Justice can only be achieved through courage and determination.Write an essay to justify this statement using illustrations from Adipo Sidang's Parliament of Owls.

 In "Parliament of Owls," the actions of characters such as Oyundi illustrate that justice necessitates courage to speak truth to power and resilience in the face of adversity.

1. Oyundi's Determination for Justice

   Oyundi emerges as a pivotal figure in the pursuit of justice within the bird kingdom. When Money Bags organized a raid by snakes to steal birds' eggs in broad daylight, Oyundi led the birds in seeking the services of Ochunglo, the ant, who arrived with an army of ants that chased the snakes out of their nests. This act displeased Money Bags, as Oyundi did not seek clearance from Police Owl, leading to her declaration as an enemy of the Parliament of Owls and the entire Kingdom of the Birds. Despite encountering numerous challenges, including assassination attempts and imprisonment (pg 36, 126-128), Oyundi remains resolute in her quest for justice. Her unwavering determination is evident in her steadfast refusal to compromise on principles of fairness and equality.

   Oyundi's efforts to unite birds of different species, including former owl allies like Feathered Beak and Iron Lady, exemplify her deep commitment to a just cause. Sparrows, weavers, ostriches, guinea fowls, parrots, crested cranes, and other birds have formed a coalition to confront the greed and arrogance of the Parliament of Owls. They are rehearsing their freedom song. Oyundi even met with Ogila Nyakarondo to strategize on ousting the owls from parliament and establishing a new institution. She assigns Tel Tel the task of finding the mysterious golden bead, aided by Otich Mach the firefly. Ochongorio is tasked with rallying the day birds to attend the Unity Pact Celebration, while Feathered Beak monitors activities at Royal Trees until dawn. Even when Straight-Eyed changes sides and pledges allegiance to Royal Owl, Oyundi urges the birds to remain focused on their struggle for freedom. She reminds them that building a kingdom where all birds feel safe and secure requires unity and principled action. Oyundi surrenders to the owls, seemingly out of tricks, but uses her arrest to learn Royal Owl's secrets. She pleads for amnesty and gains admission to the Parliament of Owls, armed with Royal secrets and the golden bead. With these, she orchestrates the dethronement of Royal Owl, dissolves the Parliament, and renames it The Flock of Birds where all birds shall have representation.

2. Iron Lady's Advocacy Against Injustice

   Iron Lady faces expulsion from Parliament for her outspoken opposition to discriminatory legislation like the Moonlight Bill (pg 9). Her honesty and unwavering dedication to advocating against unjust laws underscore the crucial role of speaking out against oppression. Despite being silenced by the powerful owls, Iron Lady's actions serve as a catalyst, inspiring others to acknowledge and combat the injustices inflicted upon non-owl species.

3. Tel Tel's Defiance and Imprisonment

   Tel Tel, once complicit in spreading owl propaganda, takes a brave stand by refusing to disseminate false information and chooses to stand with other birds. She tells Red Strings that she is not interested in working for the owls who are hooting and looting, scheming and squawking, boasting and belching as the birds watch, hunger-stricken. She reminds Red String of the insecurity the birds face due to the owls. Tel Tel refuses to mislead day birds or any other bird, especially on behalf of the wicked Parliament of Owls. She accuses the owls of betraying her integrity when forced to spread lies about Osongo, leading to the massacre of thirty-three weavers. Red Strings employs threats and intimidation to coerce her, accusing her of treason and threatening imprisonment. Unshaken, Tel Tel declines the offer, having faced imprisonment many times before. Later, Oyundi assigns Tel Tel the task of finding the mysterious golden bead. Tel Tel allows herself to be arrested to accomplish the mission, eventually making a clever escape through the roof. This action prompts Royal Owl to declare her a wanted bird, offering a reward for her capture dead or alive. Tel Tel reappears during the Unity Pact Celebration, accusing Money Bags of revealing secrets about the golden bead during his visit to her cell the previous night. She exposes Money Bags' plan to use the UPC for his coronation as the new king. Enraged, Royal Owl relieves Money Bags of his duties, strips him of all titles and commendations, and orders Police Owls to arrest him. He also sentences all bats to life imprisonment upon discovering Olok Tiga's role in gathering intelligence. Tel Tel hands the golden bead to Oyundi, who dips it in the river at Arum Tidi's murder site, signaling the birth of a new kingdom and the end of owl rule. Tel Tel's steadfast integrity in rejecting dishonest propaganda underscores the critical importance of honesty in the pursuit of justice. Her imprisonment symbolizes the sacrifices made in the ongoing struggle against injustice.

4. Massacre of Weavers and Pursuit of Justice

   The horrific massacre of thirty weavers, members of Osongo's family, by the Royal Owls serves as a chilling reminder of the brutality inflicted upon dissenters. This grievous injustice forces characters like Osongo to demand accountability and initiate reforms within the bird kingdom. Her relentless determination to seek justice for the victims exemplifies her unyielding commitment to honesty and fairness.

Through these examples, "Parliament of Owls" portrays justice as an achievable goal through unwavering courage, resilience, and dedication to principles of fairness and equality.