Humility As A Virtue of Genius: The Day Professor Chike Obi Knelt Down When A Bini Chief Was Having A Drink of Water
Dame Igbeyi, Professor Iyahen’s cousin, recalls a memorable occasion when Iyahen demonstrated his respect for his roots. It was during the time he lived in the Oyemwense family house and was a lecturer at the University of Benin.
Iyahen
His friend and former lecturer, Professor Chike Obi, reputed then as Nigeria’s foremost Mathematician, had come visiting with him. The family was at table,with Mr Oyemwense, Iyahen’s uncle, at the head.
“Join us,” Oyemwense had called to the two friends, but they both had merely thanked him and said they were okay.
“I can never forget that incident,” Dame Igbeyi says. “When my father picked up a glass to have a drink of water, all of us went down on our knees as was required in Bini culture when an elder was having a drink. Promptly, my ‘Uncle’ (Iyahen), too, went down on his knees and, as if on cue, Professor Chike Obi joined him. They both knelt down.
“After they had left, my father bragged about how the great Professor Chike Obi had knelt down while he was having a drink and he never failed to underscore the lesson to us about humility. He encouraged us to associate with such great people.”
Excerpt, from: GOD HAS DONE ME WELL
