George Amadi's World Of Poetry: Insane Duel

George Amadi's World Of Poetry: Insane Duel: There was no going back now. Proceedings, already cast in stone, The battle line had drawn In the sand, and in minds; Images m...

Profile and sample of work

Profile and work samples

Profile

Worked for several years in News agency of Nigeria and rose to the rank of Editor.

News editor, Financial Standard newspaper.


Production Editor, Daily Independent.

Press Secretary to the Imo State Governor, The Late Commodore Amadi Ikwechegh
Government House, Owerri

Media Consultant, United Nations.

Excerpt of Edited Work

Title: Acts of The living Dead

Author: Igwegbe Lawrence Emeka

Editor Mr. George Amadi

Before:

Acts of the Living Dead

 

 

 

 

Igwegbe Lawrence

          

Foreword

The great mystery of life and death has remained unravelled and most assuredly will remain unravelled for all times. Despite the advancement of human intelligence and science, nobody has been able to state and probably for all times, at what time the mere mixture of a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg acquires a soul or has there been any clear cut evidence of what happens at the precise moment the soul leaves the body what it does first, where it goes first and what happens to it latter except what the holy books say which you cannot give a scientific explanation other than abstract reasoning, metaphysical explanation most importantly faith and belief. The closest anyone with just mere human intelligence albeit a notorious one; got to the question of mystery of life and death, was that by the America magician, De Lawrence. It was widely reported that the magician announced globally the exact day, time of death and not only that claimed that he would also promptly rise at the dot of three days! What is more he also promised that after he has accomplished the awesome fit that he would teach it to all his acolytes and who else that care for the knowledge and that indeed the mystery of resurrection was nothing after all or at least not such a great deal! It was later reported that De Lawrence actually died at the exact day and time he predicted was certified dead by some of the world acclaimed medical doctors. Furthermore following repetitions of his pre-thought magic words by his acolytes, it was noted  by many independent observers that at the precise moment marking the end of the three days that there were noticeable signs that indeed De Lawrence was ‘resurrecting’ but at the last moment, suddenly thunder came and smashed  him, his thumb and there was not even a sign that his corpse was ever buried at that spot! So I presumed probably for all time man’s quest to decode the mystery of life and death remain sealed.

The holy books say that once someone is dead judgement follows which I strongly believe is the correct position; it couldn’t have been any other way. Yet one wonders at times on the subjects of incarnation, reincarnation, ‘abiku’ , ogbanje and a host of other subjects. A number of time some individuals claim that they were dead and later came back to life or sent back; of course among this group are the usual imposters to downright lunatics who could claim anything under the high heaven. However, I have used my own eye to see someone who was involved in a very fatal accident that practically tore him in bits before he was rushed to the hospital he was dead and was satisfied so by the doctors on duty and was promptly dumped into the mug, yet for unbelievably four days the man in question broke out of the icicles of the mug to utter amazement and awe of the witnesses! Let’s even say that the doctor’s diagnosis were faulty and that the man was not dead and was wrongfully dumped into the mug, the ice would have killed him in hours let alone whole four days also hunger and suffocation would have done so if the ice was not fast enough. Today the man walks around with some sort of discomfort but alive and kicking he is! Though this wouldn’t be of so much surprise, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days but what is intriguing is; would people like Lazarus and the man I descried be judged again after they had lived their lives and died for real? Where they already judged that no matter how their second chance as it were went it would not matter or would there be a second judgement or were not even judged at the first death? As per whether judgement follows immediately after death, there are countless evidences of it. You may have heard of what happens shortly before some extremely wicked people give up their ghost; many of them most probably in torment involuntarily confess many atrocious things they had done that no one knew of except themselves, ‘isa na omu!’. Some exclaims that they don’t know that it would be this painful and that those that are alive should try to follow the part of peace! Well, they at least, got something that was denied the dead rich man recorded in the bible. In Igbo land there are several tales of incarnation and reincarnation that you begin to wonder. Some even allegedly come out with distinct features of the presumed incarnated! My take on this is that it is fruitless trying to understand in totality all these mysteries just like it happened to St. Augustine on his quest to understand in precise easy way the Holy Trinity. Recall that St Augustine in an attempt to have God’s undivided attention went to a sea shore in the mid of the night. On reaching the beach he noted a little boy dug a hole and use a small spoon to take water from the sea and pour into the shallow hole he had made. St. Augustine was curious and then asked the boy what was the meaning of what he was doing and boy quickly told him that he was trying to drain the entire sea into his shallow hole! St. Augustine was aghast and told the boy in clear terms that what he was doing is stupid and preposterous and that there is no way the entire sea would be poured into such a shallow hole and even that before he gets another spoon the one he poured before would have drained into the sea! The boy retorted that he, St. Augustine is as stupid that his attempt to understand the Holy Trinity was just like himself trying to drain the entire sea into his shallow hole! God holds incredible, infinite awesome powers in addition to limitless knowledge and incalculable intelligence that are clearly beyond human comprehension. A prophet once threatened his stubborn listeners that God may raise stones into humans to worship him. I personally believe that what the scriptures says is absolutely correct, however God in His Majesty may decide at will to modify or reprogram what he had established including violation of natural laws he had established for accomplishment of his purpose. He had done so before when He stood either the earth or the sun still for Joshua to deal with God’s enemies. While trying not to be controversial, incarnation may be true, resurrection into real life after death may also be possible or can I say safely is quite possible but to be on safe side don’t count on it, the prerogative as to who might have such a second chance lies with God only or if it is even a second chance at all may not be too clear. Come to think of it, since no one can see the soul that inhabits any body so how can one say with certainty that it was the same soul inhabiting a body before it died is still the same one inhabiting the incarnated body or current dead body coming into real life again? Don’t also loose track of the fact that it is not certain how God puts a soul in mere mixture of a man’s fluid and a woman’s egg. Most likely it may not be the same soul that ‘wears’ the body in any of the incarnation situation or that of instant coming into real life after confirmed death. The original soul may have as stated in the Holy Bible and other holy books got the appropriate judgement but for a reason best know to God Himself chose to bring a new soul into a body and to restore certain attributes of a freed soul.

All these, however are my own take in expressing my understanding of an incredible mystery. The story that you are about to hear is mostly true. It is a story of amazing, and incredible occurrence after death has positively occurred.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dedication

Dedicated to the following:

My Late parents; Mazi Raphael Iheatu Igwegbe and Mrs Oriaku Lilian Igwegbe

This work is also dedicated to my late grand parents;

HRM EZE Igwegbe Odum (Omenukoaku) and

Chief Mrs Mgborie Abazu-Igwegbe

Though you all are gone but I cherish your memories even till eternity,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This story, as incredible as it may sound is quite true. However all characters, including names of places do not belong to any person living or dead or are used fictitiously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of content

Foreword

Disclaimer

Dedication

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1

“Adaku my love tell me that what I heard is not true,” Obi said and placing his arm on Adaku’s shoulder.

Adaku looked at the other side avoiding Obi’s probing and pleading eyes.  She started sobbing as tears filled her eyes. She bowed down and cried for a little while after which she looked into Obi’s face with tear soaked face.

“Obi, my love, I am very sorry. You know that I am but when something bigger than the cricket enters the home of the cricket it has quite little to do. I simply don’t know how the Price suddenly developed interest in me!” Adaku said and once more avoids Obi’s face.

“When and how did this happen?” Obi queried.

“it was last Nkwo market day; while I was coming back from the stream. I nearly broke my earthen pot, when some one tickled me from behind! When I turned it was Price Udenze behind me smiling his rather dubious and irritating smile and said that I shouldn’t worry myself that he loved me and all sorts of things!” Adaku narrated.

“and what did you tell him?”Obi asked looking into Adaku’s eye.

“I didn’t waste time to tell him that I was simply not interested. besides I reminded him that it was in the knowledge of everyone in the town that he has a close affiliation to Uluma, daughter of Mazi Ebika and what is more that I have a fiancée,” Adaku said.

