FOREST OF HOPE (A PROSE) BY ALABI DARE SULAIMAN

CHAPTER ONE

Gbeola and Yemisi are happily married even without kids as the fruits of their marriage. Gbeola is an understanding; loving and caring husband who believes so much in whatever the Lord brings to him. Yemisi shares similar faith, but as a woman with a fragile heart, she sometimes weeps in silence when neighbors say bad things about her state of bareness. Both husband and wife are native of Iludun; a town that is well known for her production of both food and cash crops. Majority of the people of Iludun are primarily engaged in farming, fishing and petty trading.

Gbeola inherited his father’s farm after the death of his father as the only child. The farm is simply one of the very best in Iludun and her environs. The farm is at the far east of the town, having a big stream as one of its boundaries. Gbeola nourished and nurtured the farm to the admiration of everyone in the town. In fact it is second to none in Iludun.

“This farm fetched me all my needs even when Papa was alive. I remember having to rush to the farm in the evening to fetch some crops that I would later sell at the evening market to passers-by from the neighboring villages. Jide, do you remember the antelope that I killed that took to our age group meeting? As a growing young man, it was always very pleasant, fun and pleasurable. If Papa had known that I was so strong and filled with such energy to kill an antelope, he would have doubled my farm work. He had taken me for a weak child”.

“Gbeola, what we failed to realize then, was that all the youthful exuberance that we exhibited then could only last for a while. We thought our parents would continue to fend for us forever but today, we have to cater for our families as our grandparents did for our fathers. Aside this, it is very important that we work to achieve due relevance at all our community developmental programmes”.

“I now realized how wonderful and caring Papa was. He laboured rigorously to leave all these farms for me alone. God! I wish papa could still come back and give me all the pieces of advice that the future shall certainly demand”

“Gbeola, you better stop this; you think the absence of a child in your marriage still make you a kid? Whether you have a child or not, you are now a full grown man and you should honestly forget all the care and love that your father showered on your when he was alive”.

“Jide, without a child, the world only sees you as a kid. I hope and pray  that one day, I shall be call a father and I will be certified as a responsible man, who has an offspring to cater for. Don’t you think so?

“ I see no reason why I should force my position on you, if that is your definition of becoming a man, so be it”.

“ I shall be leaving now for my house because Yemisi was not at home when I was coming, good night!”

Iludun operates a daily evening market. Women go to the evening market to sell their husband’s daily harvest from their farms. Fishermen cluster in groups with varieties of fishes for sale. It had sometimes been rumoured that dead people usually come to the market to partake in the act of buying and selling but no one has been able to substantiate this rumour till date.

At the market, men in Khaki are seen strolling from one end to another. These men in Khaki are called Eso, the security agents of Balogun who forcefully seized power twenty years ago from a king who relished in waging war against the neighboring villages and annexing them to Iludun.

Balogun was then the head of his security; the commander in chief of the village warrior. At a time when King Adewale ordered him to wage war against Iloko and annex it to Iludun, Balogun took the opportunity to carry out his evil intention; he waged war against Iloko, won the battle, annex it to Iludun, killed King Adewale and super-imposed himself on the people of Iludun as the new king.

The Esos are boys who fought the battle of Iloko with him. They are ranked according to their seniority in the local military hierarchy. They function in virtually every aspects of decision making in the town. The Esos are warring in nature, violent, corrupt and feared by everyone. They are found at the evening market picking whatever they need without paying a dime to the seller. They also collect illegal taxes from people who make use of the market.

Gbeola got home and met Yemisi anxiously waiting for him. He was not surprised to see her in that condition; that has been her usual practice. He apologized for leaving the house in her absence and for returning late.

“What food do you have for me? “Nothing” She replied. Gbeola responded, “Come on my dear, I trust you ”.

The woman elegantly turned to the kitchen and made a radiant move to bring food for her husband. The man, looking at the beauty and steppings of his wife felt satisfied for making the right choice. The woman is very beautiful, has a robust buttock and a very long hair that look like that of a queen. She wears every cloth to fit.

She came back carrying some bowls in a tray. She knelt down before her husband and placed the tray on the table. The tantalizing aroma from the fried plantain was enough to fetch a bucket of water from the mouth of a visitor who is visiting the house for the very first time. Gbeola is used to his wife mode of cooking and that is why when situation demands that he should eat outside, his mind quickly go to his wife’s cooking. The food was served and they ate together and went to bed after the super.

The night was quiet; everywhere seemed to be motionless, fresh air was flowing into the room through the window panes. The trees around suddenly begins to obey the dictate of the gentle breeze as they waved their leaves sideways. There was absolute silence everywhere except for occasional interruption of frogs and toads in their own luxury attempt to be at ease.

Yemisi rolled from the edge of the bed to touch her husband, who was soundly asleep as a result of the fatigue from the day’s work in the farm. She was thinking about her inability to bear child for the past ten years of her marriage. She imagined what the condition could have been, if she had married Adeyinka; the man her parent had wanted her to marry. She didn’t love Adeyinka, he was too temperamental; would flare up and shout on top of his voice to correct every little mistakes. He was also too anxious to have children even when Yemisi had not consented to his proposal. She wept quietly, being careful not to wake her husband. She adjusted her wrapper and finally slept off.

In her sleep, she saw a woman, who was extending hands of friendship to her. She was afraid and never wanted to get closer to her but the irony of it was that the more she tried to stay away, the closer she was to her. She succumbed to the will of God and fell into the woman’s arm.

This woman was very beautiful, looking gorgeously dressed, caring and assuring. She assured Yemisi of having a glorious child that will lift the family name beyond expectation. The child shall be exceptionally brilliant; endowed with knowledge and wisdom and shall facilitate the deliverance of Iludun people and contribute to development of his town in no small measure.

Yemise woke up to realize that she had since been dreaming. She felt very proud to have such an assuring dream. She tried to figure out the identity of the woman she saw in her dream. “Who is she?” “Could she be one of the goddesses?” “Could she be Olomoyeye the goddess that is concerned with child bearing and issues relating to fertility?” She dozed off while thinking about his dream and slept soundly, snoring.

At dawn, she walked to the well in her compound and fetched some buckets of water for domestic use. She placed a bucket of water at the bathroom for her husband to freshen up. She went straight to the kitchen to prepare pap and bean cake (akara); her husband’s best meal for breakfast. She is just too good a house wife and her husband has not for a single second regretted marrying her as a wife.

At table, Gbeola sat face to face with his wife. “My Lord, there is something that I will like to discuss with you”. “And what is it all about?’ Gbeola asked. “I had a dream last night. In the dream, I saw a beautiful woman, who promised me a child with a glorious future”. The husband cuts in “Hymn that must be Olomoyeye, the goddess of fertility. She has appeared to me too on several occasions and now that she has passed the information across to you too, let’s just be prayerful and hope that soonest God will answer our prayer”. “Amen”, they both chorused.

They both headed for the farm after breakfast. They were to work at the cassava plantation but Gbeola excused himself and went to check his cocoa plantation that has started flowering. Yemisi quickly buckled up for work. She engaged herself in raking the weeds in the cassava plantation. She usually does the little she can and leaves the rest for her husband who is not only hardworking but has the stamina to work for hours. Having done the little she could do, she waited for her husband to come back. When the wait was getting longer than necessary, she decided to check him up at the cocoa plantation. She got there to found her husband in a hot argument with the Esos. She was shocked to the bone marrow because she knew the Esos to be devilish.

The Esos have illegally plucked some cocoa pods from Gbeola’s farm and Gbeola was not in any way pleased with this action. This, has been the constant practice by the Esos; taking away people’s property without their consent.

This time around, Gbeola wanted to put a check on their audacity. He even intended beating up the Esos but his wife came at the right time. She pleaded with her husband to leave the Esos with their atrocities. She then took him back to the cassava plantation.

“My dear, these people must not continue like this, someone has to check them one day. They make laws that is difficult for people to comply with, kill innocent people at the dusk of the day in order to make away with their properties. Balogun himself is a curse to this town. He behaves as if his fore fathers never had a traceable origin in this town. He recruits innocent youths as Esos and unleash terror on individual who refused to comply with his orders”.

“I am very sure that things will not continue like this forever” Yemisi was forced to shout on him when his lamentations did not stop. “My husband let us leave them to God and please, let this be the last time you will stand against these wicked creatures. They are heartless and do not have an iota of love for human life, especially whosoever dares to block them from carrying out their evil acts”. “Thank you my dear, but there are times when one would be forced to object to their foolishness and stupidity”.

They worked in the farm as fast as they could in order to make up for the lost time. Yemisi later left her husband; she went under the shed made of bamboo tree and palm leaves to prepare some yam for lunch. As soon as the yam was ready, they sat together under the shed and did justice to the yam with the aid of palm oil. After their lunch, Yemisi took to breaking of palm kernel nuts while Gbeola strolled to his plantain farm, some few meters away from the shed.

Two fierce looking Esos came to the shed and asked after Gbeola. One of them was huge, his eyes were terrifying. Yemisi refused to disclose her husband’s whereabouts and the Esos were running out of patience. When they could not bear it with her any longer, an Eso surged forward to rough handle her; it was at this point that Gbeola arrived the scene. He was mad with them, he felt very bad for them to have gotten the gut to roughen another man’s wife.

“Who cares whose wife she is” Said one Eso. Gbeola then asked for their mission this second time. One of them quickly answered; “Balogun demanded that we should bring you alive, otherwise we could have killed you without hesitation”

“Kill me without hesitation” Gbeola said this statement repeatedly. At this point, Yemisi became frightened; she couldn’t predict what could happen next. She started having problem with her stomach, she felt like going to ease herself. Her husband was whisked away by the Esos. Yemisi was not feeling good at all but had to run down to Jide’s house and told him what happened. Yemisi and Jide made a quick march to Balogun’s palace and found Gbeola being interrogated by Balogun himself.

“Who are these and who invited you here” Balogun asked. I am Jide, Gbeola’s friend and this Yemisi, his wife” “Now that you have come, what do you intend to do” Jide quckly answered “Nothing, absolute nothing sir”.

