isanlu, spare me, and fortune shall be yours beyond measure. Show mercy today, and tomorrow, the gods shall reward you". But the hunter rejected it. "What use are your words when my pride is at stake?" He brought out his knife and ended the antelope’s life, confident that his people would once again sing his praises.

He spent the rest of the day searching for more prey, but all efforts proofed futile. As the sun began to set, disappointment filled his heart. Just as he was about to turn back, his eyes caught sight of a partridge (Aparo) incubating its eggs. At this point, he could have remembered a Yoruba proverb that says "A kii gbe eran erin l'eri ki a maa fi ese wa iho ire".

Instead, a wicked thought crossed his mind—if he could return with yet another kill plus this antelope, his reputation would be restored beyond question. Silently, he reached into his bag and pulled out his catapult. He took careful aim, ensuring that his shot would not miss. But as he released the stone, the partridge flown, escaping untouched. Instead, the catapult stone struck one of its delicate eggs, shattering it instantly.

A chill ran through Igbayilola’s body. He knew the myths surrounding Eyin Aparo (the partridge egg) in Isanlu village. It is in the custom of Isanlu that no one under any circumstance must use stone to break patridge egg or use bare hand to pack patridge eggs without making necessary rituals. Such practice is not allowed in that village as it was sacred, and breaking it invited untold misfortunes. Immediately to cover his undoings, he pulled out his hunter bag and packed the remaining eggs. The king felt a strange happening in his palace as Igbayilola packed the egg. He said... Ori Baba Mi o, enikan ti se ohun eewo!

Igbayilola felt disappointed as he walked home. The next morning, the village awoke to strange happenings—crops withered, streams dried up, and children fell ill with mysterious fevers. The elders gathered, their faces lined with fear. Something was terribly wrong. The king of Isanlu, troubled by the series of calamities, summoned the village babaláwo (diviner). After deep consultations with Ifá, the truth was revealed.

"The sacred egg of the partridge has been broken and eggs packed with bare hands", the babaláwo declared. "A great sin has been committed, and the gods demand justice. The one responsible must be cast out, or Isanlu will suffer further ruin". He told them a popular hunter in the village was the cause. All eyes turned to Igbayilola. His face, once filled with pride, now bore the marks of guilt and fear. The villagers, who once praised him, now shunned him. The king decreed his banishment, and he was driven to the outskirts of the village, alone and forsaken.

With no shelter or companionship, Igbayilola wandered the forest, his once-mighty hands now trembling with weakness. Days passed, his skin grew pale, his limbs deformed. Leprosy had taken hold of him, a punishment from the gods. A few days later, he breathed his last. Since then, if Yoruba people want to caution anyone that is greedy, they will say "Afago ko eyin aparo, ohun oju n wa l'oju ri"

There are many morals we can deduce in this story. As a matter of fact, if he had shown kindness to the pleading antelope, fortune might have graced him. Also, if he had been content with his first catch (the antelope) and resisted greed, he could have averted this. But his heart, hardened by pride and desperation, led him to destruction.

Which other lessons do you learn in this story? Take your time to comment below.