“And his reaction?”

“He merely waved it off and said it was he that determines where his heart would be!”

“So just because of this flimsy talk; you decided to throw away all we have built over all these years and has it not occurred to you that Prince Udenze may be trying to be a play boy.”

“Obi, it is not exactly as you think. You have not heard all, being troubled by this unexpected and absolutely shocking development; I was quietly narrating to mama who showed her shock at the development and was advising me to keep my distance off Prince Udenze but how my Dad overheard our discussion I didn’t know! He just suddenly appeared and asked I and mama to shut our mouths up and quickly too and you can’t believe it on the spot ordered me to terminate my relationship with you! You know that he had never been in total support of our impending union and I guess that this was a gift from Olympus for him or he may have even been in some form of clandestine alliance with Prince Udenze!”

“He did that!?”

“That is not all, just yesterday while I was coming from the stream I saw papa discussing with Prince Udenze apparently indicating his interest in me! You can’t believe it when he came back home he issued further orders that he wished not to see the two of us together any where in this town! To tell you the truth, I stole out of the house to come and see you, Obi risking some dire consequences if Papa should find out. Papa is tearing my heart to pieces and I can sense he doesn’t care a hoot.”

While Adaku was saying all these tears were rolling down Obi’s face and cheek. Adaku has been crying and red eyed too. However despite the love they have for each other they both knew it that a powerful force is sawing through their  relationship and what was more there is very little the two of them could do to stem this force from tearing them apart and asunder. Obi had briefly contemplated running away with Adaku but discarded the thought. Where would they run to? After crying and holding on to each other perhaps for the last time they stood up and kissed each other with passion but when Obi’s hand starts to travel to all places Adaku quickly disengaged and started to walk away. A little distance away she turned back to talk to Obi but the lock in her throat could not allow the voice to come out with anything. Her mouth merely moved and she turned abruptly and ran, Obi managed to overcome the lock in his throat and called after his retreating love. “Adaku you are the love of my life. Make no mistake about it I will be there for you till the end of time!” Adaku abruptly turned and looked at Obi took step as if she wants to rush down to be with her love for all time but stopped abruptly turned and ran away,

It didn’t take time for gossip to reach Uluma the ester while fiancée of Prince Udenze of what Prince Udenze was up to. Initially she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. In alarm she went out to search for Adaku for a sure show down. She tracked Adaku while she was coming back from the stream. On sighting Adaku she promptly blocked the narrow part to the stream.

“So it is you, wild pig, that is messing around with my own man! You stinking wild pig! Let me warn you for the very last time stay clear of my man,” Uluma started angrily.

Adaku ignored her and somehow managed to squeeze her way past Uluma; but Uluma jabbed her on the neck and got some of her water in the earthen pot spilled on Adaku’s light dress.

“Don’t try again to touch me one more time , Uluma! Look at who is calling some one a pig don’t you think that perhaps it is rather your own stink that made your so called man to be looking of where to get fresh air, stupid idiot!” Adaku retorted.

“What! How dare you! A tart like you calling me almost a Princess over you an idiot!?”Uluma said as she pushed Adaku really hard as Adaku’s earthen pot fell down and broke into pieces as water splashed everywhere. Immediately the two girls commenced a bitter fight that led to most parts of their clothes torn to shreds. In fact if not for the intervention of those around they would have stripped each other naked.

The next day, Uluma took some very sweet local apples, udara, to the palace for Prince Udenze. After greeting the Eze and Lolo she went straight to Prince Udenze’s hut.

“My Prince I brought some apples for you. It is the type you like. Very sweet!” she started. The Prince kept quiet and was shaking his legs lightly as Uluma waited for a while.

“Don’t you hear what I said, my Prince?” The Prince suddenly opened his palm and Uluma slowly put the small bundle of ‘udara ’into his palm. The Prince held the bundle of Udara in his palm for a moment and suddenly threw the entire bundle away as all the udara scattered about the compound.

“Get the hell out and make sure that you replace Adaku’s broken Earthen pot; if you ever want to talk to me again!” the Prince said angrily and walked into his room.

“I can’t and will not replace the broken pot. The so called Adaku is the one that should apologise to me for attempting to snatch my man!” Uluma said stubbornly. The Prince stormed out of his room with rage, “Then get out and let me never see your legs trot into this house!” Uluma stamped her feet and walked away angrily. She waited for days thinking that the Prince would come back to reconsider his stand and re-establish their relationship but instead the Prince was seen in many places either talking to Adaku or even holding her hands. Uluma was extremely embarrassed at this turn of event and generally stays indoor except when she has something important to do outside. When she realised that obviously the prince has altogether forgotten about her and all they shared; she was heart broken and weeps most of the time, especially when she is in her room as she wouldn’t want to give the Prince the pleasure that she misses him dearly. One Nkwo market day, Mazi Ebika finished early in the market and came home only to meet his daughter, Uluma, crying in the kitchen.

“Uluma why are you crying?!”

“Papa can’t you see that the Prince has left me? He is not coming back Papa!”

“Is that why you are crying? Uluma, my daughter, you are a staggering beauty any day and soon enough someone important will come for your hand in marriage,” Mazi Ebika continued.

“Papa, I don’t want another person! I only want Prince! Papa I love Prince and if care is not taken he may soon carry palm wine on the head of that slot, ‘akwunakwuna’ that call herself Adaku! Papa I will kill myself oooh!”

“Clear your eyes it has not reached to that yet. I understand how you feel. Don’t forget that even though the Prince may be madly in love with any woman he can only select her officially in the median dance. So we still have a chance to mend something or do I say manipulate certain things, Uluma.” Uluma quickly cleared her eyes and blew her noise and flashed a surprised look on the dad.

“Papa how do you mean?”

“Don’t worry my daughter. Have you forgotten why I am known as ‘udene na azopu ozu afo’ vulture that tears open the belly of the dead with talons! I will meet dibia mkpokiti, my good friend on your matter. I say clean your eyes!”

“Ok Papa!”

 

