A Slave on the Throne

Dina, a slave boy grew up into adulthood in the palace of Alapik Kingdom. He knew at first hand all the tactics and manoeuvring that takes place in the selection of a new king. Not many knew his pedigree because most of the elders in the kingdom of Alapak had passed on. So when the opportunity came he grabbed it with both hands and firmly too.

The way and manner he ascended the throne remained a mystery for a long time and it was a subject of debate among the townfolks. The level of manipulation and the treachery of king makers gave room for setting aside culture and tradition, honesty, integrity and other requisite qualifications. In fact, the ifa Oracle was not consulted to establish the veracity of his claim that royal blood ran through his veins.

Alapik Kingdom indigenes were yearning for a new king with charisma, good personality or who had a Midas touch that would bring progress, development and civilisation to the ancient community. Diba had none of these. His incompetence came to the force not long after ascending the throne of "his ancestors". Unknown to many he had supporters who were ready to give him unflinching support because they will gain or exploit his weaknesses and glaring loopholes to their advantage.

In order to consolidate and hold tightly to the throne, he relied greatly on cash inducement of his opposers, threat and dlabolical powers. Many members of the opposition fled the kingdom in order to live and fight another day. Gradually, Diba metamorphosed into a tyrant and dictator. His reign brought untoed hardships, misery and abject poverty to his subjects. Traditional festivals celebration came to a halt. Chieftaincy titles were given to the highest bidder and awarded to any body who had money to buy them no matter how dubious i.e people of doubtful character and origin.

To make matters worse the sacred forest was invaded and desecrated and vandalised. The first victims were trees left for many by his predecessors because of spiritual reasons. Lumberers had a field day, the land too had became fertile having been abandoned for many years to fallow, it became a hot cakes for farmers. His administrative blunders continued unabated until one day his subjects Rose to challenge all the illegalities being perpetrated.

Although the momentum of protesters died down after some few days, because their leaders were eliminated, Diba could not resist the force of the people - their numerical strength, their diversity, unity and resolve. The men, women, children, adults, young and old resolved to terminate Diba's rule of terror. The people went spiritual, Ifa Oracle was consulted and the god's spoke. Diba was brought to the palace as a slave, growing up and mingling with princes and princess hid his Identity for many years.

Subsequently, Diba bowed to pressure and combine powers of poor people. His Identity had been exposed, his administrative style uninspiring and everything around him was suspect. Diba's rule grinded to a halt in less than two years and the selection of a new king set in motion, this time, doing things in the right and proper way. Diba's smartness got him the throne but his character brought him down.

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