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  • Revealing ‘a mountain of mysteries’

    Title: Deep secrets
    Author: Nnamdi Agbakoba
    Publisher: Lampstand Books, Lagos
    Reviewer: Joseph Jibueze

    Five suspected cultists are about to be sentenced. Will the judge temper justice with mercy or hand the maximum sentence?

    When the judge is done with the five, she will turn her attention to George Obanye, who is on trial for his godson’s murder. Obanye is innocent, but will the judge believe him?

    His travails begin when he receives a suicide note from his godson, Okechukwu.

    It reads: “Sorry, I have to go. Thanks for everything uncle, till we meet again. This is the address where you will find my body.

    “Please uncle, I do not want any burial ceremony. I want to be thrown away or cremated and my ashes thrown away for I am worthless…”

    Why would Okechukwu, a 100-level law student, pen those words to his mentor and godfather Obanye?

    It is part of the “mysteries” revealed in the novel: Deep Secrets.

    It is written by an activist and founder of the Society Against Terror and War (SAT-WAR) Mr Nnamdi Agbakoba.

    Using first-person narrative, the author relays chilling tales of cultism and its consequences. He dedicates the novel to all victims of terrorism, cultism and violence and to those who have lost loved ones.

    It is a compelling story with a powerful message to students and the society: Stay away from cultism and violence.

    Deeply shaken by the suicide note he has just read, Obanye drives like a madman to the address Okechukwu provides.

    The scene he meets sends shivers down his spine. Okechukwu has just committed suicide!

    Obanye describes the sight: “Every conceivable piece of furniture in the room was turned upside down. The 14-inch television set was smashed, the curtain ripped apart, the mattress and beddings were all in dishevel and my godson’s head was hanging from the side of the bedside stool.

    “His legs were stretched wide apart; one leg on the floor and the other on the bed. There was a very large swelling on his forehead.

    “He must have hit his head on some hard object during his fight for survival when the poison he had taken began to react.

    “His eyes bulged and were wide open and the total length of his tongue was hanging limply from the side of his lips. The violent gnashing of his teeth during the convulsion must have cut his tongue. Blood still dripped from the severe cut…

    “Whatever he had taken must have caused a violent epileptic reaction that must have caused Okechukwu to run around the room in total lunacy as he fought. Okeckukwu lived and died violently…”

    There is a twist in the tale as Obanye becomes a murder suspect and Okeckwu’s death ends up as a major court case.

    Matters get complicated as Obanye cannot find Okechukwu’s suicide note, nor the poisonous pills. How would he prove his innocence?

    The novel sets the reader’s pulse racing as Obanye ransacks the entire house and his car and makes frantic calls, wondering who may have misplaced the only items that can exonerate him.

    Could his sometimes careless domestic aide have disposed of them thinking they are “dorti”?

    Amid his confusion, there is a knock on his door. The Police have arrived! The officers show Obanye a message he sent to Okechukwu moments before his death.

    The message reads in part: “Okechukwu, I am tired of your truancy, pranks and bad behavior, sometimes I feel like killing you…”

    The Police are sure that in Obanye, they have Okechukwu’s killer. They quickly hand-cuff him before he can explain.

    The author paints a picture of what detention cells in Police stations are like.

    The packed cell Obanye is kept in is described as “bursting with all kinds of creatures that happened to be human beings”.

    The cells have one thing in common: “They all smelled like garbage”. Obanye does not have a bath for two days.

    The author carefully captures courtroom proceedings during Obanye’s murder trial.  The judge, Justice Ade Olufemi, is described as “very stern and serious”.

    She delivers judgment in a murder trial involving five suspected student cultists who allegedly killed Justin Agorum Ike, Okechukwu’s best friend.

    Two of the suspects are sentenced to life imprisonment for Ike’s murder; the third suspect gets 30 years imprisonment, while the other two get 10 years each for conspiracy to murder.

    It is Obanye’s turn to learn his fate. How many years will he get for allegedly killing his godson? Will he be sentenced to death? Did his lawyers do a good job in defending him? Did they prove his innocence? So many thoughts raced through his busy mind.

    The tingling, breathless novel ends with the most unexpected climax: Okechukwu, somehow, is not dead!

    Obanye “is baffled beyond words” as he looks in amazement “like a confused mouse” when Okechukwu walks into the dumfounded courtroom. How is he alive?

