THOUGHTS OF FEMOLAD: THE ADAGE OF THE WHITE COCKROACH
White cockroaches, also called albino cockroaches, are very rare. So rare that many seventy year olds have not seen one in their lifetimes.
Many myths have made the rounds but are mostly far from the scientific explanation.
According to science, the white appearance occurs when roaches molt, they don’t only shed their outer shell, they also lose most of the pigmentation in their bodies, which must then be replaced. It usually takes a few hours to fully restore pigmentation.
During this period, they dig in and it will will take serious probing to get to them.
But the science of it is not what I want to talk about.
It’s the Yoruba adage that says “Eni to ba topinpin ju, yio kan aayan funfun” . If you probe too deep, you will encounter a white cockroach.
In life, there are things that are unpleasant or whose revelation may bring serious embarrassment. It is expedient to let them be and move on in life.
It may be a wrong doing long forgotten, a secret kept for long or a story better not told.
When an undiscerning person insists on digging out something that may end up in embarrassment for him, the Yoruba adage applies. He is warned to stop lest he encounters a white cockroach.
In every facet of life, be it Politics, Business, Family life or International Diplomacy, there are certain things that must be hidden permanently. There are stories that must never be told.
A young man was aspiring for a political appointment. He was refused. He vehemently demanded to know why. Elders around cautioned him not to dig too deep lest he unearthed a White Cockroach.
He would not brook such caution.
Eventually, when he was told why, he bowed in shame and left weeping.
It is always better to heed warnings and opt for the expedient when the need arises.
Whatever it is you insist on doing and out of vain self-righteousness , refuse to heed warnings and caution may end up in disgrace.
That person you vow to deal with or bring down despite all reason may elicit a story or revelation that will demystify and humble you.
The power drunkenness that will not allow you take the line of Peace and Expediency will end you up in social opprobrium.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO HEED CAUTION THAN GO ON UNTILL YOU FIND THE WHITE COCKROACH.
Femi Ladapo Femolad writes from Ibadan, Nigeria
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