Eventually when the median dance came, apart from the fact that the Prince would  officially chose his wife during the dance it was sure great fun and unique entertainment for the entire town. All the girls of age in the town would participate in the dance. The girls wear only strings of gbaji gbaji and strings of beads below their navel to a little down their laps. Apart from this their body is bare including their firm breasts. If the prince for any reason does not have any body in mind, he is expected to choose the most beautiful and most graceful dancer. But this one is different, considering the way the prince was all over Adaku on the road, in the bush path, on the stream part, it was been expected that the median dance was a mere formality. Mazi Ebika assembled the best of gbaji gbaji and other beads of assorted colours; hired the best of hair platter and decorators to prepare Uluma for the median dance not because they had any doubt about Adaku and that the prince had decided. Mazi Ebika didn’t want to take any chance in gaining access to the royal family and one day the throne itself. The dance was a show of graceful dance steps that kept on lookers spell bound on their feet, many who were not participating were either dancing away with their head or shaking their legs. Most surprising thing happened nobody expected Uluma at the  median dance, partly because she had told most friends she won’t come to avoid the sure embarrassment. After the general dance was done, it was time for the prince to formally select his wife, so now, the medians, dance alone to present themselves to the Prince. In no time it was Adaku’s turn, she reached where the Eze is and knelt down and greeted the Eze and the Eze placed his royal animal fur stick on her back. She now danced and presented herself to the Prince  and as expected the prince ordered the aid to put the royal ivory wrist bead  on Adaku’s wrist. The whole kingdom cheered and jumped up. Though the prince has chosen his wife; all the median that participated in the dance must in turn present them self to the prince even though the prince has chosen someone. So many other girls presented themselves until it was Uluma’s turn, she like others greeted the Eze and she proceeded to kneel before the prince,  nobody knew what happened as soon as their eyes met, the prince stood up, lifted Uluma as he stand, to utter surprise of all in attendance, he beckoned on his aid to come, whom he whispered to. What also followed next even made the Eze’s mouth to hang open, the prince aid went to where Adaku was, removed the royal ivory bead, brought it to the prince who to everybody’s surprise and perhaps shock quickly slid it through Uluma’s wrist and not only that kissed her full in the lips! Despite people’s surprise and shock they cheered thunderously Adaku almost collapsed, but her mother quickly held her away. For days she couldn’t recover herself. She just couldn’t reconcile what happened. She never begged and would have never begged the prince for his friendship but why should the prince chose to make a public disgrace of her. It is true that at the initial stage she didn’t in any way warm up to the prince in fact she was downright cold to the prince if not for her father’s persistent threats and decrees she wouldn’t have even given the prince any chance whatsoever but with time the prince brought his charm to bear; up to the point that what Adaku felt for him would be almost love and now the prince had shattered those feelings and hopes. It was all her father’s fault in stubbornly insisting he dumps her fiancé and now she is clearly a looser at all ends. If only she lost at all ends and stops there but with indelible public embarrassment and disgrace. She made a firm decision to take her own life. The day she set aside to do it, she was around for everyone to go out, as soon as everywhere was quiet, she untied one of the goats, in the pen, took its fresh thither  folded it in a piece of cloth and dashed to the bush path behind their compound and into the deep forest. She couldn’t immediately see a short tree she could easily haul her rope atop a reasonable high branch nor could she climb any of them. She is crying quietly, at last she saw a tree that she felt is ok for her plan. She tried unsuccessfully to swing her rope onto one of the branches  but the rope kept coming down. So she somehow managed to climb the tree and tied an end of the rope and also used the opportunity to survey the surrounding but no one was observing her so she slowly climbed down and when she was mid way down; her hand slipped if not for her quick move with the other hand  she wouldn’t have needed the rope to take her life! She only uttered Obasi, God as she regained her hold on the nearest branch and more carefully now climbed down. For a while she considered abandoning the scheme altogether but finally she decided that she could definitely not live with the embarrassment and the disgrace. She cried for a while, stood up looked around, satisfied that nobody was around to observe what she was about to do she got ready. She needs to do that because if one wants to take her life and prevented from doing so by an observer, the story would definitely make around the whole town and that is one more disgrace to heap of mounting disgrace. So having been assured of no possible observers she searched for a big stone , placed it below the noose grabbed the noose, held it for a moment and then put it round her neck but when she tried to kick away the big stone so that she could effectively hang she discovered that she couldn’t, so she removed her neck from the noose searched for something lighter. In no time she saw a light but big  log of wood and judged that it would do, so she once more placed the noose around her neck waited awhile and easily kicked away the log of wood and hanged!  But while the rope was making its way into her soft delicate neck skin and for a moment she regretted doing what she did she knew it was damn too late, however she was very surprise to say the least, shocked and even frightened when someone grabbed her from the back and chopped off the hang rope and both landed on the forest floor. The man that aborted her attempt at death was hiding his face at her back but the texture of his skin somehow is familiar.

“Hoooo! What have you done and who the hell are you?” Adaku managed to ask.

“Which one do I answer first?” the unknown man asked. His voice sounds familiar. Adaku abruptly turned to face the intruder.

“It is you Obi!”

“Yessssss!”

“Why have you done this? I mean prevented me from ending my sorrow, misery and disgrace!”

“You seem to have forgotten that I promised to be there for you forever!”

“Well I have not, but what do you really mean?”

“Adaku you are  the love of my life and I will be damned to let you wasted. In fact if you insist in taking your life, I came along with that machete, use it and take mine first!”

“What do you mean Obi? You mean that you still consider me worthy of you love after I had dumped you in favour of the Prince got you heartbroken and disgraced!?”

“Except that you are telling me that now; but I have always believed that your father ensured your position in the hands of Prince Udenze but now not even ekwensu, Lucifer can take you from me,” as he was talking he brought out the brass ring Adaku gave him back while switching to Prince and slipped it into Adaku’s finger.

“You mean, Obi, you still found me worthy, Obi my love. I do not deserve you,” she said as Obi planted a kiss on her lips.

“You are more than worthy. You are the love of my life! It is Obasi di na elu, God that restored you to me!”

“How did you know what I was planning, Obi?”

“I didn’t know. I was actually coming to see you. I would have come earlier but I reasoned that you need time to put yourself together.”

“Since you said that you were coming to see me, why didn’t you call me”

“You were moving too fast and seeing the wrap you were holding in your hands I thought you were going to some urgent errand but when you left the bush path entirely and headed into the thick forest I wondered  and so I decided to be more careful and know what you were up to. It was only when I observed you attempting to haul your...I mean that rope on the tree that I was shocked at what was about to happen and thanked God and fate for bringing me along. ”

“So why didn’t you try to stop me before before...”

“You had made up your mind on this, the best time to stop you is when you thought that you have achieved your aim! But that is in the past now,” Obi said and stood up and used his machete to cut the rope into tiny bits and haul them into the bush; extended his right hand which Adaku grabbed and he drew her up as they kissed one more time passionately. There after they walked back to the village hand in hand. Twelve days , Izu ana ato after the median dance, the Prince and Uluma did the huge traditional marriage ceremony, ‘ipia akirika’ to conclude his marriage with Uluma. Obi and Adaku would have done theirs before them  but Obi reasoned that it may not be the best of time, so four days, ofu Izu, after the Prince’s wedding Obi and Adaku did theirs. Even though it was not as huge as that of the Prince and Uluma but it was well attended. Immediately after Uluma and Prince wedding Mazi Ebika went to see his friend Dibie Nkpokiti in his shrine.

“Nnaanyi, Nkpokiti I have come. I have come to greet you and to thank you,” Mazi Ebika started.

“Who is it?” Mkpokiti asked from behind the shrine.

“It is me your friend Ebika.”

“Hooo! Make yourself comfortable . I will soon join you, my good friend.”  In no time Dibie Nkpokiti joined Mazi Ebika in his kamanikere Shrine.

“You are welcome my good friend. How did it go?”

“Nnnaayi it went well even better than I thought!”

“How so!?”

“Nnaanyi you knew you said that my daughter should rub that colourless substance you gave me on her fore head and that she should try as much as possible to present herself first to the Prince but somehow the girl she was contesting the Prince with went before her and promptly as feared the Prince chose her! Nnaanyi if I tell you that I didn’t lose  hope I would be lying! In fact I thought that that was the end of our quest but in our tradition even though the Prince may have chosen his bride all the girls that have already come out for the median dance must finish presenting themselves before the ceremonies would be declared ended. So what happened when eventually it was my daughters turn is still amazing to me even up till this moment. Of course she carried out your instruction as you directed , all I know  was that as soon as the Prince looked into the face of my daughter, he behaved like someone on a trance! He beat all protocols as he stood up and planted a kiss on my daughter’s lips and what followed next is still a shock to most people and Nnaanyi such has never happened in our land ; he ordered his aid to remove the ivory bead from the hand of his earlier choice and not only that for the first time in our land the Prince used his own hand to put the ivory bead into the wrist of my daughter! As I am talking now, Nnaanyi the Prince and my daughter had long concluded their wedding!”

“I told you!”

“Nnaanyi, ina esu egede! You beat the drum”

“That is why I am called Nkpokiti!”

“”You are the best!

Mean while a year after, obi and Adaku was blessed with a boy child they named Okechukwu who grew up at a good pace  and a rugged beauty. Mean while Uluma and the Prince are yet to have a child.

 

 

After:

 

 

                                                 Acts of the Living Dead

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                 By

                                                      Igwegbe Lawrence

 

 

 

 

          

                                                              Foreword

 

The mystery of life and death unravelled till today stands, and most likely, so will ever remain. Despite the advancement of human intelligence and science, nobody has been able to say exactly what time the mixture of a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg acquire a soul.