    Deep Secrets is written as a conversation in which the protagonist confesses sinister cult related activities, including oath-taking and blood drinking, to his godfather Obanye.

    Full of moral education, the use of irony and suspense are very well employed by the author.

    Okechukwu, tall handsome and dashing, is a first year law student in one of the premier universities in the Southwest.

    Son of a well decorated and top-ranking police officer, he unfortunately gets himself entangled in cult-related activities through his intimate friendship with a second year law student and cultist, Justin.

    After a horrendous cult-related tragedy befalls Justin, Okechukwu sees his life fall apart at the seams.

    His inability to pass tests and examinations for reasons he could not explain adds to his misery.

    But, his loving godfather Obanye helps him to unravel the mysteries of his exam woes.

    Deep Secrets is an interesting cross-breed between prose and poetry. It is garnished with over 10 poems that blend with the book’s theme.

    The novel has a number of key messages on a problem currently ravaging not only the Nigerian society, but worldwide.

    It discourages student and youth cultism, deplores examination malpractice and cheating, and beams a searchlight on police brutality, terrorism, youth restiveness and violence.

    It encourages peace, religious tolerance, hard work, family unity and the need for an effective legal system in combating terrorism, student cultism and restiveness.

    According to the author, Deep Secrets is based on a true story that occurred in one of Nigeria’s top universities.

    Agbakoba spares no words in an attempt to use the power of literature to deter students and youths from becoming cultists or terrorists.

    Director, Book Development Center, Nigeria Education Research and Development Council (NERDC), Dr. Mrs. Benedict Okwudili Ikegulu, writes in the book’s forward: “The deplorable activities of university cultists or terrorists have been a crucial social cancer not only in Nigeria but worldwide that can only be controlled and ameliorated with books like Deep Secrets or similar counter- terrorism or counter cultism literature”.

    Agbakoba’s books have received complementary reviews and endorsements from Pope Francis (the Vatican) and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, among others.

    His books, Terrors of War and Pictures and Poetry of War are classified as peace education literature by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

    They serve as weapons of peace in his campaign against terror and war.

    Agbakoba, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, comes from a generation that is highly interested in service to humanity.

    On his effort to rid the society of cultism and violence, the author says: “The time has suddenly come upon us in Nigeria where we not only have to worry about producing seasoned first class graduates, but graduates who are not destructive cultists and terrorists.

    “Any youth or student can be brainwashed into becoming a cultist or terrorist and I firmly believe that appropriate books and education can help arrest the trend of youth brainwashing and peer pressure.”

  • Engaging the mysteries in the word!(2)

    Engaging the mysteries in the word!(2)

    Last week, we began this teaching series by exploring the Mystery of the Communion as one of the Kingdom mystery in the Word of God that helps us to command mastery over the issues of life. This week, we will explore the components of the Communion and how it impacts on our spirit, soul and body realms. First, It is important to note that the Holy Communion is made up of the Flesh and the Blood of Jesus Christ (John 6:53-56).

    Let’s examine the wonders in the Flesh

    • The flesh quickens our mortal bodies to live like Christ: The flesh in the Communion carries quickening virtues that quicken our systems into fullness of life. These virtues are also available to keep us alive and well (John 6:48-58).
    • It is the miracle rod that swallows every poison in our bodies: The Communion swallows every poison and arrow of the wicked in our bodies. For instance, we saw from scriptures how the Rod of Aaron swallowed up the rod of the magicians. We also understand from scriptures that Jesus is the Rod that came out of the stem of Jesse.

    The flesh of Jesus in the Communion is the miracle Rod that swallows every arrow of the enemy tormenting any aspect of our lives or bodies. Thus, when we partake of the Communion, those arrows are swallowed up in victory (Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 4:38-41).

    • It opens our spiritual eyes: The Communion bread, which symbolizes the flesh of Jesus, contains eye-opening virtue that heals and quickens our minds and intellects. The Bible records: And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight (Luke 24:30-31; see also Romans 12:1-2).
    • It infuses divine energy into our bodies: When we partake of the Communion, we are empowered to live like Christ and according to scriptures, whoever sees us has seen Christ (1 Kings 19:5-8).

    What are the wonders in the Blood?

