In the great land of Ijara, there was a mighty king named Oba Ajínídè. His kingdom stretched far beyond what the eyes could see, covering several villages and fertile lands. But despite his wealth and power, Oba Ajínídè was not satisfied.

  "Ehn ehn, ??yin gbogbo èèyàn mi," (All of you, my people,) Oba Ajínídè would say, raising his voice in his grand palace. "? ò gb?d?? ?è mi nìkan gé?gè. ? gb?d?? sin mí bí ?l??run. Mo j?? ?ba, àm?? mo tún j?? ?l??run yín!" (You shall not only serve me, but you will also worship me as your god. I am king, but I am also your god!)

  The people were terrified. Every day, the king’s guards would go to each village, collecting far more than their share of food, gold, and labor. Any resistance was met with severe punishment.

  "?l??run ti fún mi ní gbogbo à??," Oba Ajínídè declared one day, standing before his court. "Mo ní òmìnira láti ?e ohun tí mo f?? p??lú yin gbogbo. ? ní làti máa ?e gbogbo ohun tí mo s?." (God has given me all power. I have the right to do whatever I want with you all. You must obey everything I say.)

  The villagers could do nothing but obey. They feared the king, but deep in their hearts, a desire for justice grew. Yet, no one was brave enough to speak against him—except one.