Many years ago in the animal kingdom, there lived an old Tortoise. He was so cunning and tricky and he was being feared and loved by many because of his wisdom. He will always tell the Lion Prince.“I was already thirty-one years old when you were born, now you go around enticing all the female animals in this kingdom just because you are the Prince.”
All the animals have always prayed that one day he will get married but the tortoise was not interested. He boasted one day at the animal's market square.
“No Tortoise deserves to marry a wise animal like me.”
One day the old Tortoise went to the King Lion in his palace and told him that he was ready to get married. The king was so happy that he broke the news to his Queen Lioness that evening even when the old Tortoise had told him not to tell anyone.
“Our old wise one has finally decided to get married. He came to the palace this evening.” the King told his Queen during dinner.
“I hope it is not one of his tricks to get money from the palace.” The lioness responded while putting more meat for the young Lioness, the Princess.
“Remember his tricks of acquiring a large area of farm to cultivate cocoyam that he needed financial support to purchase the manure, which he later converted into building his small hut.” She added.
“Well,” the King sip his pepper soup, “let’s see how it goes.” The King continued his meal.
The Tortoise had announced to animal he met on the road that he was getting married. The news had spread all over the kingdom. The Tortoise wanted to marry a little baby Tortoise who lived with her parents a few meters away from the old wise Tortoise's hut. The young Tortoise had been fond of the old Tortoise and they suddenly fell in love. During their usual evening stroll around the kingdom love park, the old Tortoise popped up the question,
“Will you marry me?” He asked, even when he knew he wasn't ready to settle down.
All the animals started their preparation towards the old Tortoise's wedding. The King called for a council meeting to inform them of the old Tortoise's decision to finally get married. Many years ago, Hippopotamus accused old Tortoise of not being qualified to be a member of the animal council, because of his marital status and wise Tortoise had stopped going to the King's palace for meeting unless on special occasions, but made himself a perpetual opposition to the council's decisions on issues concerning the kingdom.
After the King had finished his long speech, Squirrel raised his hand, and Tiger, the council secretary, pointed him to talk.
“Long live my King, well, we have all heard what you have said about our friend, Tortoise, but I want to ask if we are sure he is serious.”
Antelope raised his hand and stood up. “Long live my King, I don't think we should look into the past, let's focus on the future.”
The King rearranged himself on his throne. “Any other suggestions?” The King asked.
Nobody said anything, and he proceeded, “I will summon Tortoise to know how far he has gone with the preparations, then get back to the council. Because according to our customs and traditions, when a man stays this long before getting married, the council of Chiefs will support him.”