But has there been any clear-cut evidence of what happens at the precise moment the soul leaves the body: what it does first; where it goes first; and what happens to it later?

With the exception of what the holy books say, you cannot give a scientific explanation to this phenomenon, other than resorting to abstract reasoning, metaphysics, and, most importantly, faith and belief.

The closest anyone got to attempting to resolve the question of the mystery of life and death, was by an American magician, De Lawrence.

It was widely reported that the magician announced globally the exact day, time of death, and not only that, but claimed that he would also promptly rise in three days.

What is more, he was also said to have promised that after accomplishing the feat, he would pass on the secret behind it to all his acolytes, and for the benefit of anybody else that may be interested, explaining that the mystery of resurrection was nothing after all or, at best, not such a big deal.

It was later reported that De Lawrence actually died at the exact day and time he predicted, and was certified dead by some world-acclaimed medical doctors.

Furthermore, following the recitation of his pre-taught magic words by his acolytes, it was noted by many independent observers, at the end of the three days, as De Lawrence was ‘resurrecting,’ he and his tomb were smashed by thunder, and till this day, there is no sign as to where his corpse was buried.

So, it is safe to say that Man’s quest to decode the mystery of life and death remains unrealised.

The holy books say that once someone is dead, judgment follows, and this I do believe is the correct position; it couldn’t be otherwise. Yet the stories on incarnation, reincarnation, abiku, ogbanje never cease to be topical.

A number of times, some individuals have claimed that they had died and later came back to life or were sent back. In their ranks, imposters and lunatics have featured.

However, I have seen someone who was involved in a fatal accident that practically tore him to bits before he was taken to a hospital where he was certified dead by the doctors on duty and his corpse was promptly deposited in a mortuary, yet four days later, the man came out alive.

Let’s even say that the doctor’s diagnosis was faulty and that the man was in coma, should he not have died, as a result of extreme cold, hunger and suffocation.

Today, the man walks around with some sort of discomfort but is alive and well.

Though this wouldn’t be of so much surprise, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days but what is intriguing is; would people like Lazarus and the man I described be judged again after they had led their lives and actually died?

Were they already judged, that no matter how their second chance, as it were, went, it would not matter or would there be a second judgement or were they not even judged when they first died?

As for whether judgement follows immediately after death, there are countless shreds of evidence backing this up. You may have heard of what happens shortly before a wicked person gives up this or her ghost; many, probably in torment, involuntarily confess atrocious sins that they had committed unknown to nobody else but themselves, ‘isa na omu’.

Some claim that they didn’t know that sin could attract such horrific pain and promptly would advise the living to tow the path of rectitude.

In Igbo land, it is amazing that there are several tales of incarnation and reincarnation that you begin to wonder how they came about. Some even allegedly come out with distinct features of the presumed incarnated!

My take on this is that it is fruitless trying to understand in totality all these mysteries just like it happened to St. Augustine on his quest to understand in a precise way, the Holy Trinity. Recall that St Augustine in an attempt to have God’s undivided attention went to a sea-shore in the middle of the night.

On reaching the beach, he noted that a little boy had dug a hole and used a small spoon to take water from the sea and pour into the shallow hole.

St. Augustine was curious and then asked the boy what was the meaning of what he was doing and the boy quickly told him that he was trying to drain the entire sea into his shallow hole!

 He was aghast and told the boy in clear terms that what he was doing was futile and that there was no way the entire sea would be poured into such a shallow hole and even that before he came back with another spoon of water, the first spoon of water would have dried up!

The boy reportedly, retorted that he, St. Augustine, was equally stupid, and that his attempt to understand the Holy Trinity was just like himself trying to drain the entire sea into his shallow hole!

God holds incredible, infinite awesome powers, in addition to limitless knowledge and incalculable intelligence that are clearly beyond human comprehension.

A prophet once threatened his stubborn listeners that God may raise stones into humans to worship him.

I personally believe that what the scriptures say is absolutely correct, however, God in His Majesty may decide at will to modify or reprogram what he had established, including violation of natural laws he had established for the accomplishment of his purpose.

He had done so before when He stood either the earth or the sun still for Joshua to deal with God’s enemies.

While trying not to be controversial, incarnation may be true, resurrection into real life after death may also be possible or can I say safely is quite possible but to be on the safe side, don’t count on it, the prerogative as to who might have such a second chance lies with God only or if it is even a second chance at all may not be too clear.

Come to think of it, since no one can see the soul that inhabits a body, so, how can one say with certainty that it was the same soul inhabiting a body before it died that is still the same one inhabiting the incarnated body or current dead body coming to life again?

Don’t also lose track of the fact that it is not certain how God puts a soul in mere mixture of a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg.

Most likely it may not be the same soul that ‘wears’ the body in any of the incarnation situation or that of instant coming to life after confirmed death.

The original soul may have, as stated in the Holy Bible and other holy books, got the appropriate judgement but for a reason best known to Him, God chose to bring a new soul into a body and to restore certain attributes of a freed soul.

All these, however, are my own takes toward expressing my understanding of an incredible mystery. The story that you are about to hear is mostly true. It is about an amazing incident that occurred after death had actually taken place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dedication

Dedicated to the following:

My deceased parents; Mazi Raphael Iheatu Igwegbe and Mrs. Oriaku Lilian Igwegbe

This work is also dedicated to my deceased grand-parents;

His Royal Majesty, EZE Igwegbe Odum (Omenukoaku) and

Chief (Mrs.) Mgborie Abazu-Igwegbe

But although all gone, with fondness I will always remember you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This story, as incredible as it may sound, rings true. However, all characters, including names of places, do not belong to any person living or dead, or are used fictitiously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

Foreword

Disclaimer

Dedication

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

 

 

 

 

 

 Chapter One

 

“Adaku, my love, tell me that what I heard is not true,” Obi said, placing his right arm on Adaku’s shoulder.

Adaku looked the other way avoiding Obi’s probing eyes. She started to cry sobbing looking into Obi’s face.

“Obi, my love, I am very sorry. You know that I am all yours, but when something bigger than the cricket enters the home of the cricket, it has quite little to do. I simply don’t know how the prince suddenly developed interests in me,” Adaku said, once again, looking away from Obi’s face.

“When and how did this happen?” asked Obi.

“It happened last Nkwo market day on my way back from the river. I nearly broke my earthen pot, when somebody tickled me from behind.
"When I turned round to see who it was, it turned to be Prince Udenze. He was smiling mischievously and told me all sorts of things, including that he loved me,” Adaku said.

“And what did you tell him?” Obi asked looking into Adaku’s eyes.

“I didn’t waste time to tell him that I was simply not interested. I reminded him that it was common knowledge that he was a close affiliate of Uluma’s, daughter of Mazi Ebika, and what is more, that I have a fiancée,” Adaku said.

“And what was his reaction?”

“He dismissed it with the wave of the hand, and said it was he that knew to whom his heart belonged."

“So, just because of this flimsy talk, you’ve decided to throw away all we have built over all these years and has it not occurred to you that Prince Udenze may be trying to be a playboy.”

“Obi, it is not what you think. You have not heard it all.

“Troubled by this unexpected turn of events, I was quietly talking things over with mama who, shocked by the development, advised me to steer clear of Prince Udenze, but how my Dad overheard our discussion beats me hollow.

“He just suddenly appeared and asked mama and we had to shut our mouths up, and quickly too, and, you can’t believe it, on the spot, ordered me to end my friendship with you.

“You know that he had never been in total support of our impending union and I guess that this was a gift from Olympus to him or he may have even been in some form of clandestine alliance with Prince Udenze”.

“He did that!?”

“That is not all. Only yesterday, while I was coming from the stream, I saw papa discussing with Prince Udenze who apparently was indicating his interests in me.

“When he came back home, he issued an instruction forbidding the two of us to be seen together anywhere in this town.

