DAILY SUN (Lagos, Nigeria) 28 December 06 Wonder Crocodile ...It gives those afflicted with measles healing (Moshood Adebayo)
Abeokuta : Ever heard of a reptile that has potency to cure? There is one at Ijale-Papa, a sleepy rural community in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
About two and a half metres long, the 40 years old crocodile, according to the Apena of the town, Chief Toriola Taiwo, has efficacy in curing measles.
Going down memory lane, Chief Taiwo said the late traditional ruler in the town, Oba Ogundele who brought the amphibian creature to the village nurtured it well before he died.
Apena of Ijaleland, disclosed that Oba Ogundele got the crocodile in a river and started nurturing it adding that the reptile gives healing.
“A measles afflicted person is sure of cure once he gets to this village and draws water from the abode of the crocodile and rub on his or her entire body. I’m not kidding. He or she must receive healing. It sounds strange, but the crocodile has helped many people, both near and far”, Taiwo said.
Chief Taiwo recalled that initially many people did not appreciate the importance of the creature until its magic power was realized after the outbreak of measles in a village and divination revealed that the water should be used as a cure.
“Since that time, we have appreciated what we have and we don’t joke with it. We cherish and value it as we appreciate any of our personal belongings, including children. We don’t joke with it,” he said.
Apena Taiwo further stated that since 1969 when Oba Ogundele brought the creature to the village, “we have been responsible for the upkeep and safety of the crocodile honour and fame”.
He appealed to the state government to develop the village. “We need government attention, particularly in the area of social amenities. At least we should be proud of what we have. There are people who wish to come and catch a glimpse of this wonderful creature,” he said.
Wonder Crocodile ...It gives those afflicted with measles healing