Political Odyssey of Chief Madu Ndigba( A Belief in Totems by an African leader) An Allegory. Part 11

vI shall tell Madiba, that we are united as the breaking of this kola has revealed. Our current problem in Nija is how to maintain, promote the unity of our dear fatherland.

When they exchanged pleasantries, Madiba was attracted by his attire and was compelled to make curious remarks. He did not belabour the point as why he was gorgeously dressed as it was obvious that he must be in appropriate attire to meet the ‘ICON’. Madiba curiously asked him whether those who carved the walking stick were the same people who weaved the hat. He went on to tell him, that he noticed the crocodile carving as well as the crocodile image on the hat. Chief Madu Ndigba paused for a few seconds, as he was taken aback by the penetrating remarks. Chief Ndigba also wondered whether he should reveal his secret immediately or say it at the end of the meeting as s summary. In order to keep Madiba guessing, he said.

“Great Madiba, I greet you. I have traveled by river, land and plane to meet you in the Republic of South Africa, because you are a great African Leader. Like St. Paul in the Holy Book, I have come to sit at Gamaliel’s Feet and drink from your wisdom and experience. I am in my complete regalia because that method of dressing must be in tune when visiting a man of your caliber. My ancestors ordained that I must submit to a ‘totem’. I am convinced that the ancient used totem to advance socially. My grandfather owned several bans of yams, herds of goat, chicken and virgin farmland which contained raffia palms, as well as distillery for producing ‘Kaikai’ or gin. This belief in totem did not fail him, as he was wealthy within our community. My own belief in totem has been reinforced by what I saw my grandfather do. I have therefore acquired crocodile as my totem and have since ensured that the picture or image should be seen in the dress or painted as a tattoo on my body.

I hope Mr. President you are not embarrassed or scandalized by what I am saying. We have heard of past African leaders who were immersed in the totem culture. I must confess that I am a Christian, and an ‘elder’ in my church and despite my enviable education, I still court the power of the totem to progress politically.”
Madiba, in his reaction, thanked him for his comments. He went on to explain that his remarks were strange, because this was a modern era, where Christianity is the order of the day. As you will discover during your brief visit to South Africa, you must have heard of sagoma, who are herbalist or fetish persons, who I understand can use magic, in counteracting other evil forces, witchcraft, or preparation of ‘love portion’ to credulous couples, or football team. I am not aware of sangoma’s who promote political influence or mobility