At the time of Obatala

[Bravebold]

At the time of Obatala, three people came to him dragging a young man with them and said to him, "Babalawo, aboru boyè! This man has murdered our father.

OBATALA: Why did you kill their father?

MAN: I'm a goatherd. My goat ate from their father's farm, and he threw a stone at my goat and it died. So, I also took a stone and threw it at their father, and he also died.

OBATALA: Because of this, I pass a judgment of murder on you and hereby sentence you to death.

MAN: I ask for three days before you execute the judgment. My late father left me some wealth and I have a sister to take care of. If you kill me now, the wealth and my sister will have no guardian.

OBATALA: Who will stand for your bail?

The young man looked into the crowd and pointed at Lamurudu.

OBATALA: Do you agree to stand for him, Lamurudu?

LAMURUDU: Beeni (Yes).

OBATALA: You agree to stand for someone you don't know, and if he doesn't return you'll receive his penalty.

LAMURUDU: I accept.

The young man left, but after two days, and into the third day there was still no sign of him.

Everyone was very afraid for Lamurudu who had accepted to receive the penalty of death if the man failed to return.

Just before it was time for dinner on the third day, the goatherd appeared, looking very exhausted, and he stood before Obatala.

MAN: I have handed the wealth and the welfare of my sister to my uncle and I'm now yours. You may execute the penalty now.

In great shock and surprise, Obatala said, "And why did you return after having a chance to escape the death penalty?"

MAN: I was afraid it might appear that humanity has lost the ability to fulfill promises kept.

Obatala turned and looked at Lamurudu, "And why did you stand as surety for him?"

LAMURUDU: I was afraid it might appear that humanity has lost the will to do good to others.

These words and events moved the brothers who had wanted justice for their father's death very deeply, and they decided to forgive the young goatherd.

In furious anger, Obatala asked, "Why?"

They replied, "We are afraid it will appear as though forgiveness has lost its place in the heart of humanity."

I have also forwarded this beautiful message to you in fear that it might appear that reminders towards doing good has lost place in humanity.

For Olodumare's sake, I encourage you to also pass it on.

[Bravebold]