A day was set aside for the reading of my father’s last episode. ‘The will’, and this he instructed must not to be read except, if a genuine or fragile reason arose. Now that the issue of assassination has come up, it was better for whatever was being kept a secret to come out openly.
We all converged on the Iluobe extended family house. I learnt that the house was built in 1902 by my great-great grandfather who had just come from Brazil to join his larger family. It was a cynosure of eyes in those days, may be because of its Brazilian style, or because it was the first two stories building in the entire state and region. I was always proud whenever our history teachers made mention of it. Even at the assembly ground, it was always delightful moments for me and my friends at the mention of it.
“Who is yet to be here o.” It was the tiny voice of my father’s elder brother, Daddy Tanzania who was trying to ensure that all were given right respect and attention.
“Halloo, who is not here? Check and make sure all is in order”. It was my Uncle, Dr. Shiku, telling no one in particular with his loud and command tone
One of my cousins went out and came back that the two buses to bring us tom the hearing centre were around. We all sauntered to the front gate. The elders, inclusive of my mummy and other wives boarded same vehicles. Auntie Rand and Uncle Lovela led us the children and other younger ones to join the second vehicle.
Initially, I didn’t know where we were going. But through the conversations from Lovela and Big Daddy in the other bus, I knew we were heading to the probate centre. Music was being played in our bus and we had more than enough snacks to eat. In the other bus, reverse was the case as they believed that what they were going for needed a sober reflection.
Aunty Rand likes me and she was always telling me many stories, many of which I didn’t even know about. She was cool and jovial. Because of her cool mien; people tend to think she knew nothing. And they will be saying many confidential things in her presence, but in me she has a confidant. Once she has any news, I am always her television studio. Often, when she forgets something, I will remind her. She will exclaim “Big head, big wisdom. You never forget?”
We got to the probate office around noon. Getting there, I saw full armed security men about twenty four in numbers taking strategic positions. I wonder if were there to fight. No answer came. We were screened at the entrance. Nobody dare say no. Even mere looking at those fully armed personnel, you thread softly. We obeyed and they too were civil. Despite the civility from them, their mouths were not opened. I mean , no smile from those stern faces. Na wa o, I whispered to Auntie Rand when we fully sat down. She tapped my thigh that I should not talk. If Rand could say so, I better be careful o.
An elderly man sat on the high table. His hair was white. Aged but still agile,he welcame us. He was later joined by a lady, not too old or young. Well polished. She wore a maroon colour ankara with butterfly patches on it. It was on her body that I realised that you can sew suit with ankara.. Her makeup was bright and large, but she was a rare beauty to behold.
‘We are about to start what we are here for. There are rules and regulations. And this is in accordance with what the deceased said before he died. There is no need to repeat them to you so far it is already in the video you are about to watch’. The old man said.
“Video” I didn’t know how it came from my mouth.
“Yes video, my grand-daughter. The old man said with smile.
Continuing “Your father must have sensed a day like this would come, hence the video recording he did at the Hearing Inn abroad. People who has special reasons go there to do such and your father’s own is not an exception We don’t need to waste time, whoever has any questions can do so after the whole display. Happy viewing’. He said without a smile. I was wondering if this was not the man that spoke with me gently and with cheerfulness few minutes ago.
The video started playing. It was indeed my father in action. Everything about him were there. He also reasoned that whoever was not satisfied should go to the United Kingdom where he kept the dubbings.
“I am the true son of my forefathers, Iluobe. Here is truly ‘My Will’ and my last respect. I envisaged this might come up in life, hence this attempt. I was able to build just three houses in life as a legal luminary. I said mere three because, some of my mates had up to eight. But I am not all that materialistic in nature, hence the little I built. All these were known to my first wife and the pillar of my success.
“ I gave all the three buildings out, the one at Ghana went to the motherless babies home; the second one went to the Agbesinga Religious group to propagate all religions in Nigeria for unity. When you are sick, it might be the person from another sect that will help you. Why then do we fight due to religious differences? It is to serve as a Research and rest center. The third one was the one I gave to the Idiobi University, and this is to allow any student or lecturer have access to good shelter while on field.
“I discussed all this with Mama Bolanle, my wife before I died. Per the children, my wife has a grant and from there we have been training other children . This is a secret between me and her. She has been the one responsible for the up keeping of other children. She purposely begged me not to tell anyone, so that it won’t be an avenue for whoever doesn’t like her to be forced to do so.
“The house that we lived together here in GRA belongs to her. It was the wedding gift her father handed over to her a week to our church wedding. I died without anything, because I came to this world without anything. I never wanted to live in that house in the beginning, but I chose to live here because of two reasons.
“The First reason, she told me that was the condition that could allow her to marry me. In fairness to her, she never knew she was going to marry me when she told me. It was the promised between her and her family. I keyed in to it after our marriage. I also told her that it’s likely I marry more than a woman, because it is common in family background, and she willingly accepted. This was why she was able to consume and tolerate my excesses. We were made in heaven for each other. Many do not know how strong the bond between us is , and this is why they couldn’t penetrate.
“My darling babe, if you are where they are reading this ‘Will’ or watching this video clip, please don’t cry. Don’t shed any tears; you know that was our agreement. I love you. And I want whoever is here to thank her for me, for being there for me, both in life and after death…….” My Daddy said, as were interrupted by someone sobbing.
The video has to be paused so that the person can be known.
“Hiiiiiiiihhhhhhhiiii’ It was my Mummy as the light was put on after pausing the video.
“Why this”? Uncle Shiku asked.
“I am so sorrrrrrry” Auntie Adodo said amidst sob.
“Why are this women disrupting this session? Why can’t we behave according to instruction’ Uncle Shiku with his command tone.
The video wasn’t play again till we left the place. It didn’t go well with me. I wanted to hear more, may be something could open my eyes more to the hidden facts on ground. Auntie Ebun was not moved at all. She was just staring into the wall. No world came from her.
The oldest man in the family, Daddy Tanzania thanked the folks we came to see. He ordered us to be going home. We got up immediately like obedient children.
“You see now why we should be contented and be prayerful. Imagine Adodo wanting to kill because of mere property. This woman should have killed you or poison your children, yet she showed you love. You better don’t try it with me. If you do so, I will just kill you, roast you with pepper and keep you in the oven where I will be eating you piece by piece”. Auntie Ebun spoke for the first time. She was facing Adodo, but she didn’t answer.
Adodo knelt down to apologise to my mother, my mother initially said no, but later, she accepted her pleas.
“I am taking this pleas on the basis it is genuine’. Mum said.
“It is genuine, its genuine Ma. I am deeply sorry” Adodo said still sobbing.
“Auntie, please pardon her. Afterall, God has fought for you……..” Auntie Ebun said as she held on to my Mummy. All the children and Mama Basirat joined us too.
“We will leave you here today” Uncle Shiku’s strong voice had no effect on us , for the first time.
Concluded