Arrogance, expressed through condescending superiority and disregard for others, often results in ruin. In Adipo Sidang’s play Parliament of Owls, characters who exalt themselves, mock others, and abuse their authority are eventually stripped of power and dignity. Their fate illustrates the truth that pride inevitably precedes downfall.

Money Bags embodies arrogance to the extreme. He parades himself as Royal Owl’s most trusted ally and even boasts of being the second most decorated owl in history. He pushes for bills that benefit only the ruling class and sneers at smaller birds like Oyundi, whom he calls hopeless. Hornbills such as Arum Tidi are dismissed as insignificant, and he insists that parliament is a sacred space meant only for chosen owls. He even proposes a loyalty pledge demanding that all birds worship Royal Owl and himself. His arrogance is further seen when he gloats about Osogo singing in praise of the owls and orders arrests through Police Owl. However, when Oyundi exposes him as a traitor, Royal Owl turns against him. Stripped of his influence, titles, and honours, Money Bags is eventually imprisoned and later killed. His fall is a direct consequence of his unchecked arrogance.

Royal Owl, the king of the birds, also succumbs to pride. He declares that owls are the only birds intelligent enough to rule, claiming they were chosen by the gods themselves. He enters parliament with pomp, carried by Puppet Owls, while others are forced to rise in reverence. He insists that he will rule until his death, arguing that this will guarantee prosperity and peace. His arrogance isolates him from other birds, who unite to overthrow the owls. When the golden bead—the source of his wisdom and power—is lost, his authority crumbles. Police Owl refuses to carry out his orders, and Oyundi overpowers him with ease. Reduced to a cowardly cry, Royal Owl scampers helplessly, proving that his pride has brought about his fall.

Arum Tidi, though witty and eloquent, is undone by his arrogance. He proudly brands himself as “Honourable Arum Tidi” and belittles others, insisting that he only blows his own trumpet. His disdain for smaller birds earns him criticism from Tel Tel, who despises arrogance. Though admired for his sharp tongue, he becomes overconfident, trusting that his wit alone will protect him. The owls exploit him to spread propaganda, but when he insists that the Moonlight Law should protect hornbills too, they plot against him. Betrayed and denied payment, he is eventually eliminated by One Eyed Owl. His downfall illustrates how arrogance blinds individuals to manipulation and betrayal.

Socialite Owl and Red String also highlight the destructive nature of arrogance. Socialite Owl is Money Bags’ lover and aggressively defends owl superiority. She insults Iron Lady by comparing chickens to cowards and even drags her out of parliament violently. Red String, on the other hand, openly boasts that rules exist to be broken. He arrogantly argues that owls will rule for generations because of their large eyes and insists that other birds can never govern. He enforces unfair laws to restrict smaller birds and mocks the idea of equality. Yet, when Royal Owl falls, both Socialite Owl and Red String are sentenced to life imprisonment. Their arrogance, once their source of power, becomes the reason for their disgrace.

In conclusion, arrogance blinds leaders to the limits of their power and alienates them from those they govern. Adipo Sidang’s Parliament of Owls demonstrates this through the fate of Money Bags, Royal Owl, Arum Tidi, Socialite Owl, and Red String. Each character, consumed by pride, suffers humiliation and defeat. The play affirms the timeless lesson: pride goes before a fall.