Sheath The Sword: Like A Child Swinging A Blade, You Risk Hurting Yourself And Others.

Sheath The Sword: A Lament for Unity in Our Struggle

A Reflection on the Cost of Division and a Call to Collective Action

By Mazi Ogbuefi | August 16, 2025

Introduction

In a struggle as profound and costly as ours, it is deeply saddening to witness men and women—adults who should know better—engage in actions that undermine our collective purpose. These are individuals who have seen the toll of our fight firsthand: hundreds, if not thousands, have lost their lives for this higher cause. Countless others endure self-imposed exile, separated from their homeland. Thousands of children have been rendered fatherless or motherless, couples torn apart, and many who remain dare not visit or even call their families, unable to attend the burials of loved ones. The weight of these sacrifices is immense, yet it is disheartening to see some among us—many of whom are "old boys and girls" of this struggle—resort to creating and fanning distractions of all kinds, magnitudes, and ramifications.

The Cost of Distractions

These distractions, often fueled by ego, seem designed to stroke personal pride or revel in fleeting moments of perceived success. But this so-called success comes at a grave cost. It derails our movement, endangers lives, and delays the collective victory we strive for. When you dig deeper and ask questions, you uncover a troubling truth: at the heart of these energy-draining distractions are individuals we once respected, and some we still hold in high esteem. This realization prompts a cascade of questions: Why? To what end? Is it egocentrism? A need to assert control or prove they can disrupt our progress? Is it a desperate bid to maintain relevance, garner attention, or establish themselves as worthy adversaries? Whatever their motivations, none of these reasons serve our collective good. These individuals are intelligent enough to understand the impact of their actions—or inactions—on our ultimate goal. So, what truly drives them?

“Like a child swinging a blade, you risk hurting yourself and others.”

A Shadow-Web of Melancholy

Lately, I have found myself caught in a shadow-web of melancholy, a deep, reflective sadness that permeates my mood. As I take stock of the days, weeks, and months past, I’ve begun to understand the source of this emotional weight. It stems from the foolish and immature behavior of those who should be shining examples of sacrifice and commitment to our collective objective. True maturity in this struggle does not hinge on who is in charge or what role one plays. It is defined by a willingness to prioritize the right thing—regardless of personal gain or recognition. But what is the "right thing"? Who decides? Must it always align with our personal desires or methods? If an action serves our collective good with minimal repercussions, it is right for us. Our enemies are clear, our adversaries well-defined. To instigate or fuel anything that takes our focus off this fight is not only selfish, cruel, and insensitive—it is, to put it plainly, stupid.

The Stakes of Division

The consequences of such distractions are far-reaching. Some among us will endure them, others will fight against them, and many will be left confused. But have we considered those who might grow cold feet, doubting whether their safety and the well-being of this family—our movement—are being prioritized? The objective of our struggle is survival and a better life, not just for ourselves but for those who will come after us. Have those fanning these flames of discord paused to reflect on the fact that dying for the struggle should be the ultimate sacrifice, a price of last resort? If they had, they would not so willingly endanger the lives of others just to prove a point—unless, of course, they are, in reality, sworn enemies of our cause.

A Call to Sheath the Sword

To those childishly wielding this sword of division, I implore you: sheath it. Like a child swinging a blade, you risk hurting yourself and others. Let us put our freedom first. Let us remember the cost of our struggle—the lives lost, the families broken, the futures deferred—and recommit to the collective good. Our fight is not for personal glory or fleeting moments of relevance. It is for survival, for legacy, for the promise of a better tomorrow.

Join the Fight for Unity

Let us focus on the real enemies we face and overcome the distractions that threaten to tear us apart. Share your thoughts and commit to our collective freedom. Our future depends on it.

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About the Author

Mazi Ogbuefi is a passionate writer sharing African stories and reflections at obasiafrica.com. His work explores the struggles, sacrifices, and hopes of a people united for a better future.

