Perhaps if you’re a descendant of the Yoruba race, or possibly belong to another tribe and have lived with the Yoruba for a long time, you would have come across a popular metaphorical statement “Taa ló mọ Òkòlò ẹ l’ọ́yọ́”, there is a high possibility that you as a reader of this article would have used the historic sentence as illustration in one or two discussions that have to do with leveling the level of significance a person or personality holds in the context of whatever is being discussed.
The statement which could be traced to have been in existence and usage for over 6 centuries expressed the case of social relevance leaving the person being addressed to abject ridicule due to the amount of popularity they get.
However as an enthusiast and a promoter of African Yoruba culture, language, beauty norms and value it is very important that we route the root of this popular adage through trans-generational oral traditions and extract the applicable moral lessons that come from the historic scenario turn symbolism in the modern day Yorubaland and Nigeria entirely.
The untold story of Okolo can be traced to the 15th Century, during the precolonial era of the old Oyo empire. Okolo is a man who resides close to Alaafin Oyo’s palace.
He is a man who is deeply rooted in wisdom and understanding of the nitty-gritty of Oyo cultural and traditional practice. He is close to the palace and historical fact has it that he was a horse minder. All his life, Okolo has always dreamed to be one of those at the helm of affairs, he is driven by timeless tradition with zealous will to enjoy royalty, get recognition and prominence, sit with the King and be consulted by the Oyomesi, the Oyo-in-council senate house for suggestions on crucial matters that directly or indirectly make or mar the affairs of the people of Oyo-Ile.
As much as he dreams of bigger things, such an individual with an unrelenting mindset only has his dreams happening in his dreams that never comes to reality. Day by day, he continues to remain insignificant and was never revered nor sought for. The height of it was a day when there was a crucial discussion going on in the palace. The Generalissimo, Head of Army known as the Aare Ona Kakanfo was briefing the King and Oyomesi on the state of security, and giving important details on a planned war. The Defence Minister was presenting a highly secretive intel and confidential information to the kingsmen noting the strategy to be deployed and the needed ammunition and allowances for the period of the planned war.
In the traditional customs of the Palace, Anyone who is not a member of the Oyo-in-council is not expected to make a statement anytime proceedings are being heard or plenary is going on. After the house deliberated, made their case and the King concluded with a closing remark, Surprisingly, Okolo who may by the nature of his wisdom and knowledge about Palace activities have something to contribute raised his hand with utmost eagerness to contribute to the discussion.
A member of the senate house who couldn’t withstand the ridiculous shout in anger, queried Okolo’s audacity to contribute to Oyo Affairs as he says “Taa ló mọ Òkòlò ẹ l’ọ́yọ́” a statement that can be interpreted to “Who knows the trivial Okolo, an insignificant man in the town”.
Okolo left the palace in shame, went home in sadness and thought of every means to gain popularity, he felt it is important to be known no matter how, whether for the good or bad.
The next day, Okolo made up his mind and set part of the Oyo palace ablaze. He got what he wanted but in the wrong and infamous way. In a short period of time, the name of Okolo began to spread across the town. His popularity infamously-derived became a household name, Infact his name spread to neighboring towns who understood the political significance of the Old Oyo empire.
Okolo had proved to the world that he could make himself known even though he was previously a footnote. He later got punished accordingly and that’s how the story goes.
In full ‘Ta lo mo okolo re l’Oyo, afi ojo to tina bole’.
Subjecting this to social criticism with the current state of values the people hold, we will realize that many wish to amass wealth and popularity without minding the aftermath of such actions.
The western Capitalism indigenized to Afro-Capitalism to make people do things without minding the after effect with total inconsideration of whose oars is gores.
To be famous and to be infamous take almost the steps but in a different direction. The character of Okolo undergoes a transformation, making choices that lead to both fame and infamy, illustrating the consequences of seeking popularity without considering the ethical implications of one’s actions
Okolo’s actions and their aftermath serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of ethical decision-making and the potential repercussions of seeking recognition through negative means.