“God saves your heads; I would have sliced it into pieces at the shrine of OGUN, the god of iron, if you had not watched your tongue”.

Jide became heavier within, speechless, and inferior. His heart beat increased and he felt as if blood was flowing up to his mouth. His memory went back to the last time that he was rudely addressed by one of the agents of King Adewale. Jide’s father was a chief in the palace then. Jide treated the agent to a through beating but today he was helpless, couldn’t do anything so as to be able to see the light of some other days.

Jide was implored to seriously warn his friend to face his business squarely and stop throwing offensive words at the Esos. Balogun said he has tempered justice with mercy because Gbeola’s father; Adegbayi was a responsible man while he was alive. He said Adegbayi was a good man who never intruded into other people’s affairs. He stressed that everybody in the community should leave the Esos alone with the administration of the community.

Behold! At last Gbeola was released. His wife was very happy; Jide too was very happy but decided to keep his ordeal with Balogun in his memory book. Gbeola too will never forget this day in his life time and the two jolly friends both promised to relay the incident to their children, God’s willing.

They all walked home and departed at a cross road that leads to their different houses. Gbeola and his wife headed home with mixed feelings. Happy that no physical harm was done to them but suffer serious mental degradation as a result of the treatment meted to them by Balogun. They pitied the town as a whole and the in-coming generation, if things should continue in that order.

CHAPTER TWO

Two roads linked Iludun to other neighboring towns and villages; Oko-Oba and Irepo roads. The former has a bridge across river Omidun. It is a major road and was always very busy on every market day. The market operates every five-five days, aside the daily evening market. People from other towns and villages usually troop into the market to display proceeds from their farms. The non-natives at the market often outnumbered the so called sons and daughters of the soil. Various food items, clothing materials electronic gadgets and lots of other consumable items were always on sale.

The market square also served as relaxation ground for both children and adult on non-market days. People converged at the square after returning from their various farms and get themselves busy with different types of outdoor games. These games were played to the admiration of the spectators.

On market days, the Esos were seen strolling up and down the market in their khaki uniform with a brown hat to match. Their shoes come in various sizes, shapes and colour. They carry whips to command the respect of everyone in the market. They positioned themselves at all the roads leading to the market; both foot and motor-able roads. They checked items being brought into the market. They used this medium to also rob traders of their valuables. They would collect illegal toll and detain whosoever refused to succumb to their demands.

Their operation was no more new to the market traders; it has become part of the culture of the market users since the commencement of Balogun’s rule in the town. Traders easily conform with their rules to afford them the possibilities of selling their goods as quickly as possible, so that they can return earlier to their various towns and villages. The community as a whole usually looks forward to seeing the excitement, uproars and the activities of the Esos which be somehow absurd to a first timer in the market. As absurd as the activities of the Esos were; people have adjusted to it.

Adebayo is a wealthy man, popular and famous for his wealth and philanthropic gestures to the natives of Iludun. He runs a vibrant business enterprise in Iludun. It is very common amongst children to tag themselves as Adebayo while posing as rich men amongst their peers. His business takes care of most of the major needs in Iludun and his environs.

Christmas was fast approaching and a market falls on the eve of Christmas. Adebayo’s goods were conveyed with a heavy and long truck. The driver of the truck was used to the “give and go” style of the Esos. Christmas in Iludun was always well celebrated as the people of Iludun were predominantly Christians. Thus, the market was expected to host various traders from far and near during Christmas period.

Adebayo’s truck approached the market main gate, the driver sensed danger, he applied the brake but the truck refused to respond appropriately, he switched on his emergency light to ward off and alert traders of imminent danger. The Esos at the gate refused to vacate the entrance, thinking that he was trying to be smart; they stood on the road. The driver tried to wave to them to leave the road but they were adamant. The truck disgustingly crushed them down, the driver swerved to his right so as to avoid entering the market; the truck rammed into a ditch and pinned two more Esos down. The truck was roaring like an angry lion, many people ran to the spot to catch a glimpse of the accident. Four Esos were lifeless and some sustained various degrees of injury. It was indeed a horrified scene to behold.

This accident stained the expected glamour of the market and the Christmas Eve. Blood was flowing freely into the market. Balogun was quickly informed; he ordered the immediate evacuation of the dead Esos from the scene of the accident for burial. He also ordered the Esos to listen to the views of the people in the market so as to guide him in taking decisions on the matter. Some people saw the accident as a deserved reward for the Esos’ inordinate activities while some perceived it as an act of God which can consume anyone irrespective of his status.

The security at Balogun’s palace simply exemplified him as tyrant; the fortress called palace, housed him, his immediate family and the Esos.

“And where is the driver of the truck?” Balogun queried! One of the Esos responded “Sir, he jumped out of the truck and ran away. We ran after him but could not get him”. “And the vehicle” Balogun asked. “The truck is still at the scene of the accident” replied an Eso. Balogun roared in anger and ordered the Esos to find a means of towing the truck to the palace. He also instructed the Esos to get Adebayo the owner of the truck arrested. He then rose from his seat and walked into the inner chamber of the palace.

The Esos ensured that the truck was towed to the palace and those sent to Adebayo’s house came back to report that Adebayo had flee the community. In order to confirm, they had to jump over the fence and combed everywhere in his compound but there was no one around.

Balogun insisted that surveillance be placed on Adebayo’s residence, he promised to avenge the death of his Esos and thus investigation on Adebayo’s whereabouts was imperative.

Iludun wore a mourning look contrary to the usual ecstasy of Christmas. Children, women, men and the olds were found gathering in groups to discuss the accident. It was indeed a bad Christmas! Series of age group meetings were held to appeal to Balogun to take the accident as an act of God and let peace return to the community but he was damn serious on avenging the death of the Esos.

Yemisi could have taken the accident as a sweet reward from God to the Esos, especially because of the way they treated her husband but she was deeply touched because of the lives involved. Gbeola was unhappy too. He smelt danger for Adebayo who incidentally is a member of his age group. He also sensed a high degree of tough time courtesy of the Esos in the town. He ended up forcing himself to wear a soft smile; hoping that things would sorted out, soonest.

Gbeola and Yemisi have been married for eleven years now. Yemisi is so joyous and full of songs of praise for the fruit of the womb for the very first time in her life. She pleasurably feels the movement of life in her womb. Yemisi now has a new look; swollen legs, extended buttocks and a protruding abdomen. She was indeed the subject of discourse in the town.

One morning, some women were fetching water at a well very close to Gbeola’s residence, their discussion centred on Gbeola’s wife. “ Na wa o, so this woman is not barren, she is pregnant at last, her husband is a good man. I trust Baba Yemi, he would have taken another wife”. “Mama Yemi, what you don’t understand is that human being cannot make children, it is God that gives children”. “Well, let’s just believe that God has his plan for everyone, he carries out his wills at his own appointed time”. A woman remarked, “Sometimes, he tests people’s faith with his actions and if you do not have confidence in him, he leaves you to your woes”. “Mama Dele, Let’s thank God for their lives but honestly I envy their love life”.

They all carried their buckets of water and departed for their various homes. Yemisi listened to their conversation from her window and she felt highly delighted to be envied by other women.

Gbeola reflects his sense of joy all the times with songs of praise to God. He often sent Yemisi to a quack doctor for regular examination. This quack doctor is obviously the very best medical personnel in Iludun and her environ. Gbeola pays him very well for taking good care of his wife.

Gbeola would harvest the best of his farm produce for his wife to feed on. If his traps refused to catch bush meat, he would give her money to go to the evening market and buy either fish or meat, according to her desire. He so much adores his wife and prays for safe carriage and delivery always.

Adebayo arrived at Iludun one evening without his family. He had gone to Okene for the final burial ceremony of his father inlaw . It was at Okene that news filtered in about what happened. He left his family behind at Okene so as to guarantee their safety while trying to find peace with Balogun as par what happened.

He checked at Gbeola’s house for detailed information about what happened and possibly to take some pieces of advice from him.

The news of Adebayo’s arrival got to Balogun through the Esos. Gbeola harboured him for the night and advised him to go to the palace first thing in the morning before the Esos come for him.

Yemisi prepared pounded yam with draw soup mashed with egusi and some bush meat for super. While the two jolly friends preyed on the food, she ate hers separately. They had a sound sleep but only to be woken up at dawn with a continuous knock at the door. “Who is that? Gbeola summoned courage to ask.

“Open this door or I will break it” said an unfamiliar voice. The men decoded the message and since there was no other way out, the door was gently opened. The army of Esos at the door frightened the men; they were armed to the teeth.

Both men were arrested and taken to Balogun’s palace. Yemisi shed tears uncontrollably like a little child abandoned by his parent. The Esos stopped her from following them to the palace. She ran to Jide’s house and told him what happened. Jide wished he could help but he reminded Yemisi of Balogun’s warning to him the first time her husband had an encounter with the Esos.

“Yemisi, you can’t continue to cry like this. You need to braze up and do all things possible to put your baby in good condition. I can assure you that your husband would be back soonest”. She thanked him for his usual support and advice but tears still found its way down from her swollen eyes.

“Take heart woman, everything wouldl soon be alright. The way you presented this case showed that Gbeola did not have any case to answer. I am very sure that Balogun would not axe him for harbouring Adebayo. Let us be optimistic and seriously pray for his safe return”. He then asked Yemisi to stay with his family pending when the issue would be resolved.

Since the arrest of Adebayo and Gbeola, the palace has become used to faces of visitors from within and outside the town. They have all come to plead with Balogun to temper justice with mercy. The two men were interrogated and subjected to harsh treatment.

Iludun was very quiet; the arrest of these two notable men had made the community to be pale and sick. The market was in shambles, only the evening market hosts a few buyers and sellers who offered food items for sale. Women now preferred to stay in their husbands’ houses because of the fear of the unknown.