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This is Nigeria: The Land of Unbridled Double Standards

Unveiled: Nigeria’s Hidden Bias Against the Eastern Region

Nigeria’s systemic inequalities run deep, especially for those from the old Eastern Region. Is the dream of Biafra the only path to justice and dignity? Dive into the truth.

A Tale of Two Justices

In Nigeria, a stark reality persists for those hailing from the old Eastern Region—whether from the South-South, often viewed by the ruling oligarchs as a "conquered" territory, or the South-East, defiantly deemed "never to be conquered." To the powers that be, you are simply a Biafran. The sooner this truth dawns, the better.

Consider a recent incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on August 5, 2025. A sacred cow of Nigeria’s elite acted with impunity, holding an entire flight hostage. Government appointees flooded social media with the tired refrain, “to err is human,” excusing the powerful.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) swiftly suspended the flight’s captain and pilot, shielding their identities. Could this secrecy hide their Biafran heritage?

Disparity in Discipline

Wasiu Ayinde, a Yoruba Fuji musician, faced no immediate sanctions for his misconduct. Only after public outcry and intervention by Festus Keyamo did the NCAA impose a six-month flight ban on Ayinde for disrupting a commercial flight and violating aviation protocols. Yet, tribal government officials conveniently excluded the pilot and captain from their chorus of “to forgive is divine,” revealing deep-seated bias.

Contrast this with Comfort Emmanson, a woman from the old Eastern Region. She was swiftly detained, assaulted, and publicly humiliated—her privacy violated with images published online—following allegations of violent conduct. Branded guilty without due process, she was sent to Kirikiri prison and banned for life from flying.

Whose Justice Prevails?

Assuming Emmanson was guilty, which is worse: her alleged unruly behavior or Ayinde’s act of obstructing a commercial aircraft? Ayinde’s actions posed a far greater threat to public safety, yet he initially received leniency—a mere slap on the wrist—while Emmanson faced immediate, harsh repercussions.

Why does justice in Nigeria seem to favor one group over another? The answer lies in a system that treats Easterners as second-class citizens.

This disparity raises a critical question: why does Nigeria’s justice system appear so selective? The message is clear: as long as you remain under this union, you will always be treated as second-class.

The Case for Biafra

The emergence of Biafra is not just a desire; it is a necessity for survival, dignity, and true freedom. Ignoring this truth means accepting a system that perpetually marginalizes you. If you choose to stay silent, you forfeit the right to complain about Nigeria’s injustices.

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Unchained: To Overcome Evil, You Must Yourself—And of Yourself—Become the Greater Evil.

 

Unchained: The Ruthless Path to Liberation

In a world where evil reigns—where oppression is worn as a crown and dominance is built on the subjugation of the weak—survival does not reward virtue. The game is rigged; the rules are written in blood. To break free, to rise from the chains meant to bury you, you cannot afford to play the ‘better person.’ The meek inherit nothing but dust.

What you need is to become worse. Not just strong, but ruthless. Not just cunning, but unapologetically dominant. The oppressor’s power thrives on the compliance of the broken; their reign lasts only as long as their victims hesitate to strike back. To overthrow them, you must outplay them at their own game—not with their morals, but with your own unbending will.

Only when you stand unchained, when their boot is no longer on your neck, can you rebuild the world as you see fit. A fountain cannot rise above its source—so if you seek true change, you must first become the storm that washes away the old order and then usher in a world where survival doesn’t require becoming what you despise. Remember, To "unchain" yourself from moral limits is to gain power but lose innocence. if there is ever a time, that time is now!

Inspired by Mazi Jonathan Chinedu @IPOB Community Radio

~MAZI OGBUEFI ©2025~

Featured Posts

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Labels: Liberation Oppression Resilience

When the Chimney Became Holy: A Satire on Blind Faith

The Chimney Conundrum: A Satirical Look at Religious Blindness

“These Christians will be told by a preacher or the good book, ‘Look into the Chimney and you shall be filled with joy!’” 😂😂😂

Below lies the tragicomedy of religious interpretation—where logic goes up in smoke..

