Chimdi Azubuike 
The Clever Elephant and the Mischievous Monkey:
Once upon a time, in the heart of the Yoruba kingdom, there lived a clever elephant and a mischievous monkey. The two were neighbors but had vastly different personalities. The elephant was known for his wisdom and kindness, while the monkey was notorious for his trickery and mischief.
One day, a great famine struck the land, and food became scarce. The animals of the kingdom struggled to find enough to eat, and many grew weak and weary. The clever elephant, concerned for his fellow creatures, decided to embark on a journey to find a bountiful supply of food.
As he roamed through the forest, the clever elephant discovered a hidden treasure trove of fruits, nuts, and fresh water. Delighted by his find, he thought of sharing the food with the other animals to alleviate their suffering. However, he knew that the mischievous monkey might disrupt his plan.
The clever elephant devised a plan to outwit the monkey. He decided to pretend to be sick and lay motionless near the food source, hoping that the monkey would fall for his trickery. Sure enough, when the mischievous monkey spotted the elephant lying seemingly ill, he couldn't resist the temptation of the abundant food.
The monkey approached cautiously, suspecting a trap. However, when he saw the elephant remained motionless, he grew bolder and began feasting on the fruits and nuts. Unbeknownst to the monkey, the clever elephant was observing his every move.
Once the monkey was engrossed in eating, the clever elephant sprang into action. He quickly rose to his feet and confronted the surprised monkey. The clever elephant explained that his illness had miraculously vanished thanks to the magical healing power of the fruits.
Frightened and guilt-ridden, the mischievous monkey apologized for his greed and trickery. He promised the clever elephant that he would change his ways and become a better neighbor and friend.
From that day on, the clever elephant and the mischievous monkey became close friends. They shared the hidden treasure trove of food with the other animals of the kingdom, and harmony was restored. The monkey learned the value of honesty and kindness, and the clever elephant's wisdom was respected by all.
This story serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty, compassion, and the power of wisdom in overcoming mischief and adversity. While the specific Yoruba folklore story titled "The Clever Elephant and the Mischievous Monkey" may not exist, the themes and morals embedded in Yoruba tales resonate throughout the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
