Once upon a time, in a distant land, there lived a king known for his unshakable stubbornness. His name was Eze Onye Agwalam, which means “The King Who Does Not Listen” in the Igbo language. It was not a nickname he embraced willingly; rather, it was a title given to him by his frustrated subjects. Eze Onye Agwalam believed that his wisdom was unmatched and that no one could offer him advice better than his own judgment.
In his court, ministers, advisors, and even family members often tried to counsel him on matters of governance, but he waved them off dismissively. “What do you know that I don’t?” he would say with a smug grin. Over time, people grew weary of offering him guidance, for they knew he would only reject their words. Despite this, he relished his reputation as a king who was confident and self-assured.
The Pawpaw Incident
One bright morning, Eze Onye Agwalam lounged in his royal garden, indulging in his favorite fruit: a ripe, golden pawpaw. Its sweet aroma filled the air as the king ate greedily, his long black beard swaying with every bite. But as he devoured the fruit, a glob of sticky, yellow juice smeared onto his beard. Oblivious, the king continued his feast, enjoying the day without a care in the world.
After finishing his pawpaw, he rose and decided to take a stroll through the marketplace. He walked proudly, his royal robes flowing behind him. But something was different that day. Wherever he went, people avoided him. Vendors turned their heads, customers walked briskly away, and children who usually cheered his presence now whispered and giggled behind their hands.
The king furrowed his brow, puzzled by the strange behavior. “Why are my subjects avoiding me?” he wondered. “They should be bowing and praising my greatness, not scurrying away like frightened mice!”
The Truth Revealed
Returning to the palace, Eze Onye Agwalam summoned his closest aide. “Tell me,” he demanded, “why is everyone acting strangely today? Why do they shy away from me?”
The aide hesitated, unsure how to respond. But knowing the king’s temper, he decided to speak honestly. “Your Highness,” he began, bowing deeply, “it is because your beard is filthy. The pawpaw juice you spilled on it has dried, and it gives off an unpleasant smell. It also makes you look… less than royal.”
The king’s face turned crimson with embarrassment. “What!? And no one thought to tell me?” he roared, his voice echoing through the grand hall.
“Because, Your Majesty,” the aide replied boldly, “you are Eze Onye Agwalam—the king who listens to no one. Even if we had tried to tell you, would you have paid attention?”
The king was struck silent. He realized that his reputation for stubbornness had created a barrier between him and his people. Shame washed over him as he recalled the countless times he had dismissed advice and opinions, believing himself infallible.
A Changed King
From that day forward, Eze Onye Agwalam was a changed man. He called a meeting of his council and addressed them with humility. “My advisors, ministers, and subjects,” he began, “I have wronged you. My arrogance has made me blind to your wisdom, and I see now how much I have missed by refusing to listen. I ask for your forgiveness and your guidance moving forward.”
His words spread throughout the kingdom, and the people rejoiced. Eze Onye Agwalam began to consult his council on matters of state, listening carefully to their ideas before making decisions. His governance improved, and his people flourished under his newfound humility.
The nickname “Eze Onye Agwalam” remained, but it transformed from a mark of shame to a reminder of growth and wisdom. It became a story shared by the villagers to teach the value of humility and the importance of listening to others.
The Moral
The tale of Eze Onye Agwalam reminds us that wisdom is not found in isolation. Even the most powerful and knowledgeable among us must listen to others, for no one knows everything. Arrogance blinds, but humility opens the heart to growth and understanding.