CHAPTER THREE

Cool breeze passed through the available tiny space from the window pane. The breeze weighed on the bed apportioned to her in Jide’s house. She slept soundly and woke up in the morning tired and frightened about her condition. There was no green light as regards the release or trial of her husband. She has been completely cut way from the trend of events at the palace. Tears rolled down her eyes again.

At about mid-day, a figure was seen staggering towards Gbeola’s house. He could not be easily recognized at a glance. The haggard figure turned out to be Gbeola, He had been subjected to harsh treatment and condition. His house was deserted and this brought more worries to him and had to consult the neighbours for her wife’s whereabouts. An old man in his late eighties volunteered to attend to him.

“Good afternoon young man, what do you want?” the old man asked. Gbeola answered “Sir, can you kindly tell me the whereabouts of my wife” He tiredly asked.

“I have not seen her since the day you were arrested but I was reliably informed that she stays with Mr. Jide Johnson; your friend” “Thank you Sir, I shall be there in a jiffy” He murmured.

He had no choice but to walk to Jide’s house.  He has been in Balogun’s custody for three months now, his condition was pitiable. He remembered there was a shorter route to his friend’s house at the back of his house. As short as the route was, it wasn’t easy finding his way down. It was celebration galore at Jide’s house when the two families re-united. They all pitied Gbeola for what he must have passed through. Yemisi and Jid’s wife still in the euphoria of the reunion ran into the kitchen to prepare food. As palatable as the food was, it didn’t go well with Gbeola; his taste bud wasn’t in good order. He has equally lost his appetite for food. He was been fed with remnants from Balogun’s kitchen just to keep him alive while in custody.

Jide was so curious to know how his friend made it and what really transpired at Balogun’s palace. “I was released with God’s grace. I cannot say specifically what really necessitated my release” As he talked on. His wife sat on a stool and listened patiently to him but tears occasionally rolled down her beautiful eyes while trying to picture the agony which her husband must have gone through.

“Jide”  Gbeola continued, I shall remember this for as long as I live and relay same to my children by God’s grace.I will also buckle up and train them  to  fight this oppression with everything that God endowed them with. I have that strong notion that with western education, it will be much easier to fight tyrant like Balogun” He paused and sighed “Hymn! My life was on the line”.

From his speech and lamentations, his friend knew that he had been a good example of victim of torture and maltreatment from the Esos. He thought of what Adebayo would have gone through if Gbeola could have this to say. “How is Adebayo?” He asked “Adebayo! The last time I saw him was the day we were arrested. We were separated and since then I have not been privileged to set my eyes on him. “Could he be dead? Jide added. “I cannot say and I don’t pray so but Balogun is an unpredictable person.”

Gbeola hand-picked his wife and headed for his house. The house had been deserted, cobs’ web adored everywhere. The entire living room was covered with dust. The carpet in the living room had an inscription on it FOREST OF HOPE. The couple tidied up the whole place and brought life back into it as usual. 

Seven good months now that Yemisi had been walking around with protruding belly going before her. Her husband was always happy watching her and filled with the hope of becoming a father soonest.

He ensured that he bought a gift of his unborn child anytime he has course to go out of the house. He would buy all sorts of things to please his wife. One day, he made up his mind to visit a carpenter’s workshop and see if he could buy a modern wooden wardrobe for his wife. At the carpenter’s shop, he saw a baby cot; he had to negotiate with the carpenter and ran down home to bring more money. The carpenter agreed to fix the wardrobe within a week and instructed one of his apprentices to help Gbeola carry the baby cot home. Yemisi was very pleased to receive this precious gift for her unborn child. She danced around, praising her husband with his family panegyric.

The following morning, Gbeola journeyed alone to his farm, leaving his wife at home to do some domestic work. He got to the farm and worked on his yam plantation, which has become weedy as a result of his incarceration at Balogun’s den. He did the little he could, checked on his cocoa plantation which was in order and then decided to check the traps that he set some two days back. He had checked five of the traps, with only one remaining; he had almost lost hope of having anything to take home for his wife. He summoned courage to do a complete check on all the traps as the last one was far away and placed in a muddy environment. While getting closer to the spot, he could hear the sound of an animal in pain; he carefully climbed on a hilly position and gazed at the trap, keeping a distance. It was an antelope wallowing in pane. He ran back to the shed loaded his local gun enough cartridges, pulled the trigger against the antelope and the deed was done. The animal struggled for about two minutes before it finally gave up the ghost. Gbeola was very happy, he went closer, loosened the trap and carried the animal to his shed. He fetched some water from the stream and washed the blood on both the trap and the animal away and had a brisk walk home.

On his way home, he was by everyone on the path to and from his farm. The antelope was very big and became the talk of the town. He got home and dropped the antelope at the kitchen. His wife was fast asleep when he came back, he didn’t want to disturb her but he mistakenly hit his right foot on a stool in the living room. The woman jumped up and came straight to the living room. Her husband was trying to play a local music from the stereo. She greeted her husband and dashed to the kitchen to arrange for his meal but had to run back when she saw the antelope, especially with such huge size. She hugged her husband and mounted a lovely kiss on his forehead. “You are a blessing unto me”. The man responded “thanks dear, get me my food so that I would have more strength to work on it. Gbeola descend on the heap of amala placed before him with his best okro soup. As he finished eating, he yawned but had to help himself out of his sleepy state by standing up. He picked up a stick from the broom in the living room and tidied the holes in his teeth.

He strolled to the kitchen holding his wife’s hand. “Go and get me my knife and cutlass at the back of the door” he ordered. He poured kerosene on the animal, took it to the backyard and was about putting fire on it when Jide came in. “Congratulations my friend! I have heard about it from the people, it is the talk of the town and I have come to give you a helping hand”. Gbeola replied - “Thank you my very good friend, I just didn’t want to disturb you, I should have sent for you but I am glad that you are here”.

The duo erected a pole and hung the animal on it and fire cleared off the hair on it. As it burnt, it made a gentle hiss and fat was dropping from the point where the bullet hit it. It was time to rip it open and the gentle men made use of the cutlass and knife to slice it into pieces. Yemisi sat on a stool and watched them with admiration.

Jide left with load of meat wrapped in cellophane and neatly packed in a sac bag. Yemisi was instructed by husband to distribute some to their neighbors. She cooked some and smoked the remaining ones. Jide and his wife were delighted for the gift from Gbeola’s family. The woman asked for money to buy pepper and other soup ingredients from her husband and her request was quickly granted. She rushed down to the evening market and picked all her needs.

The popularity of Iludun amongst the other communities around was nothing to write home about as it used to be in the past. The neighboring communities have found elsewhere to sell their goods and the Esos do not have much to collect and remit to Balogun anylonger. There weren’t enough funds to run Balogun administration as he depended solely from collections from the people and the tolls fee collected from the market. His friends and associates have also decided to have anything to do with him as a result of refusal to free Adebayo. Instead of a change of heart, Balogun became tougher, strict and care less about the people’s welfare.

Nine months had passed and Yemisi still carrying her protruding belly around. Both husband and wife counted months, days and looked forward to seeing the birth of their child. One day, there was painful shout out from within, Gbeola ran to the spot and sensed that the time they had waited for had come. He sent for the quack doctor who arrived on time. Neighbors were driven out of the house. The expectant father was also asked to stay outside.

Doctor Kola is efficient and hardworking, though he is not a medically trained personnel, he is one of the quacks in the community but has the best records so far as far as health related issues are concerned in Iludun. The woman was ordered to push out and the baby came out. With a tap on the baby’s body from Doctor Kola, the cry of a newly born baby rendered the air. What a relief for waiters outside.

Everybody picked the signal instantly; it was celebration time at Gbeola’s house, behold – a child had been given unto the family at last. The birth of Gbeola’s child rekindled the dying light of life in the people and the town came alive again. Religious and cultural songs were sung by waiters outside. Men and women trooped down in batches to felicitate with Gbeola and his wife. Gbeola was on top of the world. What a dream come true!

He was a bouncing baby boy full of life; it was greatest moment for Gbeola who had waited patiently. Now he has someone to avenge for him. The lovely baby boy was placed by her mother’s side on the bed. Gbeola kissed his wife – “You are the best woman in Iludun. The wait is over, glory be to God”.

Yemisi responded, “you are the best man too, how many men would endure the way you had done, without allowing our situation to affect the love in our marriage. You are a rare gem. She kissed her husband back”.

The building could not contain the crowd outside; the few that had access into the room were Jide, his wife and some of their age group members. Others were seriously appealed to. Some cartons of biscuits were distributed everybody around as a mark of appreciation for their visit.

Mother and child were confirmed to be in good condition. Gbeola in company of his bosom friend; Jide and some members of his age group were busy putting things in order in preparation for the naming ceremony He ignored his farm for some days, despite the need to attend to some of his plantations which are becoming weedy.

Aduke, Jide’s wife was also pregnant. Age groups meeting which had been abandoned for some time was rejuvenated. She belonged to same age group with Yemisi and thus facilitated active participation of their group in Yemisi’s baby naming ceremony.

 

CHAPTER FOUR

On the eight day of Gbeola’s baby on earth, very early in the morning, the couple knelt down beside their baby and prayed, giving thanks to God for the fruits of the womb and asking God to make their future and that of the baby to be prosperous.

The sky was milky; it seemed rain was going to fall. Trees were answering to the command of wind by bowing their branches continuously. Goats and other domestic animals sought for shelter at any unoccupied shed. Lightning and thunders came in tens and at last the sky was ripped open. It rained heavily for about thirty minutes and the sky became clearer. As soon as the rain seized, people started trooping to Gbeola’s house.

Adequate preparation had been made by Gbeola for the naming ceremony. Two big cows had been slaughtered, different food items in bags have been purchased and some tubers of yam were equally harvested from his farm to help make the celebration a glorious one.

As Christians, the Priests arrived and made a gentle walk in a row to Gbeola’s living room and the naming ceremony commenced without time wasting. It was a brief session, the child was to be called and addressed as Olubunmi Michael Gbeola.

