Ohiozoba Ehiede Poet Elegy

Adieu Papa Madabe

A patriarch, legend, family man,
A moral compass,
An arc of proprietary leadership
With octopus creeping advancements
Inducing pomiferous effects
Africa’s epitome of
Struggle against racial oppression
The Great Madabe :
An iconic glistering personality
Held the jugular of
Erstwhile oppressors spell-bound.
According to him :
‘Exhausted all peaceful means’
Spear-headed weapons of warfare
To tackle this gamut
Rivonia Trials :
Black face in White Court,
White Court in Black Country,
Black Country White Ruled,
A sizzling paradox.
An illustrious Amicus Curiae
Who ought to ensure
Right persons do not
Travail in Court
Travailed but prevailed.
In Prison :
Remained a dignifying character,
Bubbling with unending
Vigour and vitality
Though sequestered within
The prison’s iron-gates
The ideals he stood for
Could not be suppressed
With draconian laws,
Separatist illusions cum policies.
Prisoner of conscience
A.K.A. 46664  Robben Island
His heart for his people
Obviously exhibited by
Willing sacrifice of 
His freedom for countless numbers.
A multifarious personality :
A former herdsboy,
Won the Almighty God’s Heart
In tendering the herd
He saw another King David
Mindful of His creation
Nkosi  Dalibonga,
Elder Statesman,
World Ambassador,
Amicus Curiae,
Exemplary Leader,
Reconciler of his nation,
Negotiator of peaceful end to Segregation.
Papa Madabe,
Indeed had a heart
For the people
No wonder God 
Emplaced him as 
The Primus Black African
To preside over his Country.
The Last Journey :
Home going,
From Pretoria,
The Military C-130 Hercules Jet
Hurtled through the morning skies
Landed safely at Mthatha Airport,
Eastern Cape Province
Where this son of a Chief
Spent the happiest years 
Of his childhood.
Last Parade :
Colour Party of White and Black faces
Previously unheard of
A resounding result of the Struggle,
Carry Matata Madabe’s remains
To the dark coloured hearse
Amidst full
Presidential Honours…
Adieu Great Madabe
You were a Great light
Now in the far beyond,
Good night for your passage
Has caused an irreparable
Generational chasm for
Years to come.

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Millard Lowe April 14, 2025 at 9:04 AM A profoundly beautiful awareness eulogy, Ohiozoba! On the Mother continent and around the world, may our ebon hearts and minds be ever aware: "Only the worker dies; the work goes on." Thanks for the share. One. Peace and Love.BUH

kevin mathenia March 20, 2025 at 12:52 PM hello brother, irish hearing of translations in american creole we leave, ears are not left nor right they perk and grass talls to a tickling memory for running up to the hairs of trigger trigger is limber and frequiently as december bestow herselfish visits when attendants of time dare not his fender his fender glides in names as thumper neither care to scamper yet both shall parent springs

Beata Agustin November 18, 2024 at 5:10 AM Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed. Ohiozoba Ehiede November 18, 2024 at 5:18 AM Many thanks for appreciating the poem. Am profoundly touched. Greetings with the love of God as I leave you with Isaiah 9:8, the Lord sent His Word unto Jacob and it has lighted upon Israel... Remain Blessed.