A Political Parable by Hon. Olalekan A. Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba)
In the ancient Kingdom of Oluwatedo, every two years, the air becomes charged with anticipation. Drums echo through the valleys, the rhythm of destiny pounding in every heart. For it is the time of the Royal Dance Festival, a centuries-old competition where Princes from every ruling family take to the stage — not just to display their grace and strength, but to win the heart of the people.
For in Oluwatedo, a dancer today could become king tomorrow.
Among these Princes was one known far and wide — Prince Obasan, the son of the celebrated Ilufemiloye, whose reign decades earlier was remembered for prosperity, reform, and fairness. Obasan was not the tallest, nor the most flamboyant of the royal heirs, but he carried something more precious: a loyal heart and a rhythm that moved the soul of the people.
Yet, by the customs of the land, stature defined worth, and tallness was often equated with greatness. Obasan, short in frame but tall in vision, had never imagined himself among the chosen dancers. That was until Oba Asoludero, the reigning monarch — a wise and reform-minded king — personally insisted that the Prince should join the competition.
At first, Obasan resisted. “Kabiyesi,” he said humbly, “I am not made for this. Our people adore height, not heart.”
But the King smiled knowingly and replied, “Sometimes, it is not the height of the man that matters, but the height of his rhythm.”
Reluctantly, Obasan agreed — and the rest became legend. His dance electrified the crowd. His moves spoke of struggle, hope, and unity. For the first time, the people saw not his size, but his spirit. He won hearts, admiration, and the goodwill of a kingdom thirsty for sincerity. From that day, the chant echoed across markets and palaces alike:
“Obasan! The dancer who feels the people’s pulse!”
THE RISE OF A PRINCE AND THE POWER OF A MOTHER
Prince Obasan did not dance alone for his own fame. He organized mini competitions for children and youths — inspiring a new generation to believe in themselves. The women adored him, and behind this wave of popularity stood one formidable woman — his mother, Iyaafin Iyaniwura.
Iyaniwura was no ordinary royal mother. She was a kingmaker, a woman whose influence spread beyond the palace walls. Her wisdom was revered, her connections legendary, and her courage unmatched. To many, she embodied the spirit of the kingdom itself.
For years, the duo — mother and son — were symbols of unity and progress. But as it often happens in politics and power, love gave way to conflict.
THE RIFT AT THE PALACE
Toward the end of Oba Asoludero’s glorious ten-year reign, whispers began to spread. The once-cordial relationship between the King and Iyaniwura had soured. What began as mild disagreement over the King’s administrative style grew into a palace-wide rift.
In what many saw as an act of defiance, Iyaniwura began quietly supporting another young Prince — one she believed had more “experience” than her own son. Her move divided the kingdom: one camp loyal to the King, the other to the Queen Mother.
Caught between loyalty to his benefactor and love for his mother, Obasan chose silence and self-exile, leaving the kingdom altogether — a noble act to prevent his shadow from darkening the conflict.
Years passed. Thrones changed. Kings rose and fell. Yet, the memory of the short Prince who danced with the people’s heart refused to fade.
THE RETURN OF THE RHYTHM
Now, as fate would have it, it is the turn of his father’s lineage to produce the next King. The Royal Drums are beating once again, and the elders are calling for Obasan’s return.
His supporters say, “Let him come home! Let him dance again — for the spirit of his father lives in him!”
But others scoff, “How can a short man sit on the throne of tall kings?”
And in the corridors of power, a new whisper rises: “Will his mother, Iyaniwura, stand by him — or stand in his way?”
The kingdom waits. The drums of destiny grow louder. The crowd wonders if their beloved Prince will finally step forward once more — not just to dance, but to lead.
The question on every lip is now louder than ever:
WILL OBASAN DANCE FOR HIS PEOPLE?
✍ By
Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka (AYINLA EGBA)
Convener, United Premier Movement (UPM)
“One Voice | One Cause | One Future.”
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