WEIGHT OF CROSS ROADS
Oluwatobiloba Akinnate@oluwatobilobaakinnate677008
3 months ago
On September 11, 1963, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the leader of the opposition in Nigeria's Parliament, was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Meanwhile, by 1963, a plot between Chief Ladoke Akintola, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello had been perfected, leading to Chief Awolowo's arrest for coup plotting/treason. His trial commenced, and he was convicted alongside some accomplices for treason and jailed for 10 years.
At crossroads, one is set on a delicate path - a decision point, a turning point, or an opportunity to change direction, course, or goal. As humans, we are all prone to making mistakes, some of which may cost us little, while others may cost us greatly, like a good name. Interestingly, when the world sees a rising figure who performs excellently well and responsibly, they rejoice and commend such efforts. However, once they spot flaws, they pull that person down and punish them to the highest extent. Suddenly, that great man or woman's name is marred, and one who was once hailed is now subjected to utter embarrassment and rejection.
The world doesn't care about what you've had to give up for the greater good of all; once you make a mistake, they plot to expose your flaws and paint you as morally corrupt, ungrateful, and malicious. Just like Obafemi Awolowo suffered 10 years in prison while at his crossroads, MKO Abiola was also sent to prison for allegedly announcing himself as the winning candidate of the annulled presidential election of June 12, 1993.
At some point in life, every human is set to go through crossroads, but the little strength you gather to get back on the right track makes you better than the vile words they may call you. Find that opportunity to win your good name back, find that strength to prove your accusers wrong. I also once made a mistake while at crossroads, but I learned not to be too hard on myself, as I am still a child, yet to know the intricacies of the world. Yes, I shouldn't have done many things I did, but we are all humans, and the beautiful part of being human is being able to learn from our mistakes.
And just like Chief Awolowo, I'll carry my cross, bear the criticism , but I won't relent. I'll find bigger ways to own my good name again, and when I do, I'll let the world know that true humanity isn't just punishing others for their wrongs; it's pardoning them and making them acknowledge their shortcomings, where they can reflect on themselves and make lasting amends. Otherwise, we just keep infusing bitterness by subjecting them to punishments with false hope of correcting them.
I conclude by stressing the value of forgiveness, self-reflection, and personal growth in the face of mistakes and criticism. I advocates for a more compassionate approach to dealing with human errors, encouraging individuals to acknowledge their shortcomings, make amends, and move forward with renewed purpose.
©Akinnate Oluwatobiloba
#Nigeria
