Yoruba Tennis Club Centenary: Fatomilola Advocates Responsibility Over Destiny

At the Yoruba Tennis Club's centenary cultural colloquium in Lagos, Nigerian dramatist Prof. Peter Fatomilola called on citizens to embrace personal responsibility, asserting that destiny should not serve as a scapegoat for failure or indolence.

Fatomilola argued that although people are born into situations beyond their control, they possess the agency to shape their lives through dedication to knowledge, diligent work, integrity, and perseverance. He elaborated on the Yoruba concept of 'Ayanmo' (destiny), explaining it as more nuanced than predetermined fate. Instead, he suggested it relates to what individuals inherit, encounter, choose, and ultimately become. While acknowledging that elements like parentage, birthplace, and innate talents are not chosen, Fatomilola highlighted that the choices to pursue education, work ethically, forgive, and seize opportunities are within an individual's power.

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Destiny should not become an excuse for business.

"Destiny should not become an excuse for business," Fatomilola stated, cautioning against attributing setbacks solely to fate. He emphasized that in Yoruba philosophy, 'Ayanmo' is linked to life's purpose, with 'ori' (head) being central to one's destiny and guiding principles. He used the analogy of a seed, which, despite its potential, requires nurturing elements like soil, water, and sunlight to grow, to illustrate that potential alone is insufficient without action and favorable circumstances.

The professor warned against invoking destiny after experiencing failure, asserting that individuals who neglect preparation and self-development cannot justify their inaction by claiming that their destined outcomes will materialize regardless. "Destiny is not a scheme for failure. Destiny should inspire responsibility and not irresponsibility," he declared. Fatomilola advocated for a balance between destiny and free will, noting that while external circumstances and others' actions are uncontrollable, one's responses, decisions, and character are within their purview. He concluded by stressing the critical roles of preparation, faith, knowledge, effort, and character in realizing one's purpose, warning that prayer without preparation can lead to disappointment, and preparation without wisdom can result in frustration.

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Destiny is not a scheme for failure. Destiny should inspire responsibility and not irresponsibility.