(Wisdom is one quality that a king must possess)
by Kobena Esubiyi AlaKetu
Baba's level of influence was infectious and those that were fortunate to cross his path, study under his tutelage and temporarily share his life's road truly knew this. His influence will continue to pervade and ripple throughout many generations to come. It said that there are many departments in fá, in which one gathers expertise and Baba was that of the scholar, philosopher, or master teacher; although many of us emulated him out of our profound admiration of him, he gathered no one close to him for his own sake. He often stated " a true measure of a teacher or wise person is not to lead the student to the door of his/her wisdom, but to that door of their own understanding."
I thank Baba for ushering in the idea of identity under the guise of "New Afrikan" before setting the stage for African religion per se, because no matter how much we promote Traditional African Faiths or Indigenous Faiths of Africa, if the people are dysfunctional and are defined by the perimeters of those who wish only to subjugate them, while subscribing to the belief that are fodder then their religion offers no salvation for them. After all, Baba taught use that "Religion is no more than the Deification of Someone's Nationalism", and it is through this that we gain our keys to win.
Only wesagu can provide testimony against him and only his kpoli/ori can measure the beneficence of his luvo/lindon/emi (soul). O the Great Elephant Has Fallen, but he quarreled with no other elephant, perhaps reminding the other animals of their place. As the saying goes "when two elephants fight only the grass is affected or hurt". Those who look for guidance and later stand to provide it, while under the weight of the elephant = grass, while the elephants represent leadership or more importantly directive thought that provides purpose. Baba sought to have the sons and daughters of cotton, understand their place in the faith systems that they would give rise to and work in concert with one another in order to rebuild and put to a new/high standard the faiths of our ancestors.
May Mawu/Dzito soften the blow that has been delivered to the family and friends. Even though, Baba Medahochi is no longer with us, death can extinguish his corpal existence but not his true light:
-Nabaa be ye taabaa ye (all new comers/arrivals are leaving/departing)
-Dyofe be ye dafe ye (all structures are called to rest/collaspe)
-Dafe be ye bafe ye (all created things are called to an end)
-Kunufe be ye safe ye (all awakened things are called to die out).
A Dupe Pupo,
Elder, Teacher, Brother and Dear Friend for All that you have done for me and encouraged me to Do. ("Do n’ Fa gbe, do n’ Fa gbe”)
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