Ode to the Kings’ Man
( A poem for Hon. Babafemi Alufa on his birthday)
By Bodun Gbajabiamila
In the Farm on this bright day
Poesy calls me to raise a cheer
In countless ways for one so dear,
Who dispels doubt, calms every fear.
Many he loves with care, none despair
The Kings’ Man; so simple and fair,
Even knowing life is not fair!
When two great minds paths diverged
And helping others called in unsung woods
Your steady spirit never faltered as you converged.
You offer silent strength to the neighborhoods
All with no personal gain or selfish request
You watered down the rage you laid to rest;
Helping communities in Ijero and beyond.
Your love for all is first above the second.
With pen in hand and a scholar’s grace,
You search the past in time and space.
Our history keeper, brave and bold,
Weaving together a tapestry of stories
Waiting to be told raw like midnight ballads.
Each ancient tale, each hero’s name
Is archived by you, a burning flame.
How? Resources are scarce, your spirit soars?
You pour your mind and heart, stress and time,
Keeping the community memory truly alive.
Is it not you that bring your heritage into the light?
Are you not the selfless soul in a world full of pleas?
Please, do not mark me for hyperbole!
The Kings’ Man is so great in my memory;
For all he does worth the praise.
Standing on this boulder around the Farm,
Let us sing for Femi and slaughter a ram,
To mark his days as he grows older
In building legacy on truth and care,
In waxing stronger while growing others.
May joy and peace fill every of his hour
And blessings bloom like a flower.
© ‘ Bodun Gbajabiamila, MNIM, MPCDN, FDFI
c.31/07/2025