“To tell you the truth, I stole out of the house to come and see you, Obi, risking some dire consequences, if Papa should find out. Papa is tearing my heart to pieces and I can sense he doesn’t care a hoot.”

While Adaku was narrating her ordeal, tears were rolling down Obi’s face. Adaku had been crying and was also red-eyed.

However, despite the love they had for each other, they both knew that a powerful force was tearing their relationship apart, and, what was more, that there was very little the two of them could do to stem this force from going all the way.

Obi had briefly contemplated running away with Adaku but perished the thought. Where would they run to?

After crying and holding on to each other perhaps for the last time, they stood up and kissed each other with passion but when Obi’s hand started to travel all over the place, Adaku quickly disengaged from their embrace and started to walk away.

A little distance away, she turned back to talk to Obi but the lock in her throat could not allow the voice to utter a word.

Her mouth merely moved and she turned abruptly and ran. Obi managed to overcome the lock in his throat and called after his retreating love.

“Adaku, you are the love of my life. Make no mistake about it I will be there for you till the end of time!”

Adaku abruptly turned and looked at Obi, took steps, as if she wants to rush down to be with her love for all time, but stopped abruptly, turned and ran away,

It didn’t take long for gossip to reach Uluma, the erstwhile fiancée of Prince Udenze, as to what Prince Udenze had been up to.

Initially, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. In alarm she went out to search for Adaku for a show-down. She tracked Adaku while she was coming back from the stream. On sighting Adaku, she promptly blocked the narrow path to the stream.

“So it is you, wild pig that is messing around with my own man? You stinking wild pig. Let me warn you for the very last time to steer clear of my man,” Uluma said angrily.

Adaku ignored her and somehow managed to squeeze her way past Uluma but Uluma jabbed her on the neck and got some of her water in the clay pot spilled on Adaku’s light dress.

“Don’t try to touch me again, Uluma.

Look at who is calling someone a pig. Don’t you think that it is because your stink that your so-called man is looking elsewhere to get fresh air, you idiot,” Adaku retorted.

“What did you say? How dare you call me names?” Uluma said as she pushed Adaku really hard and Adaku’s earthen pot fell down and broke into pieces, causing water to splash everywhere.

The two girls fought so savagely that they tore one another’s dress to shreds. In fact, if not for the intervention of passers-by, they would have stripped each other naked.

The next day, Uluma took some plump local apples, udara, to the palace for Prince Udenze. After greeting the Eze and Lolo, she went straight to Prince Udenze’s hut.

“My Prince I brought you some apples. It is the type you like. Very sweet!” she started. The Prince kept quiet and was shaking his legs lightly as Uluma waited for a while.

“Don’t you hear what I said, my prince?”

The Prince suddenly opened his palm and Uluma slowly put the small bundle of udara into his palm.

He held the bundle of Udara in his palm for a moment and suddenly threw the entire bundle away and the fruits got scattered all over the compound.

“Get out of here now and make sure that you replace Adaku’s broken clay pot, if you ever want to talk to me again!” the Prince said angrily and returned to his room.

“I can’t and will not replace the broken pot. The so-called Adaku is the one that should apologise to me for attempting to snatch my man,” Uluma said stubbornly.

The Prince stormed out of his room and with rage, thundered, “Then get out and let me not see your face in this palace ever again”.

Uluma stamped her feet on the ground and then walked away angrily. She waited for days thinking that the Prince would come back but instead the prince was seen in many places, either talking with Adaku or holding hands with her.

Uluma was extremely embarrassed at the turn of events and chose stay indoors except when she has something important to do outside.

When she realised that the prince had altogether forgotten about her, she was heart-broken and wept most of the time, but wouldn’t want to let the Prince know that she missed him dearly.

One Nkwo market day when Mazi Ebika finished early in the market, he came home, only to meet his daughter, Uluma, crying in the kitchen.

“Uluma, why are you crying?”

“Papa can’t you see that the Prince has left me? He is not coming back Papa!”

“Is that why you are crying? Uluma, my daughter, you are beautiful and soon, someone important will come for your hand in marriage,” Mazi Ebika, out to console her daughter, said.

“Papa, I don’t want another man. It’s Prince that I want. Papa I love him and if care is not taken, he may soon go and ask for the hand of that slut, ‘akwunakwuna,’ that calls herself Adaku in marriage. Papa, I will not live to see that day”

“Wipe your tears, things haven’t got out of hand yet. I understand how you feel. Don’t forget that even though the prince may be madly in love with any woman, he can only select her officially at the maidens’ dance.

So we still have a chance to mend something or do I say manipulate certain things, Uluma.” Uluma quickly did as she was told, and gave her father a look of surprise.

“Papa, how do you mean?”

“Don’t worry my daughter. Have you forgotten why I am known as ‘udene na azopu ozu afo’ {vulture that tears open the belly of the dead with talons)? I will meet dibia Mkpokiti, my good friend, on your matter. Wipe your tears, child”.

“It’s alright, Papa!”

At the dance of the maidens, apart from the fact that the prince was expected to choose a wife, entertainment will be in the offing, as a side-attraction.

All the girls that had come of age in the town are expected to participate in the contest. They are usually adorned in the briefest of clothing, comprising mainly raffia and beads.

Apart from this, their bodies are left bare, thus exposing their firm breasts.

If the prince, for any reason, does not have any girl in mind, he is expected to choose the most beautiful and most graceful dancer, anyway.

But this dance contest is different. Considering the way the prince had been all over Adaku on the road, in the bush-path, on the stream-path, many think that the ceremony will be a mere formality.

Mazi Ebika assembled the best raffia and beads of assorted colours; hired the best of hair-platters and decorators to dress Uluma up. He didn’t want to take any chances in gaining access to the royal family and, one day, the throne itself.

The dance was a show of graceful dance-steps that kept the audience spell-bound, and on their feet. Many among the spectators were either dancing away with their heads or trying out dance-steps of their own.

The most surprising thing that happened was that nobody expected Uluma at the dance, partly because she had told most of her friends that she wasn’t taking part, to avoid embarrassment. After the dance contest had come and gone, it was time for the prince to formally select his wife, as each maiden now danced alone to present herself to the prince.

In no time, it was Adaku’s turn. When she got to the front of the king, she knelt down and greeted the Eze, and he placed his royal walking stick, made from animal skin, on her back. The elated maiden now danced and presented herself to the prince, and, as expected, the prince ordered that Adaku be decorated with the royal ivory wrist-bead.

The whole kingdom cheered boisterously.

Every maiden that participated in the dance needed, in turn, to present herself to the royal family’s podium, even though the prince had chosen someone.

Many contestants presented themselves before it was Uluma’s turn. She, like all the others, greeted the Eze and then proceeded to kneel before the prince.  

Nobody knew what happened but as soon as their eyes met, the prince stood up, lifted Uluma, to utter surprise of all in attendance, then asked his aid to come over to him, and he then whispered an instruction.

What followed next made the Eze’s mouth to hang open.

The prince’s aid went straight to where Adaku was, removed the royal ivory bead from her wrist, brought it to the prince who, to everybody’s surprise and perhaps, shock, quickly slid Uluma’s wrist through it, and not only that, but kissed her full on the lips.

Despite the people’s surprise and shock, they cheered on. Adaku almost collapsed, but her mother quickly took her away.

For days she couldn’t recover from the humiliation. She just couldn’t reconcile herself with what had happened.

She never begged and would never have begged the prince for his friendship, but why did the prince choose to disgrace her in public.

It is true that at the initial stage she didn’t in any way warm up to the prince; in fact, she was downright cold to the prince, if not for her father’s persistent threats and decrees, she wouldn’t have even given the prince any chance whatsoever.

But with time, the prince brought his charm to bear; up to the point that what Adaku felt for him would be almost love and now the prince had shattered those feelings and hopes. It was all her father’s fault in stubbornly insisting that he dumped her fiancé and now, she is clearly a loser.

