Hubris and Humility: The Tragic End of Bode Thomas

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Ever heard of the man named Bode Thomas, who became a prominent figure in Nigeria? He hailed from a wealthy family, with his father, John Thomas, being a respected trader. Bode Thomas was born in 1918 and grew up to become a successful lawyer. Alongside his friends FRA Williams and Remi Fani-Kayode (father of Femi Fani-Kayode), they ventured to London for their law studies. Together, they established Nigeria’s first law firm, called “Thomas, Williams and Kayode,” located in Jankara, Lagos.

Bode Thomas possessed exceptional legal skills, but unfortunately, he had a flaw that marred his character—arrogance. Despite his accomplishments, he lacked humility. This flaw would prove to be his downfall. At one point, due to his education and professional achievements, Bode Thomas was appointed as the chairman of the Oyo Divisional Council. This position bestowed him with great authority, even surpassing that of the King of Oyo, Alaafin Adeyemi, who was a member of the council.

On Bode Thomas’ first appearance as chairman, a moment that should have been met with respect and deference, a cultural clash occurred. In accordance with custom, the King, Alaafin Adeyemi, refrained from showing deference to anyone in public, not even his own mother. When Bode Thomas entered the council chamber, expecting everyone to stand up in deference to him, he was met with the seated figure of Alaafin Adeyemi. Overwhelmed by his arrogance, Bode Thomas launched into a disrespectful tirade, shouting at the King, demanding to know why he wasn’t showing respect.

The Alaafin, a man in his 60s while Bode Thomas was merely 34, felt deeply insulted by this display. He calmly responded, “Se emi lo ngbo mo baun?” which translates to “Is it me that you are barking at like that?” Bode Thomas, in his arrogance, responded with a string of English sentences that the Alaafin couldn’t comprehend, prompting the King to simply say, “Ma gbo lo” or “Continue barking.” This confrontation took place on November 22, 1953.

Upon returning home, Bode Thomas was consumed by his own arrogance. Throughout the night, he incessantly barked like a dog, unable to escape the metaphorical cage of his own pride. Tragically, in the early morning of November 23, 1953, Bode Thomas met his untimely demise.

Today, Bode Thomas is remembered as the Balogun of Oyo. Every time you drive along Bode Thomas street in Surulere, let it serve as a reminder of the consequences that can befall those who allow arrogance and naughtiness to cloud their judgment. Bode Thomas’ story is a cautionary real life event, teaching us the importance of humility and respect in our interactions with others. May we always strive to be humble and mindful of our words and actions, for they have the power to shape not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.

What are some other examples of historical figures who faced consequences due to their arrogance?

There are several historical figures whose lives and legacies were marred by the consequences of their arrogance. Here are a few examples:

Napoleon Bonaparte: Napoleon was a military genius who rose to become the Emperor of France. However, his unwavering ambition and arrogance ultimately led to his downfall. His overconfidence in his military strategies, such as the ill-fated invasion of Russia, resulted in significant losses for his forces and ultimately contributed to his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
King Louis XVI of France: Louis XVI was the last king of France before the French Revolution. His inability to address the grievances of the French people and his arrogant belief in his divine right to rule led to widespread unrest and the eventual overthrow of the monarchy. Louis XVI’s arrogance ultimately cost him his life, as he was executed by guillotine during the Reign of Terror.
Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia: Haile Selassie was the last emperor of Ethiopia. He ruled for several decades but became increasingly detached from the needs and aspirations of his people. His arrogance and failure to address socioeconomic issues led to widespread discontent and eventually a coup d’état in 1974 that ended his reign.
Saddam Hussein: Saddam Hussein was the President of Iraq from 1979 to 2003. His oppressive regime and ruthless pursuit of power were driven by his arrogance and belief in his invincibility. However, his actions, including the invasion of Kuwait, led to international isolation, economic sanctions, and ultimately his capture and execution.
Muammar Gaddafi: Gaddafi was the leader of Libya for over four decades. His autocratic rule, combined with his grandiose visions, exemplified his arrogance. Gaddafi’s refusal to address the demands of the Libyan people and his violent response to protests during the Arab Spring ultimately led to his downfall and death during the Libyan Civil War in 2011.

These examples serve as reminders that arrogance and a lack of humility can have severe consequences, not only for individuals but also for entire nations and societies. They highlight the importance of leaders remaining humble, open to feedback, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people they govern.