The priests after the naming ceremony were treated to an early morning tea and bread breakfast. They took their exit and promised to call back later in the afternoon

Yemisi came outside to thank the well wishers who have come to help in one way or the other. She looked gorgeous in her well sewn ‘Ankara Abidjan’ with a high flying brown head-tie to match. Baba Bunmi as he was fondly called by friends was also amongst his people, trying to see that all things work accordingly.

The ceremony was well attended by people within and outside Iludun. Even the Esos were not left out. They ate and drank satisfactorily. There was a Juju musician who thrilled the mammoth crowd with a well composed song and was sprayed with new naira notes – a sign that his music was accepted by the people.

The next day, Gbeola decided to put on one of his very best dress. He wore a very big “Agbada” fashioned in a woolen fabric usually called “As-Oke”. He went on thanking all the important personalities who graced the naming ceremony of his son. He thanked them for the show of love to his family. He came back home as soon as he was through with the visitation. Bunmi looks exactly like his father –he was an exact carbon copy; very handsome, he smiled occasionally, thus reflecting the beauty of the dimples on his cheeks.

Iludun market which had seized to operate started flourishing again. The naming ceremony of Gbeola’s son seemed to have wiped away the tension in the community. People threw away the agony in them and resumed buying and selling as it used to be in the past.

The re-opening of the market was also a blessing to Balogun, though people from other communities didn’t show up at the market, rate taking had started and Balogun’s internally generated revenue increased. He was quick at inflating the market rate so as to cater for the absence of the non-natives at the market.

Bunmi was growing up as a lovely and charming young boy. He surpassed all his age mates in all areas and showed rare brilliancy in a child of his age. His birth was significant – it was such that brought life back to Iludun after some period of dark moments.

Bunmi displayed a good mastery of the soccer skills. He was creative and sensible. At age three he could decode the blink of an eye from his parents when the need for such came up.

One sunny afternoon, he ran inside from where he was playing with his mates and told his father that he overheard some older people discussing the death of a “big” man. Baba Bunmi did not take this information as a mere child’s talk; he took to the street to confirm the information. He got to Jide’s house and met the family in a very quiet mood. Yinka their youngest child was also in the house, he was some months younger than Bunmi. The family wore a mournful look except for the little Yinka who was playing around. As soon as Gbeola walked in, Jide felt a kind of relief and started pouring out his lamentations – “God, we know truly that you are very powerful but why did you allow this to happen. You can’t just abandon us at this moment. Is it a crime to be good, generous and loved by the people?”

Gbeola could infer from his lamentation that something terrible had happened but was not sure what and who was actually involved. Gbeola asked “Stop keeping me in the dark my friend, what happened.” Jide responded. “We have lost a rare gem; a man of inestimable value – Adieu Adebayo the pride of all sons and daughters of Iludun.” Gbeola’s heart almost jumped to his mouth, he was shocked to the bone marrow and was not finding it easy to pull himself together. He was crying already. He managed to wipe his face with his right palm, screamed like a baby and gradually got back to his senses. “ I surely sensed this coming. It is over three years now that we were both arrested and that spoke volume about his ordeal in the hands of Balogun. The world has changed greatly or is it the inhabitants that have changed? People derive great pleasure in taking fellow human’s life- what a world! God! God, please grant me the enablement; strength, money and wisdom to equip my son with western education, so that hopefully, one day, he could team up with people of like minds to wage war against this autocratic and inordinate rule.” He wiped his tears again but this time with his left palm and walked slowly home.

The news of Adebayo’s death filtered into all the towns and villages around. Eminent personalities from outside the communities flooded Balogun’s palace to confirm that death of Adebayo. Balogun ignored them, beefed up his security and gave a standing order to the Esos to deal ruthlessly with anyone who tried to be stubborn.

The Esos were busy fabricating incoherent lies about Adebayo’s death – different versions, just to show that the palace tried to safe Adebayo’s life but his time was up. Iludun mourned one her very illustrious sons. There were different commemoration services at different churches for the departed soul. The traditionalists also performed some sacrifices to appease the gods.

Adebayo’s wife hailed from Okene and that had been the  town where  his wife and children took refuge since the terrible truck accident that made Balogun to declare Adebayo a wanted person. Okene also mourned a successful son in law too. People were seen in groups with pale faces discussing the death of Adebayo. Janet, his wife and children also mourned the strange demise of the head of their family. Their condition was pitiable. His business had been seriously affected as result of his incarceration at Balogun’s palace. There was actually no one on ground to help coordinate his business which cut across several villages and towns.

Janet brazed herself up and worked tirelessly to sustain the upkeep of his children, particularly their education. She vowed never to return to Iludun until an end is put to Balogun reign of terror.

Yinka,  Jide’s last child was so attached to Bunmi. They eat, play and sleep together. He had chosen Gbeola’s home as his second home – he also helped Bunmi to do his domestic home work.

The good people of Iludun were busy preparing for the celebration of the yearly harvest of their farm products, particularly the new yam. Men and women injected the very best of their attention into their various plantations. Thus, the preparation is also a pointer to the commencement of another planting season.

Bunmi and Yinka were both fond of accompanying Gbeola to the farm. The kids would work according to their strength while Gbeola would do the real work. The kids usually get busy by climbing trees and running ups and downs in the farm. It provided a very a good atmosphere for their police and thief game. One person would act as a thief and the other as a police officer. Bunmi hated being a thief, so he would always prefer to be the police officer while Yinka would be a thief. Yemisi rarely follow them to the farm these days. She would stay at home to prepare food for the farmers.

The harvest finally came. Programs were outlined for the celebration; harvesting proper, wrestling competition, age group meetings and the new yam festival which is the grand finale. The activities were to run for four consecutive days. On a day fixed for harvesting, the town was deserted; people were seen in their farms, reaping the fruits of their hard labour. Many families hired the services of laborers to quicken their works. Loads of farm products filled into basket of various sizes, particularly food crops were seen been carried home by both old and young people. Everyone in the community could boast of having enough food to eat at home and sell according to the excesses available. Fishermen also stormed the river and made big catches. Some farmers were lucky to have some bush meat from their traps.

The evening market was a festival on its own. The crowd was much but sales were contradictorily poor; nearly everyone had one thing or the other to sell, except very few people from the towns around. The local oil lamps illuminated the market arena; an aerial view would definitely present an aesthetic picture of the real African ways of living.

Balogun and his Esos were not part of the festival. The age groups nominated their members and formed a committee for its coordination. Three men registered for the annual wrestling challenge and with the defending champion, it amounted to four men that would participate in the contest. The biggest sphere in the evening market would play host to the wrestling contest. The winner shall go home with huge amount to be decided by the committee in charge and would be awarded the title of the Supreme Wrestler of Iludun. This title would be defended the following year.

The time for the wrestling contest was put at 4:00pm and the stage was set for actions. The judges were also seated and the program coordinator was also ready. The spectators formed a cyclic bout. The announcer welcomed everyone to the wrestling contest. He prayed for peace, progress and tranquility in the town.

The announcer introduced the defending champion as Akilapa and the man jumped out for recognition. He somersaulted three times to the admiration of the spectators. Other contestants were introduced as Dada, Adeolu and Ajibade. The four wrestlers were paired and the winner of each group shall contest for the prestigious title.

Akilapa was an experienced wrestler, he demonstrated his wrestling skills beautifully and it did not take him much time before he defeated his opponent. The spectators didn’t expect much from his opponents, he had been the defending champions for three good years now, so there weren’t much jubilation for his victory.

The other two men ran to the stage; Adeolu and Ajibade made a good account of themselves. They were separated several times, asked to rest for sometimes too but had to return to the wrestling bout according to the directive of the judge. And at last, Ajibade emerged as the winner and was to face Akilapa in the final contest.

The two contestants fought to the admiration of the audience. Their bodies were wet, slippery and sandy. It was the toughest so far in the history of the annual wrestling contest. At last, the miracle of the year was recorded, the two wrestlers threw themselves up and landed with Akilapa’s back on the floor and Ajibade was on top. Drummers jumped into action and thrilled the audiences with their drumming. The children and women danced themselves away from the venue, while men stood discussing with one another.

Ajibade was eventually decorated with the title of the Wrestling King of the year and a huge amount was given to him from the age groups’ contributions. Men later trooped to his house to celebrate with him. He offered them palm wine as a mark of appreciation.

The following day witnessed the age group meetings. Various groups; men and women converged at the market square to discuss and celebrate with drinks and varieties of food. Children were seen eating from different spots. They carry a filled belly around. Women too ate in an organized manner; pounded yam was the choice of most people. The men also sat in groups. They ate and washed it down with palm wine.

Bunmi and Yinka refused to sit with their mates. They sat with their fathers’ age group and teased them with different stories. The celebration ended in peace though the kids didn’t want it to end. The market could not hold as people had to rest and relax at home with their families.

CHAPTER FIVE

Bunmi was gradually becoming a big boy. When he clocked 6 years of age, Yinka was 5 years and 2 months. School was to resume for a brand new session and parents were advised at churches to enroll their wards at schools. Long before this announcement, Gbeola had already made up his mind to take Bunmi to school as soon as the new session begins.

Bunmi and Yinka were both registered at one of the two primary schools in Iludun on a Friday morning. They were to resume for learning the next Monday. Baba Bunmi made shopping for the two prospective students at a popular store. He bought exercise books, school bags, school sandals and other writing materials. The kids were very anxious to start schooling.

Yinka didn’t go home. He slept at Bunmi’s house. They woke up very early on Monday morning, took their bath and got neatly dressed in their school uniform. Mama Bunmi had bought two food containers for them with which she served extra meal for them having served them their normal breakfast. Gbeola encouraged his wife to give them extra meal to school. He was of the opinion that a hungry child would not listen to whatever he or she is being taught in the class. Yinka and Bunmi were lucky to be placed in the same class; ONE B. ONE B was a class with 30 fresh new pupils. The teacher was a man in his late forties. He was loved by the children as a result of his teaching and the way he handled them.

Within the first two weeks of the children’s resumption, he had become so close to them and knew everyone by his first name. He understood the kid’s in-out and would teach, carrying everyone in the class along. Bunmi and Yinka though troublesome, were very brilliant. They responded to all questions asked by their teacher and dominate play at break time.