    • The Blood establishes our spiritual union with Christ: For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul (Leviticus 17:11; see also John 6:54-56).
    • We share the same immunity with Christ by partaking of His blood: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53).
    • The Communion is a spiritual transfusion of the pure blood of Christ (white corpuscles) that fights against every attack on our health: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11).
    • The Blood of Christ purges our conscience and sanctifies our lives: The Bible says: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14; see also 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

    However, it is important to also understand that the Holy Communion has a three-dimensional impact on man. Remember, man is a spirit, he has a soul, and he lives in a body. The Communion impacts on these three realms by sanctifying our spirit, soul and body, thereby making us whole. As it is written: And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23; see also 3 John 1:2).

    How, then, does the Communion impact on these three realms?

    • It enhances a healthy spirit: Sin is a sickness of the spirit. However, the Blood of Christ, shed for the remission of our sins, is its spiritual cure. Moreover, the Blood is God’s last card in our battle against sin and it has the power to terminate every bad habit. The Blood comes in through the Communion to purge our conscience of every dead works and empower us to serve the Living God (Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 26:26-28; Hebrews 9:13-14, 12:22-24).
    • A healthy mind: And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight (Luke 24:30-31; see also 2 Corinthians 4:4).

    The mind is the eye of the body and the Communion impacts on our minds by opening our eyes to know, understand and comprehend. When we partake of the Communion, we are empowered to think like Jesus because according to scriptures, we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 1:17-18).

    • A healthy body: The Communion impacts our bodies with divine energy, health and vitality (Proverbs 4:20-22; Jeremiah 15:16; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Hebrews 10:5).

    In conclusion, all our inheritance in Christ and everything that gives meaning to our redemption are packaged in mysteries. However, how much access we have to these mysteries from scriptures determines our level of command. Remember, you cannot engage what you have not found. That is why we must have a revelation of the Word to access the mysteries that will empower us to gain mastery over life situations. Therefore, I decree that God will open your eyes of understanding to access the mysteries that will terminate the struggles of your life in Jesus’ name! Remain ever blessed!

    Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    For further reading, please get my books: Miracle Meal, The Blood Triumph, Breaking The Curses Of Life, Overcoming the Forces of Wickedness and satan Get Lost.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Engaging the mysteries in the word!

    Engaging the mysteries in the word!

    We live in a Kingdom that is governed by mysteries and it is by these mysteries that we command mastery over the issues of life. As it is written: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:7-8; see also Matthew 13:54; Mark 4:11).

    But, what are mysteries?

    Mysteries are simply divine secrets embedded within scriptures. Paul the Apostle said: Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8).

    Interestingly, mysteries are mostly authenticated by testimonies. Jesus said:

    If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him (John 10:37-38).

    Most of these mysteries may not be explainable, except by the proofs that they engender. For instance, how do we explain our translation into the Kingdom of His own dear Son? Simply by proofs! It may be inexplicable scientifically, but the proofs of our repositioning cannot be denied (Colossians 1:13).

    It is also important for us to know that mysteries are mostly wrapped up in biblical simplicities. That is, they seem too simple to be true. This is why many complex minds miss out on the blessedness of the mysteries of the Kingdom. As it is written: But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).

    However, every mystery must be received, believed, and put to work for maximum delivery. It is written: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12).

    It is also written: And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord (Luke 1:45; see also Deuteronomy 28:1).

    One of such Kingdom mysteries is the Holy Communion.

    What is the Holy Communion?

    The Holy Communion is a Kingdom mystery ordained in redemption for our total health and vitality, among other things. We understand from scriptures that Jesus is the Great Physician and the Communion is His great prescription that will always deliver the miraculous. Jesus said:

    I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world… Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed (John 6:48-51, 53-55; see also Matthew 9:12; Luke 4:23; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30).

    By reason of the manna from heaven supplied to the Israelites, they knew no sickness or disease for 40 years. However, Jesus, the ‘Bread’ from heaven in a figure, carries greater virtue than the manna the Israelites partook of in the wilderness. This is why it is impossible for sicknesses or diseases to resist the efficacy and the authority of the mystery of the Holy Communion (Deuteronomy 8:4).

    The Communion is also a Kingdom toast for strength, health and longevity. It is written: For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).

    That means when we partake of the Communion without an understanding of the mystery or believing in its worth, it offers us nothing. However, when we take it worthily, we are expected to be strong, healthy and enjoy longevity.

    Furthermore, it is an eternal life medication that swallows up our natural life and infuses us with divine life, which is the God kind of life. Moreover, it is ordained for our justification against the accuser of the brethren (the devil) and it always leaves us with something to show (1 Corinthians 11:26; Revelation 12:9-11).

