History Is Humanity’s Greatest Teacher; Unfortunately, We Are Often Poor Students.



The story of Nigeria's leadership succession often reminds me of the biblical account of King Rehoboam, the son and successor of King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:14 and 2 Chronicles 10:14.

Ignoring the counsel of the older, wiser advisers who had served his father faithfully, Rehoboam chose instead to listen to the reckless advice of his young contemporaries. 

He arrogantly declared to the people: "My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions."

Those words proved disastrous. Instead of strengthening the kingdom he inherited, Rehoboam fractured it. The northern tribes rebelled, and the once-united kingdom of Israel was divided in two.

History repeatedly teaches the same lesson: leadership is not sustained by arrogance, intimidation, or the desire to appear stronger than one's predecessor. It flourishes through humility, wisdom, and a willingness to listen. A nation does not prosper when each new leader seeks to outdo the failures of the last; it prospers when leaders learn from history, govern with compassion, and place the welfare of the people above personal pride.

The tragedy of Rehoboam is not merely an ancient story. It remains a timeless warning to every generation that power without wisdom can destroy in a moment what took decades to build.

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