Inter-house sports competition was fast approaching. Pupils were distributed into various competing houses; blue, yellow, red and green. Yinka was in red while Bunmi was in yellow. The two kids were to represent their different houses in the 100 metres race (Junior Category).

On the day of the inter-house sports competition, parents, pupils, teachers and community leaders all assembled on the school field to grace the occasion. Bunmi and Yinka’s parents were also in attendance. They were honored with comfortable plastic chairs to sit on.

The most interesting race was the 100 metres race (Junior Category). From the blast of the whistle, Bunmi took the lead, Yinka sprinted after him and others were far behind them. They finished the race in that order and the audience really enjoyed the pace and spirit invested into the race by the kids.

When the competition ended, Yinka’s Red House came first, Yellow House came second, Blue House was third and Green House was at the bottom of the table. Yinka was so delighted and he shouted “we came first and Bunmi responded, I came first in our race too”.

The third term examination was conducted, the kids did very well. Bunmi came first and Yinka came second in One B. They were both glad to be champions of their class. They ran home filled with excitement and showed their report card to their parents.

The holiday was to help release the kids from the rigor of the academic exercise. Bunmi and Yinka spent most times during their holidays to help their parents in the farm and later attend evening lesson. Their parents were determined to give them the very best form of education that they could afford.

School resumed after eight weeks of holidays. The school environment was bushy and pupils were expected to do the weeding. Bunmi was nominated as his class captain while Yinka was the assistant captain. Primary Two pupils were expected to work at the back of Block A; the longest block in the school. The block has four classrooms, all for Primary One pupils. All other pupils were equally engaged in the weeding of the school’s compound except the Primary One pupils, who were considered to be too young for such task.

According to tradition, class captain and his assistant were expected to supervise other pupils in their class but Bunmi and Yinka were not comfortable with this kind of tradition. They were used to working at their parents’ farms. They picked up their cutlasses and worked, even harder than other pupils in their class. Their teachers sent for them and asked why they were working as captain and assistant captain.  Yinka quickly responded. “We are all classmates and there should be equality in whatever task before us”. Bunmi cuts in “It is not a good quality to watch while others are working – our parents also told us that leadership should be by examples”. The teachers couldn’t believe the ears; such thoughts from Primary Two pupils – wonderful!

Yinka and Bunmi are now in their final year. Bunmi was the Head Boy while Yinka was the Health Prefect. A brilliant and pretty Titi Adeoye, the daughter of a cocoa produce merchant was the Senior Girl. The school was expecting a visitor from the Divisional Inspectorate Education Office. The Head Boy was expected to deliver a welcome address, while the Headmaster was expected to give a detail account of the general administration of the school.

Bunmi had never taken up this type of task though fearless, he was of the opinion that every assignment must be perfectly carried out. His father assisted in patching him up in some areas, he then rehearsed his speech and put his thoughts together.

On the day the visitor was expected, he left home earlier than he used to in a very clean and properly ironed uniform. His white tennis was washed a day before and neatly polished. He got to the school, brought out his speech, went over it and ensured that it was free of grammatical errors.

The visitor arrived in a white Volkswagen Beetle car; he was Mr. Osunkunle Akintunde Charles. He was conducted round the school by the Headmaster. The school hall was neatly arranged. Teachers, pupils and parents were sited quietly and orderly. After the opening prayer, which signified the commencement of a formal discussion, Bunmi was called upon to deliver his welcome speech. He walked smartly to the podium with appreciable applause from the crowd. He started thus:

“The Special Guest,

The Headmaster,

Teachers and Parents,

Fellow Students

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I have the greatest honor to welcome the special guest from the Divisional Inspectorate Education Office into our midst. When you stepped down from your beautiful car, you were conducted round the school premises and without mincing words, you must have seen the dilapidated status of some buildings in the school. Several teaching facilities are lacking; there is no library in the school, most of the classrooms have leaking roofs. There are no enough seats and tables for both pupils and teachers. There is no toilet in the school; students help themselves out in the bushes around the school. We want to please request that you help give these needs the desired attention that they required. The school is of the opinion that with your visit to our school, better days have come. We welcome you to our school once again sir. Thanks and God bless you all”.

The hall went into a thunderous clapping session for him. The visitor was amazed and the Headmaster couldn’t just hide his joy – it showed in his cheerful look; the Head Boy had summarized all he had wanted to ask the visitor to help looked into.

Gbeola who was sitting amongst the audience was so happy; he knew that God has really answered his prayer by blessing him with such a wonderful child. He got home and narrated the wisdom that the boy adopted in delivering his welcome address to his mother. Yemisi was just too happy; she danced, prayed and sang to praise God.

Bunmi and Yinka obtained Unity School admission forms in pursuit of their secondary school education. They both sat for the entrance examination and passed with beautiful scores. Bunmi was admitted and posted to the Unity School, Osogbo but Yinka was posted to the Unity School Ejigbo. It was a mixed blessing for the two jolly friends. For the very first time in the history of their friendship, they would be separated for six good years; except while on holidays. Several other pupils who sat for the examination were not considered for admission. Even the brilliant Senior Girl; Titi Adeoye was not admitted.

Gbeola and Jide made all necessary preparation towards the resumption of the children. They bought books, sandals, shoes, clothes and beverages. Leaving their parents for school was much painful to the kids but it was considered as a process of climbing to the hill top. They both carried their huge boxes and boarded separate Lorries to their destinations. They wept and bid their parents goodbye. Yemisi could not hold back her tears which flowed freely from her eyes. Gbeola stomached his pain, knowing fully-well, that it would take some time for him to adjust to the absence of Bunmi and Yinka in the house.

CHAPTER SIX

Osogbo has a different look in Bunmi’s eyes. He has never been to Osogbo before now. The very first time he traveled out of Iludun with his father, was to Okenne to visit Adebayo’s family. He was just three years old then. He hardly could figure it out, that a town with such aesthetic beauty as he could see in the look of Osogbo, exist anywhere. He saw streets light, tarred road, cars, taxis and traders’ shops on both sides of the roads. Everywhere was beautiful. He boarded a taxi as he was directed and went straight to Unity School. He reported to the Principal of the school as stated in his admission letter.

The Principal directed him to the Bursar’s office where he was expected to pay all fees highlighted in his admission letter. He paid and was offered accommodation in room A2. The room was well equipped. It was to accommodate three students. His roommates were Sanya, who came all the way from Ibadan; the largest city in West Africa and Wale who was from Osogbo. All the occupants of room A2 were all fresh students.

At Ejigbo, Yinka wasn’t comfortable with his roommates; they were senior students. He ran errand for them, washed their dishes and clothes, fetched water for them and ironed their clothes. He coped with the demand of his seniors as a result of his upbringing. He believed that all situations were temporary and not permanent.

At Osogbo, Bunmi could see a different environment from his place of birth. It was also the very first time that he would be staying under the same roof with people of different background. He surely endured and learnt the best way to cope with individual differences. He was introduced to different in-door games. He became more confident in interacting with other students from different towns and villages.

On one bright but not too sunny Saturday morning, the occupants of room A2 engaged themselves in a very hot argument on whether a man should marry just a wife or more. Sanya argued that a man should marry just one woman. He based his submission on his family experience – “my father is a polygamist. He has five wives and my mother is the third wife. Despite his huge financial stature, peace is an uncommon thing in my father’s house. A man who desires a peaceful life would not marry more than a wife”.

Wale didn’t give in to this presentation; he was of the opinion that wherever love, peace and harmony reign, all things are possible. His father has two wives and the women relate and interact peacefully with one another. He added that a man should only be careful in his choice of wife. He concluded his submission by saying…”A bad woman would still pose problem for her husband even as the only wife”.

Bunmi then added his voice. “You have both spoken well and with facts. All religions preach one man to a woman; people just pretend to hide under certain clauses to get another wife. Even the traditional worshippers have strong belief that women reduce the potency of their charms”.

Gently, days, weeks and months passed away and there came the almighty first year promotion examination. The entire first year students studied very well to lay a solid foundation for themselves in their academic pursuits. Bunmi was seen at the library all the times, even at odd hours of the day. After the completion of the examination, he was so sure of himself and posited that, that was the only way to justify his parents’ huge investment in him.

With the holiday fast approaching, Bunmi had started thinking about how he would miss his roommates; Sanya and Wale who were instrumental to his transformation from a typical village boy to a city boy. He has started missing their late night stories and how they usually stroll out to important places in Osogbo on weekends. When the examination result came out, Bunmi led the entire year one students, beating Wale to second position. He packed his things and journeyed home to Iludun, the land of his forefathers.

Yinka had arrived Iludun some hours earlier. Bunmi was so pleased to re-unite with his childhood friend after one rigorous academic year. Their friends; particularly primary school mates who have not yet secured admission into high school came around to felicitate with them. Bunmi was so happy to see his parents again. He thanked those friends who came to felicitate with him. He was equally glad to see his mother carrying another baby in her womb. The joy of having a younger one was so massive in his heart.

Yinka did beautifully well too at Ejigbo. He led his classmates. He was not too comfortable with the crowded sleeping pattern in his father’s house, he then opted for Bunmi’s place; a great opportunity to spend more time with his childhood friend. The two months holiday was to enable students stay away from the rigor of academic activities. It would also afford their parents the space to raise enough money for their ward’s tuition and needs.

“Soonest, the school shall reopen again and the early morning preparation for class activities shall resume again – there will be no more over sleeping and yawning”…..declared Yinka. Two weeks later, schools opened for another academic session. Students trooped to motor parks to board vehicles to their different boarding schools.

Bunmi arrived at school with none of his roommates yet to arrive. He tidied up the room and brought life back into it. At night, all the occupants of room A2 were all at table for super at the dining hall. New students were seen behaving in the usual “Johny Just Come Manner”. They were found asking for directive or doing things the wrong way. “Life is always like that” Bunmi thought within him and never participated in any undue molestation of the fresh students. Every man was once a beginner. Academic work began in the second week of resumption and the second year was uploading already.