    Therefore, there is no medication on the earth that compares in virtue with the Flesh and the Blood of Christ from the Communion. This is because everything we need to stay alive and well is contained in it. However, to be counted worthy to partake of the Communion, one must first be born again. Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    For further reading, please get my books: Miracle Meal, The Blood Triumph, Breaking The Curses Of Life, Overcoming the Forces of Wickedness and satan Get Lost.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Mysteries of Fayemi’s defeat ’ll be unravelled, says Soyinka

    Mysteries of Fayemi’s defeat ’ll be unravelled, says Soyinka

    •Tambuwal, governors, clerics attend outgoing-governor’s thanksgiving

    The mysteries surrounding the defeat of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi in the June 21 governorship election will be unravelled one day, the Nobel laureate, Prof. Woke Soyinka, has said.

    Soyinka spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, while inaugurating the new Government House , christened “Ayoba Villa”.

    He was apparently amazed at the outcome of the election despite Fayemi’s performance, which he said had placed Ekiti on a strong footing through the programmes and legacy projects put in place.

    The dramatist said the state had been “resurrected from its dull state by Fayemi’s good works,” adding that the joyful atmosphere that permeated the event was an indication of his conviction.

    He advised the people to put aside all the mysteries surrounding the loss and continue to build on the “good foundation” the governor had established.

    Soyinka said the government lodge is open to the next governor to “either honour or desecrate.”

    He added however that the decision to toe Fayemi’s honourable path is the choice of the governor’s successor.

    The poet, who noted that Ekiti State had known many honourable people like the late Governor of the old Western State, Adekunle Fajuyi, stated that he had been watching Fayemi and he was happy that the outgoing governor did him proud.

    His words: “I have known you, I am watching you and I am proud of you. This building here, this edifice, has known honourable people. This edifice, I know it didn’t exist at the time I want to speak of very briefly, but I am talking about the seat of government in Ekiti State. It has known honourable, brave, intelligent and committed people like for instance Adekunle Fajuyi.

    “My hope is that it will after the departure of Kayode yet again know honourable, intelligent, committed, humanistic rulers. Don’t despair, don’t give up. I have the honour and the delight of opening this building and applauding the gesture that it is being done without the slightest rancour, being done to leave it open to a next governor to either honour or desecrate. The choice is his”.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, said posterity would be a better judge that Fayemi ruled Ekiti State in dignified ways to the extent that he left indelible marks.

    He  added that Fayemi combined good governance and politics, saying despite losing election, the governor still continued to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

    The speaker hoped that successive administration would continue where Fayemi stopped.

    Earlier, a church thanksgiving was held at the St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti for the successful completion of the four-year term of the Fayemi-led administration, which is the second time a governor would complete his tenure in the state since the beginning of civil rule in 1999.

    The Vicar General of Ekiti Catholic Diocese, Most Revd Felix Odesanmi, in his homily, praised Fayemi for his consistency in gratitude to God.

    He recalled that the governor had on assumption of office in 2010, came to give thanks to God.

    The assistant Bishop of the Ekiti Catholic Diocese added that the governor’s achievements would continue to speak because he is leaving Ekiti better than he met it.

    Fayemi, who read the second lesson from Philippians 4 verses 12 – 20, thanked God for helping him successfully complete his tenure and fulfilling the promises he made to Ekiti people.

    The governor, who said that it was the extraordinary grace of God that made it possible for him to be Governor of Ekiti State – which was an opportunity for him to serve the people, added that the Ekiti success story had not yet ended.

    He noted that everything that happened during his administration was about moving Ekiti forward so that it could be better than what he met.

    The governor said it was left to the incoming administration to either honour it or desecrate the service done to the people.

    He stated that honour, integrity and compassion to the people had guided his government in the last four year, even as he thanked the people for their support.

    “For us, the job is not finished. It is not yet over. We are committed to deepening democracy in this country. We are not tired of serving our people and we will continue to offer service to our people. You can see this building. It shows that we did not just start strong, we also finished strong. We have not concluded. We are on a journey. We are not yet at the destination. We will keep moving until a greater Nigeria, a Nigeria of our dreams becomes a reality”, the governor said.

    At the event were the Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, his wife Olufunso, the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, the wife of the Governor of Osun, Mrs. Serifat Aregbesola, wife of the Governor of Kwara State, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed.

