Ben Udechukwu
The story was told of a very powerful traditional ruler who was known for his strong will, impartiality and sound judgments. In concert with his Eze – in – Council, he made a law that any citizen of the community found guilty of stealing, incest, murder, adultery and such other heinous crimes will be banished from the village.
For years, the Eze ensured the implementation of this law with religious commitment not minding whose ox is gored.
One day, three hunters, all friends ‘caught’ the Eze in what looked like having an inappropriate relationship in the Bush with maidens from the neighboring community. They confronted the Eze and actually informed him that though his ‘act’ does not fall within the list of heinous crimes, it shows that he is integrity challenged.
Subsequently, each time the Eze wants to take a crucial decision in a matter concerning them, their close relatives of friends, the young men from a distance will intimidate him to submission. Quietly, they were blackmailing the hitherto strong willed traditional ruler to oblivion. His reign began to be fraught with all forms of avoidable carnage. This he told himself, must STOP
ONE day, he summoned courage and was determined to get his life back. He knew that if he failed as a ruler, his subjects would stop the buck on his table. He asked the Town crier to sound the Ikoro. The Ikoro is the most sacred means of communication. When it summons the community, it means something significant has happened or that gods had a very significant message to deliver through their custodian, the Eze
Guess what! The three young men with false confidence were the first to arrive the market square. All the villagers but them, were worried. Whatever it is, they reasoned, no major negative decision would be taken against their “people’ by their “victim’ the Eze. They were so sure that they man who they have been holding down cannot rise beyond the dictates of their whims and caprices.
The Eze shocked them through the display of uncommon wisdom. He reported himself. This is what he told his subjects
“Today, I summon you to tell you what I have been going through to keep all of us in good standing with the gods. You all know that we depend on the gods for direction and progress. They had made so many demands from me and on each occasion, I factored the general interest of our community. I did some unspeakable things in our overall interest. On one of such difficult occasions, I took maidens from the neighboring community to the Bush for what is obviously an inappropriate relationship. I felt I should let us know what I have had to pass through to save us all from imminent danger”.
Trusted, loved and cherished by his subjects, they all applauded him for his unwavering commitment to serve the community despite the demeaning demands from the gods. The three young men left the market square distraught, disappointed and discouraged. There was nothing else to apply as a tool of blackmail.
There are many who are in such embarrassing situations, paying ransoms and living in fear. They are stripped of their will power because those who had blackmail tools against them will not allow them live normal lives.
Be brave, be determined, be decisive end that blackmail now.
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