If only she had lost in private, and it stopped at that, but with indelible public embarrassment and disgrace, she had no choice than to take her own life, that firm decision was final.

The day she set aside, to carry out the dastardly act, she was hanging around waiting for everyone to go out, and as soon as everywhere was quiet, she untied one of the goats, in the pen, took its fresh thither, folded it in a piece of cloth and dashed to the bush path behind their compound and into the deep forest.

She couldn’t immediately see a short tree she could easily haul her rope atop of a reasonable high branch nor could she climb any of them.

She is crying quietly, at last she saw a tree that she felt fitted her plan.

She tried unsuccessfully to swing her rope onto one of the branches but the rope kept coming down.

But somehow she managed to climb into the tree, tied one end of the rope to a branch, and also used the opportunity to find out that nobody was watching her.

She then slowly got down from the tree, and when she was mid-way down, her hand slipped and if not for the quick move she made with her other hand, she wouldn’t have needed the rope toward taking her life.

All she said was “Obasi”, as she regained her foot-hold on a branch and more carefully now jumped to safety.

For a while, she considered abandoning the scheme altogether but finally she decided that she could definitely not live with the embarrassment and the disgrace.

The jilted girl cried for a while, stood up, looked around, satisfied that nobody was around to observe what she was about to do, got ready.

Adaku needed to do that because, if one wants to take his or her life, and was prevented from doing so by an observer, the story would definitely make the rounds, and that will give room for more disgrace.

Having made sure that nobody was in sight, she fetched a big stone, placed it below the noose, grabbed the noose, held it for a moment and then put it round her neck but when she tried to kick away the stone, so that she could effectively hang, she discovered that she couldn’t, so she removed her neck from the noose, searched for something lighter.

Soon, she saw a light but big stick and judged it handy.

So, she once more, placed the noose around her neck, waited awhile and easily kicked away the log of wood and hanged! 

But while the rope was making its way to her soft delicate neck, and she started regretting what she was about to do but knew it was too late to be sorry.

However, to her utter surprise and shock, someone grabbed her from the back and cut off the rope, and, in a split-second, the rescuer, along with the suicide-planner, landed with a thud on the forest floor.

The man that aborted her suicide bid was hiding his face at her back but the texture of his skin somehow felt familiar.

“Hey, what have you done and who are you?” Adaku managed to ask.

“Which one do I answer first?” the unknown man asked. His voice sounded familiar. Adaku abruptly turned to face the intruder.

“It is you Obi”.

“Yes”.

“Why have you done this? I mean, why stop me from ending my sorrow, misery and disgrace!”

“You seem to have forgotten that I promised to be there for you forever!”

“Well I have not, but what do you really mean?”

“Adaku you are the love of my life and I will be damned to let you get wasted. In fact, if you insist on taking your life, I came along with that machete, use it and take mine first!”

“What do you mean Obi? You mean that you still consider me worthy of your love after I had dumped you in favour of the prince, got you heart-broken and disgraced!?”

“Except that you are telling me that now but I have always believed that your father ensured your position in the hands of Prince Udenze but now not even ekwensu, Lucifer, can take you from me,” as he was talking he brought out the brass ring Adaku gave him back while switching to the prince and slipped it into Adaku’s finger.

“You mean, Obi, you still found me worthy, Obi my love. I do not deserve you,” she said as Obi planted a kiss on her lips.

“You are more than worthy. You are the love of my life! It is Obasi di na elu, God that restored you to me!”

“How come that you know what I was planning, Obi?”

“I didn’t know. I was actually coming to see you. I would have come earlier but I reasoned that you needed time to get yourself together.”

“Since you said that you were coming to see me, why did you not say my name?”

“You were moving too fast and seeing the wrap you were holding in your hands I thought you were going to some urgent errand but when you left the bush-path entirely and headed into the thick forest, I wondered why, and so, decided to be more careful and know what you were up to.

“It was only when I observed you attempting to haul yourself, I mean, that rope on the tree, that I was shocked at what was about to happen and thanked God for bringing me along. ”

“So why didn’t you try to stop me sooner?”

“You had made up your mind on this, the best time to stop you is when you thought that you had achieved your aim. But that is in the past now,” Obi said, stood up and used his machete to cut the rope into tiny bits and hauled them into the bush.

He then extended his right hand which Adaku grabbed and he drew her up as they kissed one more time.

Thereafter, they walked back to the village hand in hand. Twelve days, Izu ana ato, after the maiden dance, the Prince and Uluma celebrated a huge traditional wedding, ‘ipia akirika’, to conclude his marriage with Uluma.

Obi and Adaku would have done theirs before them, but Obi reasoned that it may not be the best of time, so four days, ofu Izu, after the Prince’s wedding Obi and Adaku did theirs.

Even though it was not as huge as that of the Prince and Uluma but it was well attended.

As soon as Uluma and Prince wedded, Mazi Ebika went to see his friend, Dibia Nkpokiti, at his shrine.

“Nnaanyi, Nkpokiti I have come. I have come to greet you and to thank you,” Mazi Ebika started.

“Who is it?” Mkpokiti asked from behind the shrine.

“It is me your friend, Ebika.”

“Make yourself comfortable. I will soon join you, my good friend.” In no time, Dibia Nkpokiti joined Mazi Ebika in his kamanikere Shrine.

“You are welcome my good friend. How did it go?”

“Nnnaayi it went well even better than I thought!”

“What do you mean?”

“Nnaanyi you know you said that my daughter should rub that colourless substance you gave me on her fore head and that she should try as much as possible to present herself first to the prince but somehow the girl she was contesting the prince with went before her and promptly as feared, the prince chose her.

Nnaanyi, if I tell you that I didn’t lose hope I would be telling a lie.

“In fact I thought that that was the end of our quest but in our tradition even though the prince may have chosen his bride, all the girls that have already come out for the maiden dance must finish presenting themselves before the ceremonies would be declared ended.

“So, what happened when eventually it was my daughter’s turn is still amazing to me even up till this moment. Of course, she carried out your instruction as you directed, all I know was that as soon as the prince looked into the face of my daughter, he behaved like someone in a trance.

“He beat all protocols as he stood up and planted a kiss on my daughter’s lips and what followed next is still a shock to most people and Nnaanyi such has never happened in our land.

“He ordered his aid to remove the ivory bead from the hand of his earlier choice and, not only that, but for the first time in, our land, the prince personally, slipped my daughter’s wrist through the ivory bead. As I speak, Nnaanyi, the prince and my daughter have long consummated their marriage”

“I told you!”

“Nnaanyi, ina esu egede, you beat the drum with skill”.

“That is why I am called Nkpokiti!”

“”You are the best.

A year later, Obi and Adaku were blessed with a male-child that they named Okechukwu and who, in no distant future, became a handsome boy.

Meanwhile, Uluma and the prince were yet to have a child.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4 Before:

 

Chapter 4

“Okechukwu, this your town is very far. Very far indeed” Obidie,

“It is not far Obidie, it is just that this is your first time the next time you would come it wont look this far, from kano to Onitsha alone took most of the time.”

“But this was where you came to bring papa and all others for our wedding , it appears you did that with extreme speed “

“Well the roads are not as good now as it was then”

“Papa and mama rarely come to Kano. They only write letters occasionally. You cant imagine how happy I and the children would be as you join them. For a complete seventeen years we have been in marriage we have not been home! Now our children would have the pleasure of interacting with their grand parents”

“You can say that again mama” said Patrick Okechukwu first child who is now about sixteen years.

“Are our grand parents old” Janet the last child asked.

“yes they are old but would still be ok”

“Can they run and jump around with me while we play?”Janet continued.

