Jallo's Secret by Bisi Adeleye‑Fayemi

Long ago, a blacksmith named Jallo was renowned throughout the region for his skill. People from far and near sought his services. He had several young apprentices from nearby villages learning the trade. Jallo was strict but generous and kind. He never short‑changed customers and treated apprentices fairly. When he judged an apprentice had mastered enough, he would give them money and tools to start their own workshop. The apprentices returned to their villages or worked elsewhere, yet their products never matched Jallo’s quality.

One day, the former apprentices convened. They believed a mystery explained why their own work did not match their master’s. Some thought Jallo added a secret substance to his metals; others suggested he possessed a charm that transferred his fortune to him. Proposals ranged from confronting Jallo directly, to spying on current apprentices, or even kidnapping him for interrogation. Ultimately, they decided to consult a powerful medicine man named Bemiwo, hoping he could reveal the secret.

On the agreed day, the apprentices gathered at Bemiwo’s home. After listening, he asked them to return the next day with any tools Jallo had ever given them. The apprentices complied. Bemiwo examined the tools, spoke to some cowries, threw them on the floor, and, after a moment, declared: “Young men, I have information for you. For the past fifteen years, a certain man has come to see me. Each time he brings tools. I recognise these tools as some of them. There is a particular incantation that I prepared for him that we use each time he brings the tools. This is what it is:”

I beseech our ancestors to look favourably upon these tools

I beseech Ogun, the God of Iron to hear my pleas

Make these tools strong and firm

The same way the Iroko tree stands tall and unyielding in the forest

Let these tools be as invincible

Just like the earth gives way for the farmer planting his seeds

Please let these tools pave the way to progress for the user

I beg of thee, owner of all that moves