Joint Birthday: Akpata And Desmond Tutu As Birds Of A Feather

By Abubakar Sani

What does Arch. Tutu have in common -
With the NBA President, Mr. Olumide?
'What a question', I hear you say!
Little, of course - beyond the obvious

That, they are both black African men -
And are devout Christians;
There, the comparison ends;
As, beyond those, they are poles apart

For, whilst one is a clergyman -
The other is a legal practitioner;
Those differences, however, mean nothing -
Compared to their shared humanity

For, they've stood up to be counted -
On the side of the oppressed -
The downtrodden and the outcast;
Risking everything in that regard

They are, obviously,, two of a kind;
Which, some will say might be astrological;
For their birthday - the 7th of October -
Falls smack within the Libra zodiac sign

Famously symbolised by the scales of justice -
Their love of harmony and balance -
Is not some esoteric, academic pursuit;
No, they are willing to speak truth to power

Their women are gifted homemakers -
Decorators and conversationalists;
And, are often the life of the party;
Where would we be, then, without these torchbearers?

Among whom are Afrobeat music legend, Fela -
And, Hon. Justices Fatayi-Williams and Oputa -
CJN and JSC, respectively -
Both of blessed memory

So, here's wishing our celebrants - living or dead -
All the very best - and good cheer;
Yours is a life of inspiration and achievement;
May it be so in heaven as it is on earth - amen!