Ogiri John Ogiri

By Professor Niyi Osundare Widows wail, orphans lament The people cry from their lowly roosts Another emperor swaggers in appropriate power From inside the rock, the same old rock Beneficiary of votes cast and votes un-cast Fortunate inheritor whose legator's name Now burns his lips like a dreadful spell (He said he busy tending his farm) When they offered him gold crown; But unlike good old Cincinnatus, what kind Of a republic will this one bequeathe? His own second term, too, and multiple terms In his first coming, he wielded an open sword This time the sword hides under a flowing robe Talking, never listening, hectoring, never heeding All knowing, all mighty, an oracle beyond restraint Like the tortoise in the late, he will climb the palm tree With the gourd of wisdom tied to his chest Widows wail, orphans lament The people cry from their lowly roosts His is the era of want and worry Of lean shadows and swindled dreams Garri is untouchable in the market A grain of ri