Check out Ofun Otura Story

When the sheep talks

For we humans, it is hard to ascribe wisdom to a sheep. We consider it stupid; a timid, shy creature easily led by others.
But, Ofun Otura has presented us with a unique story, where a sheep actually talked like humans, and when it did, it taught wisdom. Essentially, the story conveys the strengthening power of trials and temptations. Persevere! Speak the truth! It is the same place where the tests come that the fortunes will come.

If the eye did not see difficulties as like being
Bounded, rope-tight
It may not see things as shining as brass.
Casts divination for Ontoola,
The child of Ataguntansola.
Ontoola was a very wretched person
He was a farmer
And he had a sheep
Whenever he went to his farm in the morning
He would walk the sheep to the farm
He would tie it to a post to graze.
When coming back in the evening
It is he and the sheep that will return
This has been the usual practice for long.
Ontoola was weeding one fateful day
With the sheep just behind him.
The sheep then talked with a human voice
“Ontoola, this poverty is becoming unbearable!”
The sheep said with sympathy
Unbelieving his ears,
“My sheep is talking,” Ontoola said shakily
“I must inform the King immediately”
He then left for the King’s palace
“I greet you Kabiyesi the King!” Said Ontoola, prostrating
“Today, I witness an aberration that is unprecedented”
“What’s it?” The King asked
“I left my sheep tied to a post ”
“I heard her talked ”
“Ha!” The King exclaimed, cynically
“Your sheep can talk?”
“Is this not a lie that you’re relating to me?”
“It is not a lie Kabiyesi, I cannot lie to you”
“My sheep truly did talk today ”
Ontoola said repeatedly.
They ordered him to bring the sheep
Such that it will repeat the same feat in the
Presence of everyone.
In company of chiefs, the sheep was brought to the palace
“Now, you the sheep”
“Say what you said to me” Ontoola commanded.
The sheep was just looking absentmindedly
It refused to speak.
“Why must you do this?” Ontoola asked the sheep
He shook the sheep violently,
Probably to wake it up from its slumber.
Still, the sheep said nothing.
The King ordered Ontoola arrested
He was ordered to be tied.
“You came here to waste my time,” the King said
“The valuable time of a crowned King!”
The King ordered the hangman to be called…
“Be considerate to me, you this sheep,”
“They are about to kill me!”
“Please talk!” Ontoola cried with tears.
The sheep stood unconcerned.
It was just looking at the owner as if nothing is happening
Then the hangman arrived
He removed his sword from its scabbard
With a swish, he raised it up
To cut off the head of Ontoola
Just then, the sheep opened its mouth
“Do not kill him!” It said.
Exclamations raised in a chorus!!
Mid air hangs the hand of the hangman
He could not bring it down to cut Ontoola’s head
The sheep repeated the second time
“Do not kill him”
“You Ontoola, my master”
“If the eye did not see difficulties,
As like being bounded rope-tight,
It may not see things as shining as brass”
“Do not kill him”
That was how they untied Ontoola
And the King gave him plenty of fortunes.
Everybody was dancing and rejoicing!!