Unity School, Osogbo was to participate in an annual inter-secondary schools football competition. Bunmi joined his co-students at training. The training was conducted in the morning and late in the evening, thus allowing academic activities to go on simultaneously with the training session. Friendly matches were played to get the team in shape. Bunmi dazed his fellow team mates with his dribbling and goal scoring abilities. This superb performance fetched him the captainship of the team.

There were preliminary stages before the final. Unity School, Osogbo and Ejigbo qualified for the final. Yinka was also a dependable player in his team too…the final day was fixed and the match was to take place at the Osogbo City Stadium.

At the Osogbo City Stadium, right on the football pitch, Yinka and Bunmi hugged one another, exchanged pleasantries and were both glad to represent their school. The match officials didn’t allow them much time before the whistle that kick started the historic match was blown. The two sides played to justify their qualification for the final. The spectators were delighted and were impressed with the exhibition of raw talents from the lads. The match produced a kind of unimaginable tension in the stadium with its goalless status. Some few minutes to the end of the match, Bunmi received a pass from the right flank, pushed forward, beat the last man, the goalkeeper ran out to stop his movement but Bunmi was faster, got hold of the ball and tucked the ball into the net. The stadium rose in jubilation of this solo effort that eventually produced a spectacular goal. Few minutes later, the match ended and it was Unity School, Osogbo 1, Unity School, Ejigbo 0.

The speech of the Chief Organizer of the competition was somehow lengthy. Bunmi and Yinka seized the opportunity to discuss. The trophy was eventually handed over to Bunmi as the Captain of Unity School, Osogbo. Bunmi was so joyous, especially with the songs of praises by the spectators everywhere in the stadium arena. Bunmi became the apple eye of most of the students, especially girls for his brilliant performance. One morning, the Principal sent for him, “the organizers of the football competition that you won for us have rewarded you with the sum of #25,000 as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the competition”. He handed the brown envelope containing the prize to him. ‘Congratulations and many more awards and rewards to come’.

The people of Iludun were surprised but happy to hear the name of Bunmi Gbeola over the radio as the MVP in the recently concluded secondary schools football competition in the state. Gbeola and Yemisi were extremely happy too to receive this news, particularly as it coincided with the birth of their new born baby.

Six years had just passed; Bunmi and Yinka had completed their secondary school education. While waiting for their ordinary level school certificate results, they both sat for an entrance examination into the university. The school certificate results came out, students rushed to their former school to check it…Bunmi performed excellently well and so did Yinka.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Universities across the nation resumed for a new academic session. Names of shortlisted intakes were pasted on the information board at the admission offices and Bunmi and Yinka made the list of admitted students to the greatest Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. It was a dream comes true and a great opportunity to explore the greatness of the university renown for excellence in learning and character, according to what they have heard from older people when growing up.

Illudun celebrated their departure to Ile-Ife in pursuit of western education at the highest level. Bunmi was admitted to study Law and Yinka was admitted to study Political science. The duo arrived at the ever busy university gate, alighted from the lorry conveying them from Iludun and boarded a bus going to the heart of the university. The road leading to the university from the gate was tarred, no bumps, flowers were neatly planted on both sides of the dual carriage road with a superbly casted drain system to allow free flow of water.

They alighted at the last bus-stop in the campus, not knowing where exactly to go. The stale students were seen heading towards their halls of residence. Bunmi and Yinka later got to know that the Dean of the Students’ affair would soon meet with all the fresh students at the Amphi-theatre, behind Oduduwa Hall. They quickly walked through to the meeting place and sat down with other students with different shapes and sizes of luggage.

The DSA as he was fondly addressed by colleagues and students implored the students to be well behaved, studious and be a good ambassador of Great Ife all the times. He concluded by asking all the fresh students to go and register for accommodation in the hall of their choice with their admission letter.

Awolowo Hall was the biggest of all the halls in the university. It was regarded as the hall for the most conscious and militant students in the greatest Obafemi Awolowo University.  Thus, it was adjudged as the political headquarters of students’ union politics.

Bunmi and Yinka didn’t have much to carry, so it was easy for them to arrive at Awo Hall earlier. They were fifth and sixth on the queue respectively. After about five minutes on the queue, it had become too long. Most male fresh students prefer Awo Hall to other Halls like Fajuyi, Angola and Akintola Halls. Bunmi was lucky to be allocated a bed space in room 82 at the Block 3 while Yinka got a bed space in room 123 at Block 5.

Registration began and the fresh students adjusted to the rigors of going up and down in the citadel of learning. At the Obafemi Awolowo University, you are either climbing or descending from stairs. There were also queues at different registration points, even at the cafeteria; you need to queue to buy yourself a plate of meal. Wherever you find yourself; some students would readily be at your point of call. What a great experience for the duo!

Bunmi and Yinka were surprised to see the way some students dressed, particularly the female students. Some wore pant-like mini skirt, tight trouser jeans and clothes tightly sewn to expose their womanhood.

Students sometimes gathered to discuss this indecent dressing by the female students. At a particular discussion, they concluded that higher institution have different things to offer; academics, socialization, craziness, sports and militancy. Each student is presented with a choice which could make or unmake him or her in the future.

Three weeks after resumption, some coloured posters were seen at every nooks and crannies of Awolowo Hall. The posters simply advertised the welcome party for fresh students organized by the Awolowo Hall Executive members. A popular fuij musician had been invited to play at the party. The proposed Awolowo Hall party dominated students’ discussion. Some old students attested to it that Awolowo Hall welcome party for the fresh students used to be the most well organized welcome party on campus.

Bunmi didn’t want to be left out of the party stuff. He wanted to be part of all the school activities that wouldn’t interfere with his studies. His thought was that such participation would help to equip him for greater height in life. The party was good but unfortunately Yinka could not attend; he had a test to write the following morning, so he had to stay awake to read for his first test at the academic arena.

Biodun was returning from his afternoon lecture one day, when he caught the sight of Bunmi. Biodun was the last child of Janet; the wife of Adebayo – the Iludun business man who fell into the deadly drilled pit of Balogun some years back. Biodun recognized Bunmi, though they only met when they were very young, at the time when Gbeola visited Okenne to commiserate with the family on the death of Adebayo. Biodun, though a bit older than Bunmi, was his playmate for the short period that he spent with his father at Okene with the Adebayos. Biodun shouted his name; Bunmi heard the voice and moved towards the direction. He could not recognize the figure before him but as he moved closer, he started thinking about who the personality could be. “Biodun Adebayo is my name” Bunmi quickly remembered him “oh my God, Bunmi Gbeola”. They both hugged each other and were very happy to reunite again.

Bunmi opened a talk session. ”Let me condole with you on the death of your father. I was told that my father was involved in the case that claimed his life, he only escaped by chance. I was also reliably informed by my parents that so many people have suffered similar fate in the filthy hands of Balogun. I have prayed to God to give me the wisdom and courage to avenge for our people and send Balogun parking for a truly recognized monarchical rule”.

Biodun was dazed with Bunmi’s presentation. “I didn’t know that any young mind, anywhere also nurtures this strong wish as I do”. Bunmi continued after the interjection. “I want to implore you to join the team of the avengers. You suffer more loss than we do. Even if we suffer no direct loss like yours, it is our responsibility to work for the freedom of our people from Balogun’s despotic rule”. The eloquence and composition of his thoughts shocked Biodun. He made up his mind that he has not only found a friend but a confidant and a partner in the struggle to free the people of Iludun. They exchanged room numbers and Bunmi headed towards the academic area.

Bunmi and Yinka both offered an elective course together, PHIL 101. This afforded them the opportunity to discuss before the arrival of the lecturer in charge. It was at one of these meetings that Bunmi told Yinka how he met Biodun and what their discussion centred on. Yinka was so happy and told his friend that things have started working out well for them. They both agreed to visit Biodun on a weekend when academic work would be minimal. The three Iludun scholars met, discussed and were so glad to be united. They promised to meet regularly.

The first semester examination was approaching; students were seen moving with their books to and fro their halls of residence. There was more patronage for the business centres’ operators as students were busy making photocopy of some pages of textbooks that they could not afford and the missed lecture notes in preparation for the first semester examination.

The health centre was also populated with students who have over-read and needed medical attention. The fresh students were the busiest; they have heard much about how tough examination could be at the university and would not want to be showed the exit gate from the university.

After the examination, buses plying campus to gate resumed serious duty. Students were seeing with their luggage in the buses, journeying home to prepare for the second semester. Iludun wasn’t getting better in terms of administration. People were sick and tired of Balogun’s tyranny. The markets aren’t functioning as they used to, many farms have been deserted as their owners have decided to seek for freedom and better living outside Iludun. The Esos, as usual were growing wings; using their filthy hands to harvest the proceeds of deserted farms.

Bunmi and Yinka arrived home for holiday after the first semester examination at the Obafemi Awolowo University. They stood by their decision, not to confront Balogun or any of the Esos until the time is ripe for such. Biodun visited them in Iludun one night and left very early the following morning. They had discussion on how to walk out things in their quest to unseat Balogun.

Academic activities resumed at the Obafemi Awolowo University for the last semester of the session. Students arrived again from their various towns and villages and life was brought back to the institution of higher learning. Activities of different kinds were scheduled for the second semester. Bunmi and Yinka featured prominently in the football game. Biodun was very active in the students’ union politics. He contested for the Public Relation Officer of the Students’ Union Government and won. He later became a force to be reckoned with in the institution.

The football matches from both halls and departmental levels enabled Yinka and Bunmi to showcase their talents. Their contribution to the defeat of Akintola Hall by Awolowo Hall was massive. This incidentally gave them a smooth ride into the membership of the school team. It also paved way for the beginning of a memorable and joyous academic sojourn in Great Ife. The second semester ended peacefully and the Iludun boys made a good account of themselves with excellent grades in their courses. They went home and hoped for a brighter ‘morrow.