The imaginary dialogue below exposes the dangers of blind faith and how religion can mislead the vast majority. Let’s break it down.

The Ignoramuses and Illiterate

The first group, the Ignoramuses and Illiterate, will gasp, “WOW!” They’ll weave “Chimney” into songs of exaltation and exhortation because, to them, it sounds like the name of a deity, a blessed place, or some heavenly ideal. 🤣🤣🤣

The Educated Faithfools

Next up are the Educated Faithfools, a family of the “Only Believe” Brigades. They’ll sigh and quote scripture to dodge scrutiny: “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29), or they’ll smugly whisper, “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit… for they are foolishness unto him” (1 Corinthians 2:14). These are their go-to verses when they can’t explain what they believe—and know deep down it makes zero sense. Hahaha!

The Academic Theologian Faithfools

Then we have the Academic Theologian Faithfools, another branch of the “Only Believe” Brigades. These folks will dissect the etymology of “Chimney” to justify their beliefs. If that fails? They dive straight into the “original languages”! “Aha! In Greek, ‘pýle’ (gate) was mistranslated as ‘Chimney’ in some manuscripts!” or “The Hebrew ‘Ashan’ (smoke) shares root letters with ‘Oshan’ (treasure portal)!” 📚✝️

With these mental gymnastics, they convince—and confuse—themselves, all to keep the wheel of oppression turning. Admitting their error would mean questioning the infallibility of the imaginary author of the “good book.” Rather than face that, they’d prefer to perish and lead others into the same pit, clinging to the notion that they’ve been following divine truth instead of human invention.

The Thinkers

Then come The Thinkers, scratching their heads: “Hold up… Chimney? Like… the soot pipe? How ‘doth’ that bring joy? Nay, this maketh no sense!” ❓🕵️‍♂️

The Chorus of Condemnation

All the other groups—the Ignoramuses, the Educated Faithfools, and the Academic Theologian Faithfools—unite in one voice against the Thinkers: “They don’t have faith!” At the end of the day, these groups represent the majority, at least 75%, and the damage is done. The evidence is plain for the blind to see.

The Final Judgment

And so, all other factions join in a chorus of judgment against the Thinkers and every voice of reason: “They lack FAITH!” Truly, as they love to quote, “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). Verily, these are the majority (75%+!), and thus the damage is done. “The evidence lieth plain before the blind.” ✋😔

~MAZI OGBUEFI ©2025~

The GMO Faust Bargain: Trading Our Future for ‘No-Stress’ Lies

Don’t be a modern-day Faust

In 16th-century German lore, the scholar Johann Faust traded his soul to the devil for limitless knowledge and earthly pleasures. For years, he reveled in power—until the debt came due. His short-term gains doomed him to eternal torment.

Today, we repeat Faust's error with GMOs: trading ecological sovereignty for the illusion of "stress-free" food. Like Faust, we ignore the fine print:

One day, dem go bring palm nut wey no get seed, una go jump dey happy because now you fit cook your ofeakwu WITHOUT STRESS. The emphasis on the "WITHOUT STRESS", without stress here mean a lot of things, such as: Lazy, comfort, short term satisfaction and selfishness with zero peep 👀 into the future by asking the critical questions.

If this one has no seed (kernel) and we use am along with the local one, won't people stop farming the one with the seed? Because if I don't buy and others too don't buy, won't it mean that there will be no longer a market for the local seeded palm nuts? Won't that then mean a total elimination of the local species?

A fool will say, "and so what?" Who even need dat one? I want soft life ooo, I no wan suffer.

Until someone else who was not even aware nor affected – and as a result, the timing of their thinking process was somewhat late – but manages to ask, "So this palm nut wey no get seed... I mean kernel, na how una dey use plant am?"

Then una go laugh haaaard one because of how mumu you think say di question be (for your mind) – read the next part in the voice and mannerism of Raymond Reddington (James Spader) 🤣🤣🤣

"... and just before she stops laughing, the Prefrontal Cortex inhibitory control will set in and perform one of the nature's most magnificent but often underappreciated neurological wonders by rapidly applying inhibitory brakes to the emotional motor pathways in split seconds! What a wonder of nature."

