WONDER CROCODILE
...It
gives those afflicted with measles healing
By Moshood Adebayo, Abeokuta
Thursday,
December 28, 2006
 |
| PHOTOS:
TIMOTHY OYEOLA |
|
Ever heard of a reptile that has potency to cure? There is
one at Ijale-Papa, a sleepy rural community in Abeokuta North Local Government
Area of Ogun State.
About two and a half metres long, the 40 years old
crocodile, according to the Apena of the town, Chief Toriola Taiwo, has efficacy
in curing measles.
Going down memory lane, Chief Taiwo said the late traditional
ruler in the town, Oba Ogundele who brought the amphibian creature to the village
nurtured it well before he died.
Apena of Ijaleland, disclosed that Oba Ogundele
got the crocodile in a river and started nurturing it adding that the reptile
gives healing.
“A measles afflicted person is sure of cure once he
gets to this village and draws water from the abode of the crocodile and rub on
his or her entire body. I’m not kidding. He or she must receive healing.
It sounds strange, but the crocodile has helped many people, both near and far”,
Taiwo said.
Chief Taiwo recalled that initially many people did not appreciate
the importance of the creature until its magic power was realized after the outbreak
of measles in a village and divination revealed that the water should be used
as a cure.
“Since that time, we have appreciated what we have and
we don’t joke with it. We cherish and value it as we appreciate any of our
personal belongings, including children. We don’t joke with it,” he
said.
Apena Taiwo further stated that since 1969 when Oba Ogundele brought
the creature to the village, “we have been responsible for the upkeep and
safety of the crocodile honour and fame”.
He appealed to the state government
to develop the village. “We need government attention, particularly in the
area of social amenities. At least we should be proud of what we have. There are
people who wish to come and catch a glimpse of this wonderful creature,”
he said. |