Days and years passed, the boys were almost through with their studies at the greatest Obafemi Awolowo University. They have been adequately groomed by their activities in the school in areas of human rights advocacy. They have attended series of lectures, symposia, talks, debates on crisis management and governance; the best way to bridge the gaps. They have equally got themselves trained as active members of the students’ union body on how to fight for their followers’ wish and demand. They have stood against both internal and external oppression of any kind as leaders of students. Problem solving was gradually becoming a way of life to them.

Biodun graduated with a first class in Philosophy and secured employment with an international agency handling human rights. Yinka also graduated a year before Bunmi with an excellent grade in Political Science. Bunmi graduated as the first lawyer to be produced by Iludun. The three best friends kept their hope alive by meeting regularly. Their target was to unseat Balogun and give Iludun the desired freedom that it deserved.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Bunmi started his legal practice at Bade’s Legal Chamber in Lagos. Bade is a legal practitioner of high repute, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a respected member of the Nigerian Bar Association. Mr Bade met Bunmi when he was invited to the program of the Law Faculty of the of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife while Bunmi was a student in the Law Faculty and one of the speakers in the debate program organized by Law students.

Mr Bade was thrilled and impressed with the logicality, choice of words and confidence displayed by Bunmi at the Law debate as a Lawyer in the making. Bade then made up his mind to employ Bunmi as one of the young lawyers that he recruits annually. The appointment of Bunmi by Bade’s Chamber was in fulfillment of his promise.

Bunmi found his new life at Bade’s Chamber very interesting and pleasurable. He worked with other senior colleagues, who volunteered to put him through all the basic rudiments of legal practice. On a particular Monday morning, a man walked into the chamber and presented his case to the Registrar of the chamber. His land had been acquired by a wealthy and influential personality. The Registrar demanded for all the land documents, went through it and ascertained that the man had a good case. Bunmi was called to handle the case as his first court assignment.

He prepared himself for the task. He went through volumes of books relating to land law in his Principal’s chamber. He then crowned it up by praying to God to help him accomplish his first major official assignment.

Court adjourned, opened, re-adjourned and opened for the last time on the case. People walked in and out of the court yard; obviously waiting for judgment. Many of his senior learned colleagues from Bade’s chamber who have been following the preceding court sessions were also present in the court chamber. The presiding Judge; Justice Kola Oni walked into the court hall from a inner chamber, the court hall was quiet and everyone remained standing while he came in and took his seat. He sat down and called for the normal court procedures to be carried out by the clerk. He read out his observations, commended the lawyers representing the two parties for their brilliant presentations and defenses. At last he pronounced his judgment and it favoured Bunmi’s client and the other party was sentenced to a six months imprisonment or pay an alternative fine of two hundred thousand naira for trying to rob another man of his legally acquired property.

Yinka had also secured employment with the State Security Service. He was posted to Ibadan, where he brilliantly distinguished himself in his chosen career. At Ibadan, Yinka met Titi Adeoye; his primary school mate at Iludun. They meet regularly and became very close.

Weekends were usually free days for Bunmi. On a particular weekend, he left his one room apartment and opted for a walk. He took some cash with him, in case he finds some things he could buy. He walked into a supermarket, picked some items and was attended to by a soft spoken young lady in her early twenties. She tried to attend to Bunmi in a very pleasant and fascinating manner that could send any young man off balance. Bunmi paid for the items picked, posted a lovely smile to her. His dimples flashed out a picture of a guy already in love to the young lady. Bunmi left the supermarket with a strange feeling, he never had for any woman in his life.

The following week, their paths crossed again. This time, it was at the court, where Bunmi was defending a client who was unjustly sacked. His client – Bisi happened to be a co-employee of the receptionist; Bunmi’s friend.

Her feeling for this young lawyer showed that she has fallen in love with this humble, gentle and brilliant Iludun man. She made up her mind to work out a lasting relationship with him if the opportunity beckons.

Bunmi rolled from the edge of the bed to the wall, thinking on how best to work things out with the young receptionist at the supermarket. He woke up and got prepared for work. He was very deep in thought about this young lady…her images kept on appearing all the times in his thoughts. “This girl has stolen my heart”, he repeatedly murmured on his way to work.

Yinka visited Bunmi in Lagos. They discussed extensively. They equally reflected on their goal to unseat Balogun at all cost, so that peace would reign in Iludun. Funny enough, both friends also opened up on their love lives. Bunmi explained his love for the receptionist while Yinka narrated his encounter too with Titi Adeoye.

Age is telling on Gbeola and Yemisi. They could no longer attend to their farms as it used to be in the past but Bunmi was always sending money to them at the end of every month. Gbeola was grateful to God for granting his prayer, by blessing him with children after a long wait for his mercy. He prayed that Balogun’s tyranny should also come to an end in his life time through divine means, without shedding the blood of the  innocent people of Iludun.

CHAPTER NINE

It rained cats and dogs in Lagos. Water flooded everywhere and people had to stay indoors. Bunmi too could not move out of his one room apartment. He meditated on the past events in his life; his parents’ struggles to earn him a better future and the happenings in Iludun where he hails from.

His thoughts forced him to take decision on going to Iludun to visit his parents. People of Iludun noticed his presence in the town and welcomed him respectfully, even the Esos considered him untouchable as a result of his acquisition of western education. Mama Bunmi, as she is fondly called by her last child, called Bunmi into her room and was rendering the family panegyrics on him when Gbeola arrived from his hunting expedition. Bunmi stood up immediately ran to him and collected the locally made gun that he was carrying. He hung the gun on the rack behind the door leading to the bedroom, its usual place. While coming back to sit down, he stepped on a tiny inscription on the carpet in the parlour; FOREST OF HOPE. He quickly likened the inscription on the carpet to what his people in Iludun are going through and concluded that better days are coming. He surely had a nice stay with his parents and later returned to Lagos.

A meeting was held in Lagos, where the Iludun avengers mapped out strategies and agreed to initiate their struggle by writing a strongly worded threat letter to Balogun to quit as the king of Iludun and further work out an anti-Balogun rally in Iludun.

Bunmi was mandated to write the letter which he did and the struggle for the emancipation of Iludun people was activated. The avengers started preparation for the almighty anti-Balogun rally, many notable people outside Iludun were notified and invited to be part of the rally. Bunmi’s boss; Barrister Bade Adegoke was the Chief Speaker at the proposed rally.

Balogun received the letter with shock, grieve and anger. With this, he concluded that he would fight with his last pint of blood to retain his kingship position. “No one can unseat me”, he murmured.

History was about to be made, people started assembling at the market square. Within a very short period of time, the mammoth crowd at the market square was unimaginable. They were chanting anti-Balogun chorus and their noise was loud enough to pull down a wall. At the sight of a white Mercedes Benz car approaching the venue, the noise increased. This type of car rarely come to Iludun except one or two that came when Adebayo, the business mogul was still alive. The car got to the market square, four able bodied and fine looking men in black suit alighted from the car, leaving the driver to seat permanently in the car in case of emergency.

The men climbed the rostrum which was carefully constructed with bamboo tree and took the seat reserved for them amidst other eminent personalities invited from within and outside Iludun. All the age groups in the community were invited, market women were not left out and everyone in the community aside the aged wanted to be part of the epoch making occasion.

A young man stood up and was ready to give the introductory talk. People of Iludun quickly recognized him as Gbeola Olubunmi Micheal. There was maximum silence and he started by greeting his people. “History is about to be made, we are determined and desperately working towards a lasting panacea to the suffering that has become a permanent robe for Iludun people as a result of the despotic rule of  our town by Balogun. We need total freedom, the future of our children and the unborn ones must be protected. Our farms must be freed from thieves who roam our streets as Eso”.

“We have a team of formidable men who have excelled in their chosen field and are prepared to give their all to this revolutionary struggle. We have Biodun Adebayo, Yinka Olajide, my humble self and my amiable boss, a Barrister of no means status, Barrister Bade Adegoke (Senior Advocate)”. Barrister Bade Adegoke seized the opportunity to present his talk, rose with elegance and the applause from the mammoth crowd was superbly encouraging. As the Chief Speaker at the rally, he didn’t waste time on frivolities. He spoke to inspire the people of Iludun to be ready for whatever sacrifices that the struggle would demand. He pinched them deeply with words, so that those that were fast asleep could wake up and be alive to what the situation is calling for. He spoke subtly and plainly, such that everyone present would understand the need to stake the last pint of their blood for Iludun’s freedom.

The other two men; Biodun and Yinka also made brief contributions. Theirs were sharp and direct. It reflected what they have both suffered individually and collectively from the hand of Balogun. Biodun made a concluding statement which he asked everyone to ponder on “our failure to liberate Iludun now simply means that our coming generations may never witness peace”.

They left the rostrum amidst the crowd, Bunmi sighted his mother not too far away from the car, he waved at her and the happy woman responded by waving back. The driver kick-started the engine, the men entered the car and it roared into action and zoomed off.

Balogun digested the report of the rally, he was sick within but consoled himself, that with the army of Esos behind him, he was not going to succumb to any threat. His night was not that pleasant. He slept and dreamt that he was sojourning on a fertile land but got stuck at a point and could not go ahead because of a deep river before him. He could see gold on the other side of the river; he stubbornly insisted that he would find a means of sailing through to the other side. Then, he heard a loud voice talking to him; “go back, victory is the handiwork of God and not from man”. He woke up sweating and panting like a tired dog. He sensed danger from this dream and actually didn’t know what to do.

The organizers of the rally met, excluding Barrister Bade Adegoke who was not a member of the revolutionary group but a human right crusader who got interested in Iludun’s case because Bunmi was working with him. They appraised the rally and agreed that it was a huge success and the meeting was adjourned to some other time.

Bunmi in a desperate attempt to satisfy her parents and bring them happiness all the times saw the need to get married in a not too elaborate way. He discussed it with his parents and they were glad and joyous over this long awaited notification which is a passage to making them grandparents.                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                           

CHAPTER TEN

Iludun was damn too calm and quiet. The usual noticeable ecstasy and life in the community was missing. People were seen going about their personal business, peacefully. The calm nature of things also reflected in the activities of people at the market and stores; attendants wore a pale look and answer to their customers’ requests quietly. The villagers have been charged and many grown-ups were looking forward to seeing the next line of action. What happens if the end does not justify the means? What if lives and properties were severely lost and damaged and Balogun is not overpowered? Such were the rhetoric bordering the minds of the people.

