11/10/2025
For correct daily African folklore, follow Ajambele
HOW ONUWA LOST ANOTHER HE-GOAT
The night Chief Ikpeama invaded Onuwa’s farm, only the moon was a witness.
He stole tubers of yam from the barn and took the castrated, giant he-goat.
If not for that he-goat, Onuwa would never have known the thief was his own kinsman. But when he saw the goat and recognized it, he confronted Ikpeama.
The law of the land was clear: a convicted thief would be stripped and paraded in the village square.
And Onuwa, being a kind man, wouldn’t want that shame for a titled man like Ikpeama.
So both agreed that Ikpeama would return everything at night.
But the first night passed, and Ikpeama didn’t keep his word.
The second night came and went - still, nothing was returned.
After seven days, Onuwa went to Ikpeama’s house and found the Chief hosting a feast.
‘I don’t know how to tell you this, Onuwa,’ said Ikpeama, ‘but the last time you came, your tubers and your he-goat were still in my house. Today, they’ve been served at my feast. If not for your goat and your yams, how would I have hosted my guests?’
Furious, Onuwa went to the elders and told them how Ikpeama had stolen from his farm.
The elders summoned Ikpeama and demanded his defense.
‘I am a titled man,’ Ikpeama said proudly. ‘Before a title can be bestowed on anyone, such a person must have enough to feed his household and community. How then can I stoop so low as to steal a yam or covet a he-goat?’
The elders asked Onuwa for a witness, but he had none - only his words and tears.
But words and tears were not enough to win the case.
After deliberation, the elders concluded that though Onuwa spoke with certainty, he had no substance to prove his words.
The verdict did not favor him.
And the law of the land demanded a he-goat as punishment for falsely accusing a titled man.
But as the judgment was passed, the people whispered among themselves:
“That a man wins a court case doesn’t mean he is innocent.”
Moral: To avoid getting hurt, don’t be soft to evil.
Ancient wisdom. Modern truth.
Follow Ajambele - where every story hides a mirror of our world.
