Long ago, in a beautiful village called Ile-Ola, there lived a king named Oba Tunde. When he became king, everyone loved him because he was kind, humble, and always listened to the people.

But after many years on the throne, power changed him.

Oba Tunde began to collect heavy taxes from farmers and traders. He took their food and animals for himself and ignored the suffering of the villagers.

One day, an old farmer named Baba Akin came to the palace.

“Your Majesty,” the old man said, “the people are suffering. Please have mercy on us.”

The king became angry.

“Who are you to tell me how to rule my kingdom?” he shouted.

He ordered his guards to send the farmer away.

The chiefs later warned the king that his behavior would destroy the kingdom, but he refused to listen.

“I am the king,” he said proudly. “Nobody can challenge me.”

Eventually, the people could no longer bear the king's cruelty. The elders and chiefs went to the palace and demanded that he change his ways and step down from the throne.

The king refused.

A struggle broke out in the palace, and the king was fatally wounded.

The whole village was filled with sadness. The oldest elder stood before the people and said:

“A king is given a crown to serve his people, not to oppress them. When a ruler forgets the people, he loses the true meaning of leadership.”

The villagers later chose a new king who promised to listen, protect the weak, and rule with wisdom.

From that day forward, the people of Ile-Ola taught their children one important lesson:

A crown may give you power, but only kindness, wisdom, and service can make you a great leader.

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