    Others were the former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Governor of Abia State, Chief Ogbonaya Onu, and wife of the Governor of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu.

    The Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Most Revd Jude Arogundade, his Ekiti counterpart, Most Revd Felix Ajakaye, retired Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev Samuel Abe, the Alaaye of Efon,  Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye and the Alare of Are Ekiti, Oba Boluwade, among other important dignitaries, were also at the event

  • Igbe: A village full of mysteries

    Igbe: A village full of mysteries

    Igbe community, in Owo local government Ondo State, it is forbidden to whistle so as to avoid being stung by strange scorpions. Not only this, it is a taboo to cover your head when it is raining or when the sun is shining. This is a community where electric poles were erected and electric wires   fixed for over 20 years but still living in total darkness as they have never been given electricity. Taiwo Abiodun reports

    At the entrance of Igbe community, non-natives are welcomed into their fold but would be counseled and advised that they must obey the rules and regulations binding them in the community .According to the natives, the non-natives have freedom to do everything as natives but in spite their hospitality two things are forbidden : one must not whistle or blow whistle no matter the situation or else scorpions of various sizes would come from nowhere to sting them.

    The village head, His Royal Highness, Oyewole Ajelu, was asked by the reporter, “What if someone is in danger or decides out of love to whistle to a beloved one?’  He responded: “It is a rule that must be obeyed. In fact, in addition to this, whether the rain is falling or the sun is shining at its hottest, one must not cover or protect his head with anything.”

    According to His Highness, the community is rich with a lot of mysteries. He said it is a taboo to whistle as one would be stung with various sizes of scorpions. “It is not hearsay and not a myth but real and that it is how we met it.” he stated. “Those who thought it was a lie or who did not believe were stung and it was fatal, not one or two of them. And if you are in doubt, you can try it, but the repercussion will be fatal.”

    The monarch continued: “Another interesting thing is that a couple must not fight in the night.”  According to him, if a couple fights in the community, they would be fined. The wife must be forced to produce a hen chicken while the husband must produce a cock for sacrifice. This is applicable to natives and non-natives irrespective of their religions.

    Corroborating the monarch’s points on the punishment for couple who engage in fighting, Madam Rachael Oloye (75) said a couple who fought last year was fined. The woman was made to produce a hen while the husband was made to produce a cock. Madam Oloye said for a couple to fight is an abomination and “that is why this place is peaceful.”

    Madam Eunice Olasoji, who is in her late 60s, also speaking to the reporter, said, “We are living a loving, peaceful life here as couples hardly engage in fighting. And generally, no one steals , curses  or fights .We live in harmony , though many said our culture is still primitive but is living in peace primitive?”

    False electricity

    What is also still a mystery about the small town is their living in the ‘dark ages’ despite the fact that it is very close to Iyere town along Benin Road where there is constant electricity. Ajelu , the community head, declared, “This is the biggest mystery we have here and it is still a mystery to us that electric wires are seen dangling in the air with their poles for the past 20 years. We have been dreaming of having light for the past 20 years but like a dreamer we are still dreaming. Twenty years ago, we were made to work like Jackass as the Federal Government came with a hired contractor who is from the North, an Hausa man who was contracted to do the job left us in the dark as we worked for the light that never came.”

    He continued, “When we were told that we would have electricity, everybody was happy. Those in the cities and towns relocated home .We were asked to dig holes and provide what the community could provide to make the job easy. We then worked like Jackass as both the youths and the leaders felled trees, uprooted plants, dug holes, threw party and thought our prayers had been answered .But it was never to be .Now our children still use oil lamps to read at night While many are saying they don’t have electricity at times, we are saying we have never had it or seen how it looks like. In the end, many of the electrical instruments were stolen and carted away while some insulators are kept here since then and they could have become outdated. This is a mystery for we are very close to a town that has light and everything but we don’t have.”

    Mr Idowu Lagundoye , the family head of Ujigan Quarters in Igbe, talking about another taboo in the community, said no one should cover his or her head with a clothe in his quarters whether during the rain  or sunshine. He said,”It is a taboo. We have the Oloka masquerade that is special here and that is our law.

    When this reporter made attempt to whistle and cover his head  in the sunny day ,one of the escorts who led him into the community , Mr.Jide Tububo ran away while Mr. Ladi Akinwale sternly warned that this reporter could see the red eyes of the residents as they know the consequence of broken taboos”