THE UNSUNG HEROES: Dàda kò lè jà, ó ní àbúrò tó gbójú…

The incident that birthed this saying took place in Ọ̀yọ́-ilé. During the reign of Aláàfin Àjàká, who is also referred to as Dàda, Olówu (the King of Òwu) challenged his authority. He challenged Aláàfin to pay homage to him, else he should be ready for war. While Aláàfin Àjàká, a peace-loving king was about to concur to the will of Olówu, the Ọ̀yọ́mèsì (the Ọ̀yọ́ kingmakers) kicked against the idea. They believed the Ọ̀yọ́ people are never cowardice, saying they would rather go to war with the Òwu instead of bowing to their authority.

This prompted the Ọ̀yọ́ chiefs to request for the presence of Ṣàngó, the younger brother to Aláàfin Àjàká, who resides in Nupe. At the arrival of Ṣàngó, who was ready to war with the Òwu, the Ọ̀yọ́mèsì decided to dethrone Aláàfin Àjàká and made his younger brother, Ṣàngó, king in his stead.

After the death of Ṣàngó, Àjàká was reinstalled, making him the second and the fourth Aláàfin. This event was what birthed the saying: Dàda kò lè jà, ó ní àbúrò tó gbójú… (Dàda cannot engage in a combat but has a courageous younger brother…)

Reference
Adéléké, B. R. (2018). Aláàfin Àjàká. Abẹ́òkúta: Esnezer Heritage.