“ Perhaps they would play your games with you but whether they can run and jump around we will see that when we reach”

Meanwhile, since, Adaku’s hopeful, Chinenye was taken away from her, all the brothers-in-law have not disguised their feelings of elation that indeed the game is up for Adaku. They spite and sneer at her at the slightest chance. Even they went as far as strictly prohibiting their children from helping Adaku do simple chore. Today, Adaku wasn’t feeling fine, she asked the palm-head cutter to go and cut some palm heads that have long been over ripen. Ordinarily she would have accompanied him but being tired, she asked the palm attendant to go cut the palm heads she would come at her own time to come and carry the palm head. However few hours later when she reached the arm land Adaku could not see any of the palm heads even though there is clear evidence that the palm attendant had done his job and let. Adaku wondered how someone would decide to steal from a poor widow. She was still contemplating what she would do to recover her lost palm heads when a young girl ran down and without even showing any sign that she was there  wanted to load the remaining palm head into her basin! Adaku was incredulous she had a closer look at the girl, “What! this is Obasi’s daughter! What do you think you are doing packing my palm heads to your home ? Didn’t your Dad tell you this is my land!?”

“My Dad said all the lands belong to us and please don’t disturb me from doing the work my Dad gave me!” the young girl said. Adaku was clearly shocked.

 “Hei ! Hei ! how can your father say that even while I am still alive. Obasi cannot even wait for me to die before he takes the rest of my husband’s land and property!”

The girl stumped her feet and bent down to carry the  remaining palm head. Adaku raised her machete and moved swiftly towards the girl.

“Dare me, touch that pain head and that would be the last palm head you would ever touch!” The girl saw the look in Adaku’s eye and the menacing  raised machete coursed and took off like a frightened partridge.

Adaku hurriedly picked all the stray nuts into her basin and put the only palm head into it managed to lift it to her head and stumbled home for a show down with Obasi.

“We are almost there honey. Just few houses. Aha there it is, that small bungalow with an orange tree in front” Okechukwu said.

“Haaa! At least we are home!” the wife said

“We are indeed”

“Honey we ignored that man who waved you now!”

“Who? I didn’t see the person, where is he?

“Look at him at our back.” Okechukwu looked behind and shouted and abruptly stooped the car.

“Ha! Ha! He is my child hood friend, Nze! Honey just drive in that is the house. Let me greet my friend, it is been years I saw him , let me greet this ‘fella’ I will join you shortly,” Okechukwu said, winked at the wife, touched the children on their heads, jumped down the vehicle and his wife took the steering and drives down slowly.

She even sighted her husband a little, bit back up the road. She drove into the compound as serious commotion is going.

“Obasi I say that you are heartless. You and your brothers have taken all the fertile lands; all of them Obasi and left only a miserable piece of land for me. Even that you want to take it too while I am still alive. You are wicked Obasi! God will definitely judge you and your brothers. ” 

“You are a foolish woman and a witch for that matter. You ate all the children in your womb, kill our dear brother, obi! You went to as far as stealing someone’s child but ‘amadioha’ exposed and helped us to disgrace you. All the palm trees in that land are mine even the land I am only allowing you to cultivate it on lease and if you dare get me angry I will take it on no notice at all. Be warned, witch!”

“you are heartless and a liar. Going straight to the Eze to ...”

She was just saying as a car honked and a beautiful woman came out.

“Good afternoon  sir, good afternoon mama,” Obidie greeted. All exchange of words and general commotion died instantly as Patrick stepped out of the car towering over everybody and glittering in his gabardine suit.

“Who are you my daughter and who are you looking for?” Adaku asked the woman.

“Ha mama, I want to assume that you are Okechuku's mother,” Obidie said.

“Okechukwu Nwanm! Yes I am Okechuku’s mother. Do you know him?”

“Mama what do you mean if I know him? He Is my husband and this is your first grand child and the rest in the ...”

“What did you just say now!?”

“I said that Okechukwu is my husband. I can see , you know we have not come home ever since we are married. We are coming together, he just stopped to greet his childhood friend!”

“woman are you sure you know what you are saying?” Obasi anxiously questioned the woman.

“What do you mean? Children come out of the car we are home,” Obidie commanded the children. All the remaining two boys and a girl came out of the car. Adaku brought the long bench and placed it under the orange tree and quickly used her wrapper to whip off the dust on it.

“My daughter, please sit down, my children all of you please do sit down and let’s wait for your dad to come in,” Adaku said.

“He will soon come in , he went down to greet his friend just in front of that house up there,” Obidie maintained.

“which house?” Obasi asked.

“That big house up there,” Obidie answered.

“But there is no body in front of that house,” Obasi maintained.

“He came down and  moved up a bit to greet his friend and I could see both walk up the road a bit while I drive down with the children,” Obidie explained.

After waiting for a while, Obasi suggested that they go and check him and his friend up the road. So Obasi Obidie and Adaku  moved up the road but everywhere they looked, Okechukwu was nowhere to be found. They even moved up to where the village feeder road met the major road yet Okechukwu was not found.

“What is the meaning of this? Okechukwu just stepped down here now, how could he just vanish in a twinkle of an eye?” Obidie asked in desperation.

“Well, let’s get back home, perhaps, he and his friend took a  detour,” Obasi commanded. They all ran home but it was only Obidie’s children that were seated on the bench and a few people who had gathered.

“Mama, we thought you went out to check Dad and his friend,” Patrick asked the Mom.

“Yes, we did but I just can’t find him and you are sure he didn’t come in here?”

“of course he didn’t come in. We have gone nowhere ever since we came in,” Patrick maintained. Obasi cleared his throat and said, “This Okechukwu you are talking about, do you have any picture of him? Let us be sure it is our own Okechukwu.”

Obidie opened one of the boot and brought out an album and extracted a picture of herself and the husband and handed it over to Mazi Obasi. Everybody was shocked, Adaku found her tongue first, “Yes this is Okechukwu my son, indeed!” Adaku said.

“the friend of his, he stepped down to greet, can you describe him?” Obasi asked.

“Yes, though I didn’t look at him that close  but he is of average height and an albino of some sort ,” Adaku said.

“Albino!? There is no albino in this village or even any nearby village.  The only albino that fits your description died some twelve years ago!” Obasi maintained. Adaku started to cry.

“My daughter, Okechukwu my son, died thirty years ago!”

“What!?” Adaku managed to shout and fainted. Her children were instantly by her side. She was shortly resuscitated after Adaku rushed into the main house and brought water and sprinkled on her. Adaku there after took her and her children into the main house but when someone wanted to load her boxes into the house , Obidie stopped him. After settling down Obidie was speechless but she managed to say, “How could Okechukwu , my husband be dead thirty years ago!? How!? How!? God how can this be?” In no time many villagers and passersby had gathered to witness the awesome and strange thing going on in Adaku’s house. Nothing like this had never happened anywhere. After Adaku had made sure that Obidie and her children are well seated, she went to sit down on an empty couch. That was when she noticed two neatly folded pink and blue papers. She picked the two strange papers and looked at them for a moment. “These papers were not here before and I am sure that I have not seen these colours of papers before; can someone help me to read what is inside?”  Adaku said.

“Mama what papers are those? Patrick collect them and bring to me,” Obidie said.

Obidie opened the pink paper and read;

              “Dear Mother,

                                        It is , me Okechukwu , your son,   

               There is no other way your tears, sorrows,

               grief and suffering could be abated.     

               Mama till we meet again.

               Okechuku.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4 After:

 

                                             Chapter 4

 

“Okechukwu, this town of yours is very far. Very far indeed” Obidie,

“It is not far Obidie, it is just that this is your first time the next time you would come it wont look this far, from Kano to Onitsha alone took most of the time.”

“But this was where you came to bring papa and all others for our wedding, it appears you did that with extreme speed “.

“Well the roads are not as good now as they were then.

“Papa and mama rarely come to Kano. They only write letters occasionally. You can’t imagine how happy I and the children would be as you join them. For all of seventeen years, we have been in marriage yet we have not once gone home. Now our children would have the pleasure of interacting with their grand-parents”

“You can say that again mama” said Patrick Okechukwu’s first child who is now about sixteen years.

