In the heart of ancient Oyo, a town steeped in the rich tapestry of West African tradition and history, there lived a renowned warrior named Oba. People admired him greatly, not only for his unmatched bravery and wisdom but also for his constant companion, an extraordinary hound named Rere.
Rere was no ordinary dog. His fur, as black as the night sky, and his eyes that shimmered with an uncommon intelligence set him apart from other valiant dogs of the land. However, what truly distinguished him was the unspoken bond he shared with Oba, a connection that transcended mere words.
One sunny morning, as the golden sun ascended over Oyo's ancient walls, Oba readied himself for a grand hunt. Cradling his newborn son, Lolu, in his strong arms, he entrusted the precious child to the vigilant care of Rere. With a solemn nod, Oba addressed his loyal hound, "Rere, my steadfast friend, protect my son as if he were your own. Guard him with all your heart."
Rere, recognizing the gravity of this solemn duty, lowered his noble head in a pledge of loyalty. His eyes gleamed with a devotion that defied language, and he watched Oba vanish into the depths of the lush Oyo forest, the sacred realm of their ancestors.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the town into a soft embrace of twilight, a haunting cry tore through the tranquil night air. Oba's heart quickened with dread, and he sprinted back to his homestead. What had once been a peaceful nursery was now marred by the aftermath of a fierce struggle, an eerie atmosphere of fear enveloping the room. In the dim moonlight, Oba's eyes fell upon Rere, his jaws tainted with blood. Rere stood on Lolu’s blood-soaked shawl and jumped around in excitement at the sight of his master. Oba pushed him aside and picked up the shawl, his heart shattering in pieces as he did.
Overwhelmed by a tumult of sorrow and anger, Oba turned quickly at the growling Rere who ws standing by. He raised his gleaming spear and struck him down through his chest into his heart and down into his back. Tears roll down Oba’s face as his beloved Rere grunted in anguish before falling to the ground. Oba wailed for hours, sitting on a spot, clutching Lolu’s shawl in one hand while Rere’s body rested by.
The next day, Oba was woken up by a baby’s cries. He jumped up frantically since the voice sounded like Lolu’s. Tracing the voice, there, under the baby’s crib lay Lolu who had just woken up from a sound night sleep. Oba’s heart stopped for a while in confusion before he stretched forth to bring him out. Just as he was retrieving Lolu, close by lay a dead leopard, completely attacked and wounded. Oba’s heart quaked in sadness as he realized what had just happened. Rere hadn't turned against his master; he had instead confronted the fearsome leopard with unwavering courage, defending Lolu with every fiber of his being. The leopard had dared to invade, seeking to harm the helpless child.
Oba crumpled to his knees, his spear slipping from his trembling grasp. Tears streamed freely now, as he cradled Rere's noble head, his faithful companion who had sacrificed himself to save his son. The weight of his hasty judgment bore down upon him like the ancient stones of Oyo's mighty walls. His heart ached with the agony of regret for the loyal friend he had lost.
With a heavy heart, Oba, with the assistance of the town's most skilled artisans, gave Rere a befitting burial and erected a magnificent monument in honor of Rere at the heart of Oyo's bustling square. The townsfolk, both young and old, gathered there to marvel at the statue, carved in Rere's likeness, standing proudly with the vanquished leopard at his feet. Oba vowed never to attack anyone or anything hastily without getting to know the facts behind any happening.
