Mbotu, the celebrated king of Old Town in Calabar, was a man known far and wide for his strength, courage, and brilliance in war. Time and again, he had led his people into battle, and each time he returned victorious. His victories brought him great wealth, for all the captives he took were forced into slavery. The king’s compound overflowed with riches, but his power also drew many enemies.
Among those who hated him most were the people of Itu. They had long suffered under Mbotu’s campaigns, but they lacked the strength to challenge him openly. Defeating him in battle was impossible, so they turned to a darker path one of cunning and sorcery.
The Itu people had among them an old woman skilled in witchcraft. She could transform herself into whatever shape she desired. Her name was Oyaikan, and she despised Mbotu as much as her people did. When she offered to kill the mighty king, the Itu leaders seized upon the opportunity. They promised her wealth, cloth, and honor if she succeeded in ridding them of their greatest enemy.
Oyaikan’s plan was simple but deadly. She transformed herself into a beautiful young woman, her face radiant, her form graceful, and her eyes full of charm. Beneath her outer beauty, however, she hid a sharp knife tucked secretly in her bosom. With this weapon, she set off toward Old Town to find the king.
By fortune, her arrival coincided with a great festival. The people of Old Town had gathered from far and wide to dance, feast, and celebrate. Oyaikan, disguised as a maiden of unmatched beauty, walked among the crowd so that all eyes fell upon her.
The people marveled at her beauty, comparing her to the setting sun that paints the sky in glowing red. Their voices of admiration soon reached King Mbotu himself. The king, who was known for his fondness for beautiful women, wasted no time in sending for her. When she appeared before him, he was struck by her charm and immediately declared that he would marry her that very day.
For Oyaikan, this was better than she had dared to hope. The trap had sprung more swiftly than she expected. With careful cunning, she prepared a fine meal for the king. Into the food, she placed a strong sleeping medicine, knowing well that once he ate it, he would fall into deep slumber. As evening fell, she carried the dish on her head to the king’s compound.
Mbotu received her warmly, embracing her with affection. She offered him the meal, speaking truthfully that she had cooked it with her own hands. Trusting her, the king ate heartily. Almost at once, the medicine worked its power, and his eyes grew heavy with sleep. That night, he retired to his chamber with Oyaikan by his side, and soon he was fast asleep.
When midnight came, silence lay over the town. Oyaikan moved carefully. She slipped her hand into her bosom, pulled out the sharp knife, and in one swift stroke, cut off the king’s head. She placed it inside a bag she had brought, shut and barred the chamber door behind her, and walked silently through the streets of Old Town. No one suspected a thing.
By dawn, Oyaikan had returned to Itu. Before her king and people, she laid down the head of King Mbotu. Their joy was boundless. They danced and sang, praising her craft. The king of Itu wasted no time he gathered his warriors, prepared his canoes, and set out to attack Old Town by way of the creeks, making sure no warning reached Calabar.
Meanwhile, in Old Town, confusion spread. The morning after the murder, the king’s head wife knocked at his door but received no reply. Alarmed, she called the household. Together, they broke open the door and found a shocking sight: the king’s lifeless body lying on his bed, drenched in blood, but with his head missing.
A cry of grief rose from the people. They mourned deeply, beating their chests and wailing. Yet strangely, none thought of the beautiful stranger they had seen the night before. She had vanished, but suspicion never fell on her. Instead, they grieved openly, drinking palm wine, dancing, and crying, caught in the weight of their sorrow.
It was during this mourning that the king of Itu and his soldiers descended upon Old Town. With their leader dead, the people of Calabar were unprepared for battle. They were taken completely by surprise. Many were killed, and many others were captured and enslaved. Old Town fell in defeat, its great king brought low not by swords or spears, but by deception and beauty.
Moral
This tale warns against blind trust in appearances. Even the most beautiful stranger may hide deadly intentions. Wisdom teaches caution: never allow charm to blind judgment, for beauty without truth can lead to ruin.
Knowledge Check
1 Who was King Mbotu, and why was he feared?
King Mbotu was the ruler of Old Town, Calabar, known for his skill in war and his many victories. He was feared because of his wealth, power, and the enemies he made through constant warfare.
2 What role did Oyaikan play in the story?
Oyaikan, a witch from Itu, disguised herself as a beautiful young woman and killed King Mbotu, leading to Calabar’s downfall.
3 Why did the people of Itu want Mbotu dead?
They hated him for his past victories and oppression, but they lacked the strength to defeat him in battle, so they used trickery.
4 What symbolism does Oyaikan’s disguise carry?
Her beauty symbolizes deceptive appearances and the danger of trusting what looks pleasing without caution.
5 How did Old Town fall after Mbotu’s death?
With their leader gone and no suspicion of danger, they were unprepared, allowing the Itu king to attack and defeat them easily.
6 What is the moral lesson of this folktale?
The story teaches that one must never judge solely by outward appearances, for beauty can conceal treachery.
Source: Efik folktale, Calabar (Nigeria)
