The Story Behind the Yoruba Saying “Se Biotimo, Ẹlẹ́wà Sàpọ́n”

Sapon is a popular market in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. It is a meeting place for people, especially men who have not married, to eat delicious foods and drink.

The saying “Se Biotimo, Ẹlẹ́wà Sàpọ́n” literally means “Cut your coat according to your size.” It is a reminder to be realistic about our abilities and resources.

The saying is said to have originated from a woman named Madam Janet Ewusi Odesola, who sold beans at Sapon market. Madam Janet was a very popular seller, and her beans were loved by people of all walks of life.

One day, a customer came to Madam Janet’s stall and asked to buy beans on credit. Madam Janet refused, saying that she only sold beans to people who could pay cash. The customer was angry and said, “Why are you being so stingy? I’m a regular customer!”

Madam Janet replied, “Se Biotimo. I only sell beans to people who can afford to pay cash. I don’t want to end up owing people money.”

The customer was not happy, but he had no choice but to pay cash for the beans. From that day on, people started calling Madam Janet “Se Biotimo, Ẹlẹ́wà Sàpọ́n.”

The saying “Se Biotimo, Ẹlẹ́wà Sàpọ́n” is a reminder to be realistic about our abilities and resources. We should not overspend or borrow money that we cannot afford to repay. We should also be careful about who we lend money to, as we may not get it back.

This saying is still used today, and it is a valuable reminder to live within our means.