“Are our grand-parents old?” Janet, the last child asked.

“Yes, they are old but are still up and doing”.

“Can they run and jump around with me while we play?”Janet continued.

“Perhaps they would play your games with you but whether they can run and jump around we will see that when we get there”

Meanwhile, since, Adaku’s hopeful, Chinenye was taken away from her, all the brothers-in-law have not disguised their feelings of elation that indeed the game was up for Adaku. They spite and sneer at her at the slightest chance. Even they went as far as strictly prohibiting their children from helping Adaku to do simple chores.

Today, Adaku wasn’t feeling fine and asked the palm-head cutter to go and cut some palm heads that have long ripened.

Ordinarily, she would have accompanied him but being tired, she asked the palm attendant to go cut the palm heads, that she would come at her own time to carry the palm head.

However, a few hours later when she reached the farm-land, Adaku did not see any of the palm heads even though there is clear evidence that the palm attendant had done his job and left. Adaku wondered how someone would decide to steal from a poor widow.

She was still contemplating what to do toward recovering her lost palm-heads, when a young girl ran down and without even showing any sign that she was there, wanted to load the remaining palm-fruits into her basin.

Adaku was incredulous as she had a closer look at the girl.

“What, you are Obasi’s daughter. What do you think you are doing, packing my palm-heads to take home? Did your Dad not tell you that this is my land?”

“My Dad said all the land belongs to us and please don’t disturb me from doing the work my Dad gave me!” the young girl said. Adaku was clearly shocked.

 “Hey, how can your father say that even while I am still alive? Obasi cannot even wait for me to die before he takes the rest of my husband’s land and property!”

The girl stumped her feet and bent down to carry the remaining palm-head. Adaku raised her machete and moved swiftly towards the girl.

“Dare me, touch that palm-head and that would be the last palm-head you would ever touch!” The girl saw the look in Adaku’s eye and took off

Adaku hurriedly picked all the stray nuts into her basin and put the palm-head into it, managed to lift it to her head and stumbled home for a show-down with Obasi.

“We are almost there, honey, just a few houses and there it is, that small bungalow with an orange tree in front,” Okechukwu said.

“At last, we are home,” the wife said.

“We are indeed.

“Honey, you ignored that man who just waved at you”.

“Who, I didn’t see the person, where is he?

“Look at him at our back.” Okechukwu looked behind and shouted and abruptly stooped the car.

“He is my childhood friend, Nze. Honey, just drive in, that is the house. Let me greet my friend, it’s been years I saw him last, let me greet this fellow, I will join you shortly,” Okechukwu said, winked at the wife, touched the children on their heads, gets out of the vehicle and his wife takes over the steering and drives down slowly.

She even sighted her husband a little while back up the road. She drives into the compound as commotion is going.

“Obasi, I say that you are heartless. You and your brothers have taken all the fertile parcels of our ancestral farm-land. All of them, Obasi, and have left me with oa miserable piece of land. Even that, you want to take as well while I am still alive. You are wicked Obasi! God will definitely judge you and your brothers. ” 

“You are a foolish woman and a witch, for that matter. You ate all the children in your womb, killed our brother, Obi! You went as far as stealing someone’s child but ‘amadioha’ exposed you and helped us to disgrace you. All the palm-trees in that land are mine, even the land. I am only allowing you to cultivate it on lease and if you dare get me angry I will take it without prior notice. Be warned, witch”

“Gou are heartless and a liar. I’m going straight to the Eze to ...” she said mid-way through a sentence when a car honked and a beautiful woman disembarked from it.

“Good afternoon, sir, good afternoon mama,” Obidie greeted. All exchange of words and general commotion died instantly as Patrick stepped out of the car towering over everybody and glittering in his gabardine suit.

“Who are you my daughter and who are you looking for?” Adaku asked the woman.

“Ha mama, I want to assume that you are Okechuku's mother,” Obidie said.

“Okechukwu Nwam! Yes I am Okechuku’s mother. Do you know him?”

“Mama what do you mean if I know him? He is my husband and this is your first grand-child and the rest in the ...”

“What did you just say now!?”

“I said that Okechukwu is my husband. I can see, you know we have not come home ever since we got married. We were coming together but he just stopped along the way to greet his childhood friend!”

“Woman, are you sure you know what you are saying?” Obasi asked her.

“What do you mean? Children come out of the car we are home,” Obidie commanded the children. All the remaining two boys and a girl came out of the car. Adaku brought the long bench and placed it under the orange tree and quickly used her wrapper to whip off the dust on it.

“My daughter, please sit down, my children, all of you, please, do sit down and let’s wait for your dad to come in,” Adaku said.

“He will soon come in, he went down to greet his friend just in front of that house up there,” Obidia replied.

“Which house?” Obasi asked.

“That big house up there,” Obidie answered.

“But there is nobody standing in front of the house,” said Obasi.

“He came down and moved up a bit to greet his friend and I could see both of them walk up the road a bit while I was driving down with the children,” Obidie explained.

After waiting for a while, Obasi suggested that they go and check him and his friend up the road. So, Obasi, Obidia and Adaku moved up the road but everywhere they looked, Okechukwu was nowhere to be found. They even moved up to where the village feeder-road met the major road yet Okechukwu was not found.

“What is the meaning of this? Okechukwu just stepped down here now, how could he just vanish in a twinkle of an eye?” Obidie asked in desperation.

“Well, let’s get back home, perhaps, he and his friend took a detour,” Obasi commanded. They all ran home but it was only Obidie’s children that were seated on the bench and a few people that had gathered.

“Mama, we thought you went out to check Dad and his friend,” Patrick asked the Mom.

“Yes, we did but I just can’t find him and you are sure he didn’t come in here?”

“Of course he didn’t come in. We have gone nowhere ever since we came in,” Patrick maintained. Obasi cleared his throat and said,

“This Okechukwu you are talking about, do you have any picture of him? Let us be sure it is our own Okechukwu.”

Obidia opened one of the boxes and brought out an album and brought a picture of herself and the husband and handed it over to Mazi Obasi.

Everybody was shocked, Adaku found her voice first,

“Yes this is Okechukwu my son, indeed!” Adaku said.

“The friend of his, he stepped down to greet, can you describe him?” Obasi asked.

“Yes, though I didn’t look at him that closely but he is of average height and an albino of some sort,” Adaku said.

“There is no albino in this village or even any nearby village.  The only albino that fits your description died some twelve years ago!” Obasi maintained. Adaku started to cry.

“My daughter, Okechukwu my son, died thirty years ago!”

“What?” Obidia managed to shout and fainted.

Her children were instantly by her side. She was shortly resuscitated after Adaku rushed into the main house and brought water and sprinkled on her. Adaku thereafter took the shaken woman and her children into the main house but when someone wanted to load her boxes into the house, Obidia stopped him.

After settling down, Obidia was speechless but she managed to say,

“How could Okechukwu, my husband have died thirty years ago?

“God, how can this be?”

In no time, many villagers and passers-by had gathered to witness the awesome and strange thing going on in Adaku’s house. None of them had heard anything like that happen anywhere before.

After Adaku had made sure that Obidia and her children were well-seated, she went to sit down on an empty couch. That was when she noticed two neatly folded sheets of pink and blue paper.

She picked the two strange folded sheets of paper up and looked at them for a moment.

“These sheets of paper were not here before and I am sure that I have not seen paper in these colours before; can someone help me to read what is inside?”  Adaku said.

“Mama, what papers are those?”

Patrick, pick them up and bring to me,” Obidia said.

Obidie opened the pink paper and read out the following:

 

              “Dear Mother,

                It is me, Okechukwu, your son.   

               There is no other way your tears, sorrows,

               grief and suffering could be abated.     

               Mama till we meet again.

               Okechuku.”