December 14, 2024
Dr. Abejide B. Olusegun (2024).
Confucius once remarked, “If you put money and bananas in front of monkeys, the monkeys will choose bananas and ignore the money.” He further elaborated that there are three classes of men: lovers of wisdom, lovers of honor, and lovers of gain. This timeless wisdom finds a striking modern parallel in the recent actions of Kemi Badenoch, who, when faced with the symbolic choice between Nigeria and Yoruba, wisely chose Yoruba. This decision reflects a profound understanding of identity and self-preservation. Kemi Badenoch is no monkey; she recognizes the essence of her heritage and its enduring significance. Her choice reveals not only her clarity of thought but also her unwavering commitment to her roots. She is Owolabi—a person of honor and integrity. Let her be; she has made her stand with wisdom and dignity.
This situation invites reflection on a deeper truth about life and humanity. Consider the average person who pursues education: how often does this person grapple with life’s fundamental questions? Rarely. They live unaware of the spiritual essence inherent in their being. Instead, they cling to material constructs, including religions and ideologies that, though human-made, often fail to connect them to their deeper purpose. They lack a comprehensive understanding of life’s rules, which transcend the confines of social and political structures. Such individuals do not know where they came from, why they are here, or where they are going.
And yet, despite this profound ignorance, society rewards them with degrees and celebrates them as “brilliant scholars.” We have constructed a system that prioritizes the fleeting benefits of the moment over the pursuit of enduring wisdom. It is a tragic irony—a hierarchy of well-educated ignorance that neglects the essential questions of existence. Everything has been subordinated to the transient advantages of the hour, leaving wisdom to languish in obscurity.
Kemi Badenoch’s choice stands as a counterpoint to this broader societal failure. By embracing her Yorubaness, she demonstrates a rare clarity and alignment with the principles of self-preservation and identity. In an age where many lose themselves to the allure of materialism and transient gain, she chose honor and wisdom over superficial rewards. Her decision reminds us of the importance of knowing who we are, where we come from, and what truly matters. In her, we see a reflection of what it means to live with purpose and dignity in a world often adrift. Let us celebrate such wisdom and strive to emulate it in our own lives.