Then there will be impulsive coughing followed by silence, a momentary loss of hearing and memory, followed by "Wwh what? What did you just ask me? Can you please say it again? I never think am ooo..." Then and only then will YOU begin to realize the depth of the pit YOU have dug for herself and your future generations to come.

And by then it is always too late, because at that stage, dem don buy all the palm kernel dem and we have willingly sold them to buy the seedless ones for easy life. And finally UNA go come figure am out that these seedless ones are produced in a lab and harmful to you, and when some of your relatives complain, your master's errand boy will say: "Instead not to eat and die, it is better to eat and die."

Make of this what you wish, the message has been passed and delivered to those willing to pay for its delivery.

The Messenger Must Never Become the Message: A Historical Reflection for Today’s Vigilance

THE MESSENGER MUST NEVER BECOME THE MESSAGE: A HISTORICAL REFLECTION FOR TODAY’S VIGILANCE



History has a cruel pattern: the moment a messenger becomes the message; the cause is lost. The revolutionary is no longer a voice for the oppressed but a hollow idol—worshipped by ignorant foreigners, manipulated by cunning elites, and abandoned by the very people they were sent to liberate. From Jesus Christ to Nelson Mandela, we see the same tragedy: the messenger, once feared by the powerful, is rebranded into a harmless symbol, stripped of his true mission, and used to perpetuate the very oppression he fought against. The people get a hero to admire, while the system remains untouched.

From Jesus (rejected by the Jews but adored by the Romans, who crucified him) to Mandela (abandoned by his cause, turned into a global mascot for "peace" without justice), the pattern is clear.


Jesus began his ministry with a clear mission. He declared:

"I am not sent but ONLY unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24, KJV)

This statement reflected his prophetic calling—to restore the covenant between God and the Jewish people. His teachings in synagogues, his healing of the sick, and his challenges to religious elites aligned with the expectations of a Jewish prophet. His mission was well-defined.

But as his influence grew, the focus shifted from his message to his person. In Luke 4:16-23, Jesus stood in the synagogue, read from Isaiah, and declared:

"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

The Jews, recognising the gravity of his claim (fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy), questioned:

"Isn’t this Joseph’s son?"

At first, they believed—because his words came from a trusted prophet. But as his ministry expanded, his claims grew bolder, alienating the very people he was sent to save.

In John 14:6, he declared:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

This was no longer just prophetic—it positioned him as the only path to God, a direct challenge to Jewish monotheism. The result? Rejection.

As John 1:11 records:

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

The Jews rejected Jesus not only because of their disbelief but also due to their inability to accept such an audacious claim from someone they considered ordinary.

Today, Jesus is worshipped globally, except by the Jews he was sent to. While a small minority (Messianic Jews) accept him, most reject his deification because the message got lost in the messenger.

Nelson Mandela: From Revolutionary to Symbol of Compromise

Mandela's journey follows a similar path. He spent 27 years in prison fighting apartheid but emerged not as a militant liberator but as a symbol of reconciliation, manipulated to maintain the status quo.

South African activist Andile Mngxitama noted:

"People celebrate the Nelson Mandela who went to prison, not the one who came out."

Upon his release in 1990, the struggle shifted from justice, land redistribution, and dismantling white economic dominance to focus on Mandela himself. Pressured to distance himself from Winnie Mandela, portrayed as "unruly" to undermine the ANC's radical vision, Mandela complied, moving from Robben Island to the homes of his former oppressors.

The media hailed him as a symbol of "peaceful coexistence", overshadowing the unmet promises of the struggle. Consequently, South Africa remains one of the world's most unequal societies, where people have a symbol of freedom but lack real justice.

As more South Africans realize this reality, Mandela's supporters diminish. If he had remained resolute, there might not be a need for someone like Julius Malema today.

