Teemah: Between Sacred Bead and Bangle -By Toheeb Babalola

Most times I sit myself down and go on a deep thought about the reasons we live on earth but I do not always uncover the right answers to my imagination. Many worship centres daily, in their different sermons, preach that God created Man to worship Him and fulfil a purpose. However, that of fulfilling a purpose is somehow hazy and not well defined by the messengers of God.

While trying to figure out the purpose, I noticed that no matter where we find ourselves in the universe, God connects hearts. This can be seen in the love story of Prince Ademola and OmidanOmowumi.

Prince Ademola was a handsome young man in his late 20s and the sole heir to the throne in the Makinde Kingdom. Many young women found him attractive and sold themselves at him whenever he moved around with his horse and guards but he saw no interest in them.

There was a particular night his father (the King) woke him up, and dragged his attention to marital affairs. “My prince, you are no longer a child. It is time for you to have a fiancée. At your age, I had your mom’s hand in marriage. Bring your Omidan to me”, the King said. Nevertheless, Prince was dumbfounded to hear such words from his father; “(squeezing his face) Your Highness, I think such a thing is too early for now. Can we give it a little time? He asked. The king nodded his head in affirmation to his son’s question.

Days after no positive action from the Prince, without his knowledge, the King ordered the Town-crier to inform all the Omidan (young women) in the Kingdom to assemble at the Palace for a royal dance in the next three days. The odd news threw the whole kingdom in confusion and left many women with a guess about the forthcoming event to the extent that the Sanwo-Olu Kingdom eavesdropped on it.

On the day, several Omidan (young women) in stunning and shining dresses assembled at the Palace as instructed, the drummers and other entertainers stood opposite to them and ready to make all waists dance to the royal tune. The King, Prince and Chiefs emerged from the inner room while the palace chanter gave his best till they all seated. However, the Prince like other people was perplexed about the main objective of the event.

“Today, one person among you will become a fiancée to my prince. I want you all to feel free and dance before the Prince”, the King addressed the Omidan while the kingdom shouted for joy. Prince Ademola was uncomfortable hearing his father’s welcoming address and felt like disappearing from the occasion. “Ayan, can we begin?” King asked the drummers

All the Omidan gave their best in dancing till they felt body ache but the Prince was apathetic. After drumming for two hours, the King ordered the Ayan to cease the performance and called upon the prince to make a selection. However, the Prince disobeyed his father and angrily rushed indoors, in which the attendees found the situation a humiliation to the throne.

The king disowned his son, the Prince also decided to vacate the palace for Sanwo-Olu Kingdom. The king withdrew the horse and the guards from him. On his way to Sanwo-Olu Kingdom, Prince Ademola came across OmidanOmowumi, the daughter of Idera-olodumare and for the first time, the Prince gazed at a pretty lady.

Omowumi was a renowned young storyteller in the Sanwo-Olu Kingdom. She had transcribed many traditional stories in written format, her unique gift made every man to have her hands in marriage. But she kept rejecting her suitors for no reason.

Sanwo-Olu kingdom was more developed than the Makinde Kingdom, Prince Ademola did not address himself as a Prince of another Kingdom. He mixed with random people and found his way to Idera-Olodumare residence where Omowumi resided with her parents.

Ademola was also a good narrator, he discussed about possible collaboration with Omowumi for the betterment of African stories in the outside world, and she granted his offer. Along the line, Ademola develops an affection for Omowumi.

While both of them were under the tree, Ademola brought out a gold bangle and asked Omowumi, “If they caught a thief, where should they hold him?”; “At the wrist” ” she replied. Immediately after her answer, Ademola put a‘bangle’ on her wrist and expressed his feelings for Omowumi.

Omowumi was shocked about the new development between her and Ademola. Despite her awkward action, she also gave Ademola a ‘hand bead’ as a response to the gold bangle. The prince was really glad to see things turning around positively.

Prince Ademola returned to his father’s kingdom to share the good news. He showed his father (the King) the hand bead as a sign of a love story but the Oldman was only curious about the appearance of his daughter-in-law.

The love birds held the bead and bangle on their left-hand wrists to strengthen their promising relationship. Omowumi loved the Prince, however, she did not say “Yes” to his proposal. What should the Prince do? What was behind Omowumi’s attitude? Should the King interfere? These are questions that call for clarity.

So, there are many purposes to fulfil in life and one of them is to create a “Bond”. We are human beings, God has made everything easier for us to love, connect and form a family or friendship. The bead and bangle were not used as materials but as a love bond between Ademola and Omowumi that bridged them together and strengthened their affection. God unites people but cannot decide for them. 

Everyone falls in love but many people negligently throw away their soulmates for dogs to eat.

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