On one cloudy Saturday morning, some age group members were having their weekly meeting under a shed often used for such purpose, the meeting was pretentiously called to see how the age group members could positively contribute to the ongoing struggle to free Iludun from the despotic claws of Balogun. The leader of the group further warned all the members present at the meeting to keep their discussion coded and secretive. While the meeting was on, a man in a white robe approached the gathering and gave them a prophetic message. He told them, that they should be prepared for the better days that are near but must stay united and strong. He proceeded to the palace to see Balogun but he was firstly prevented by the Esos from entering the palace until Balogun ordered them to allow him in. He told Balogun that he could see danger hovering above and he advised Balogun to vacate the leadership of Iludun and allow peace to reign. Balogun listened to him attentively, salute his courage but didn’t utter any negative word. The man left the palace when he had finished relaying his message.

Balogun believes so much in traditional consultations. He sent for Ifawole, the palace priest who is reputable for his supernatural ability to converse with the gods. Ifawole came, chanting rhymes to praise the gods. AS soon as he sighted Balogun, he prostrated and began rendering the Balogun’s family panegyric . Balogun waved back in appreciation of his praise-rhyme and bid him to sit on the mat provided for him.

“What is the problem my lord? You look pale and worried. You don’t usually send form like this…custom demands that I come here every Aiku day which is tomorrow for divination.”

Balogun responded “you are right but I am troubled and I believe you would proffer solutions to my trouble except if you have seized to be the famous Ifawole that I have known for years”. Ifawole cuts in, “I am still my very good self Kabiyesi”. He brought out his strings of cowries, which he uses for divination. Balogun brought out a coin, murmured some words on the coin and handed it over to Ifawole. Ifawole uttered some incantations; held the coin with the cowries and still continue with the incantations. He threw the coin and the string of cowries on the floor three times. He exclaimed and shook his head to protest against what he saw. “Impossible, this can’t happen, it can’t”. Balogun was becoming impatient and inquisitive to know what he saw and hopefully, the possible solutions. Balogun eventually raised his voice. “Talk and let me know what is going on”.

“Kabioyesi, Ifa is not saying something good. What I saw here confirmed some earlier revelations made unto you. I saw horror, death and the end of everything… so says Orunmila and not Ifawole”. ‘What then is the solution?’  ‘Kabiyesi, let’s ask Orunmila, the father of Agboniregun. He murmured some incantations, threw the string of cowries on the floor…exclaimed again”. “Kabiyesi, the gods do not tell lies and I have never for once claimed to have power to do what the gods have not directed me to do”. “Ifa says this revelation shall come to reality, except you quit the throne peacefully. The gods are angry”.

Balogun interrupted him angrily. “Stop this nonsense and listen to me, if you do not have solution to this problem, then I shall lock you up here in the palace and when that death that you saw is here, it shall kill us together”. Ifawole was seized by the Esos and locked up in the palace. He was in captivity for days, until he finally agreed to get something done but his freedom must be guaranteed. Balogun ordered that he should be released. Ifawole zoomed home; appeased the gods for letting him out of Balogun’s captivity and fled the town with his family. When Balogun got to know that Ifawole had left the town, he promised a handsomemonetary reward for anyone with useful information about his relocation. Days and weeks passed and Ifawole was nowhere to be found.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The sky was milky, showing a recurrent display of sketches, cool breeze blowing gently across the land. People clustered around Gbeola’s residence. His health has deteriorated; his eyes were pale and reddish. His huge physique has been reduced to a tiny and bonny structure. Despite his spirited effort to hang on to life, he was experiencing a massive pain within. Both the renown native doctor and the most popular quack doctor in Iludun were attending to him…it was a dual approach to save his life.

Bunmi journeyed home from Lagos to visit his parent as usual; he was dazed with the health condition of his father. He quickly arranged for his immediate transfer to a government hospital in Osogbo. The doctors at the hospital picked his case up and acted accordingly. The old man was reported to be responding to treatment. This news rejuvenated Bunmi’s hope and aspiration to forge ahead in his quest to deliver his people from the shackles of manacles of Balogun. He sent message to his boss in Lagos to notify him that he would be staying away from work as a result of his father’s ill health.

One morning, his father, still on the hospital bed, called him and prayed for him, he assured him that he would be alright. He equally encouraged him not to relent in his revolutionary drive.  He spoke further slowly…”Even if I die, my spirit would continue to torment Balogun. Take very good care of your wife, your younger brother and remember to lavish adequate care on your mother. She is one out of a million; she deserves the best care from us”.

Bunmi listened attentively to his father but was not happy to hear his father speak in that manner. “This is a bad omen “, he murmured. “Papa, please stop talking like this…you frightened me with your words”. “Bunmi, I know what is in your heart but even if I survived this, I shall definitely bow out of this drama of absurdity one day, it is a debt that every man must pay”.

Meeting of the revolutionaries was scheduled to hold at Bunmi’s house in Lagos. He has no choice other than to leave his father in the hospital and veered to Lagos. He got to Lagos and prepared the living room for the arrival of his guests. When it was 4:00pm, the two comrades arrived and the meeting which was tagged the penultimate stage to the final showdown commenced. The three comrades deliberated extensively on virtually all aspects that need attention. They finally came to an agreement as to what the final showdown would look like. They agreed to communicate their resolutions to the elders at home and as well encourage them to get prepared.

A mammoth crowd, children were excluded, assembled at the market square; every household in Iludun was duly represented, except Mama Kofo’s house. Mama Kofo should be the oldest person in the town, her Kofo is not known to anyone and no husband could be traced to her. She is known as the community history bank. Owing to her old age, she could not attend but pledged her support for the struggle to return Iludun to her good old glorious days. Gbeola was in a high spirit on his sick bed as the news about the happenings filtered unto him. He was so joyous and thankful to God that things were working out the way he wished.

The crowd was too large. They sang war song; men and women had fighting implement, ranging from cudgel, axe, and cutlasses to locally made gun. Some men were heavily armed with charms of different kinds.

The heartbeat of Iludun was quiet; there was no sound from anywhere except for the chorus from the market square. Bunmi addressed the crowd. He made them to understand that it was a battle for the titans and a process to rewrite Iludun’s history with gold. The crowd was pictured to be more than thirty times that of the Esos and such, there was no cause for alarm.

The palace was in deep shock and pain…it was so difficult to depict what was going to happen. The occupants of the palace were restless and were seen, running up and down in the palace. Accidentally, one of the Oloris hit her left leg on a local lamp placed at one of the corners in the palace, the oil in it spilled and wildly made contact with some mats but before it could be put off, an explosion occurred as areult of the heat from the fire, making it difficult to extinguish the fire. Heads were colliding; everyone in the palace was running for survival. Balogun had earlier hid himself in his innermost chamber to prevent the crowd from attacking him. The smoke and fire was becoming too much for him to bear and the exit door could not be reached, so he decided to come out. He was gasping for breath. He found an alternative exit, the window and decided to jump out from it. The window  was about 15 feet high. He jumped and landed on the floor with his head down. He was severely injured, with cracks on his head.

Blood started gushing out from the cracks and there was nobody around to rescue him. The fire has consumed the better part of the palace. Many lives and properties have been consumed by the fire. Some of the Esos, who survived have fled the town. Balogun cried in pain but help was not forth coming from anywhere. The crowd finally got to the palace; they were surprised to meet the palace in such condition. Balogun was helped out from the pool of blood from his head injury. He was already in comma. He later gave up the ghost.

Bunmi was mandated to address the crowd. He started…”my people God has fought for us. We won a war without fighting. If we had engaged Balogun as planned, we could have recorded human loss too. Now that the deed has been done, we would implore the elders to meet and fashion out a legitimate means of providing a new king for Iludun from the ruling houses. Many thanks to God that we all live to witness this…God we thank thee”.

It was late; Bunmi could not get to Osogbo that night. He left as early as possible the following morning, to check on his father. He could not find his father in the male ward, he dashed into the doctors’ office and met his mother therein, crying profusely; he knew it had happened. The doctor on duty consoled him. He was told that his father suddenly developed a surge in his heart and all efforts to save his life were worthless.

The good people of Iludun received the news with shock. “A great man is gone” remarked a chief. Gbeola lived as a hardworking, humble, modest and kind hearted patriot. Iludun mourned his death and prayed for the family to be able to bear the irreparable loss. Bunmi resigned from Bade’s Chamber and planned to come home to fill the vacuum that the death of his father would create in the family and Iludun at large. He equally concluded to turn his father’s farm to a modern one; with rearing of livestock and keeping poultry birds. He promised to use the farm to generate employment for young and progressive minded Iludun youths.

He finally settled down in Iludun with his wife and got all his plans activated. The periodical market system was reintroduced, people troop into Iludun from far and near to trade and reside. The town got back its lost glory and suddenly become a delightful place to live.

Four days to the final burial ceremony of Gbeola, Bunmi’s wife felt uncomfortable with her tummy…her baby was coming. Bunmi rushed her to a hospital in Osogbo. After about an hour in the labour room, she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. Bunmi was extremely happy to welcome his baby boy. His mind went straight to his father’s love for him. He went home to bring a few items as directed by the Matron. Her wife was discharged the following day. Gbeola’s house was bubbling with joy from visitors who have come to felicitate with them on the arrival of the new baby. Yemisi too, Buimi’s mother was so happy to receive the visitors and felt fulfilled with the coming of her grandchild.

The body of Gbeola was finally laid to rest amidst pump and pageantry. At the end, like in every burial session, people started deserting the grave site. Bunmi brought out a signpost; erected it with the inscription “Good night Gbeola, a perfect example of service to humanity”. He then murmured “Papa you never lived to witness the FOREST OF HOPE that you worked for.