Conclusion: The Danger of Idolizing the Messenger

When the messenger overshadows the message, movements are co-opted.

• · Jesus' teachings were watered down into a religion serving an empire.

• · Mandela's revolution was simplified into a heartwarming tale of reconciliation devoid of justice.

True liberation demands vigilance against idolizing individuals and distorting movements into cults of personality. Elevating the messenger above the message jeopardizes the cause, with history demonstrating that it is always the people who bear the consequences.



~MAZI OGBUEFI ©2025~

The Misplaced Priorities of Igbo Elites: Ego Over Progress

 The Igbo community, often celebrated for its entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, is once again shooting itself in the foot with a display of shortsightedness that borders on absurdity. While the world moves toward innovation and economic transformation, some of our so-called leaders, are busy chasing vanity projects that stroke egos rather than uplift our people. The recent controversy surrounding his alleged plan to build a 50-acre “Igbo Village” in Old Ningo, Ghana, is a glaring example of this misguided obsession with personal glory over collective progress. Meanwhile, the Chinese business community has quietly acquired 125

acres in Adenta, Ghana, to build a one-stop industrial and market area with a tech hub—a move that screams strategic vision while our own “big men” play in the sandbox of self-aggrandizement.

Let’s be clear: the idea of an “Igbo Village” reeks of a lone-wolf mentality that prioritizes cultural showboating over economic empowerment. Mazi Ihenetu, crowned in 2012 as the symbolic leader of Igbos in Ghana, has defended this project as a way to preserve Igbo heritage, complete with a palace, a 2,000-seater auditorium, and streets named after Igbo icons. Sounds noble, doesn’t it? But dig deeper, and it’s a hollow gesture—a shrine to ego disguised as cultural pride. 

While the “Eze” insists his role is ceremonial and unifying, the backlash from Ghanaians, who see it as a foreign intrusion on their chieftaincy system, exposes the disconnect. 

Contrast this with the Chinese, who aren’t wasting time building cultural monuments in foreign lands. Their 125-acre acquisition in Adenta is a masterstroke of economic foresight. This isn’t about erecting statues or naming streets after ancestors; it’s about creating a hub for industry, trade, and technology that will generate jobs, foster innovation, and integrate Ghana into global value chains. The Chinese understand what many of our Igbo elites don’t: real power lies in economic infrastructure, not in parading titles or building villages that serve as little more than photo ops for the wealthy.

This isn’t just about Eze Ihenetu. It’s a symptom of a broader disease among Igbo elites—a braggadocio culture that values flash over substance. We see it in Nigeria, where rich Igbos pour billions into lavish village mansions that stand empty most of the year, and Hotels to aid their illicit activities, while our markets, schools, and industries crumble. 

The same mindset drives the Eze’s vision: a 50-acre monument to Igbo pride in Ghana, while Igboland itself bleeds from neglect, insecurity, and lack of investment. 

Why build a village in exile when our homeland desperately needs factories, tech hubs, and infrastructure? 

Why channel resources into projects that glorify individuals when we could be creating opportunities for the masses?

The Igbo spirit of independence, often our greatest asset, becomes our Achilles’ heel when it morphs into this selfish, lone-wolf mentality. We’re so busy proving we’re “better” than others that we forget to collaborate for the greater good. 

The Chinese in Adenta aren’t just building a tech hub; they’re building a legacy of economic dominance. Meanwhile, our elites are stuck in a cycle of one-upmanship, where the size of your palace or the grandeur of your title matters more than the number of jobs you create or lives you transform.

It’s time for a reality check. If we, as Igbos, want to compete in a globalized world, we must shed this obsession with ego-driven projects. Let’s take a page from the Chinese playbook: invest in systems that empower communities, not individuals. Let’s build factories, not palaces; tech hubs, not auditoriums. Eze Ihenetu and his ilk need to wake up. The world isn’t clapping for our cultural displays—it’s moving forward while we’re busy stroking our egos in villages that lead nowhere.

~MAZI OGBUEFI ©2025~