By Dare Lasisi
It was in the evening of the Christmas day,everybody was relaxing at the newly-renovated garden of Chief ABC’s mansion in Lekki.They were all barbecuing,pepper-souping and downing them with exotic drinks while traditional music from one-man band singer was also blaring from the loudspeakers.It was like a mini-carnival.Omolade sat so close to Chief ABC,she dressed like a queen with her mobile phone hanging from her left hand.As they were all enjoying the evening,one of Chief ABC’s security men alerted him that somebody was asking for him at the gate.The security man mentioned the visitor’s name as ‘Abayomi’ and Chief ABC remembered the name and instantly approved that the visitor must be invited to the garden area to join the party.
The visitor was an India-based Nigerian guy called Abayomi,who once assisted Chief ABC to move around in India.He had promised to check Chief ABC anytime he visits Nigeria.Abayomi,trained in Gandhi’s homeland as a software engineer and he is an info tech expert.He speaks fluent Hindi language and has spent more than a decade in popular Indian cities like New Delhi,Bangalore,Nagari,Nagpur and Mumbai.
Chief ABC promised to assist Abayomi with some funds but he was unable to help him financially in India because all his funds went for medical treatment in New Delhi hospital.Abayomi had discussed his plans with Chief ABC to return to Nigeria to start his own private business in Lagos when they first met in Bangalore city.
Chief ABC then moved into his private guestroom with Abayomi to discuss issues with him.They chatted about the bystander apathy exhibited by some Indians when they see fellow Indians in trouble and urgent need.They both mutually agreed that it was a universal norm and not just an Indian lifestyle alone.As they leisurely strolled round the garden,Abayomi was secretly admiring the luxury of Chief ABC’s palatial mansion,it was like another artificial paradise on planet earth.
There was a mini-zoo located at the eastern side of the mansion and swimming pool at the northern side.It was a perfect dream come true for Abayomi to enter Chief ABC’s mansion in Lekki.
Abayomi was a bit shy to re-open the financial request with this wealthy man,but as if Chief ABC was a mindreader,he did not even allow Abayomi to utter any word before giving him a cheque of two million naira to start his private business.
“So happy to see you today,Abayomi.How are things?I am getting better but I may travel to India in the new year for another treatment.Here is my promise,that’s a cheque of two million naira to start your private business.I have many projects at hand gulping my funds presently.”
Abayomi was ‘over the moon’ and so shocked with the extreme kindness of Chief ABC.He showered prayers for his generousity as tears of joy slowly navigated his cheeks.He is now ready to achieve his dream with Chief ABC’s money.
As Abayomi was about leaving Chief ABC’s mansion,his phone rang and it was an unexpected call from his Indian landlord,Mr John Patel in Bangalore asking for his house rent.With two million naira cheque in his back pocket,Abayomi was so confident of transferring the required amount of money to Mr Patel in India to avoid eviction.”Please I will inform somebody to pay into your bank account within 48hours.I am in Nigeria presently and shall return to Indian in 14 days from today.”
Chief ABC overheard the phone conversation and wondered why Mr Patel called Abayomi all the way from India to request for rent payment when Abayomi’s items are still locked inside his one-bedroom flat in Bangalore.
“Life is a complex web of mysteries.I was once homeless,thrown out on the street by my late father’s relations but here I am today.I am not a poor man and glory be to God.I was orphaned at the tender age of 13.I grew up with my step-father and his two children since my mother re-married three years after my father’s tragic death in a road accident.I was kicked out along with my mother because she refused to marry one of my uncles for the reasons best known to her.My mother did not tell me the reasons till her last day on earth why she refused to marry my uncle,who was a retired schoolteacher that time.Abayomi,don’t ever give up to achieve your goals in life.Try your best and pay Mr Patel’s money from the money I gave to you.If you require anything.Let me know soon or we shall meet again in India.I am will still be in the same private hospital where you once visited me.”
Chief ABC accompanied Abayomi towards his front gate and waved him goodbye.The wealthy man now walked back to his apartment with his trademark tobacco pipe dangling from his mouth and silver-plaited walking stick,his visible third leg.The security men opened the large gate for Abayomi and two of the dogs barked to embarrass Abayomi.
The compound of Chief ABC is filled with well-trained dogs of different breeds and colours.They are all well-catered for with regular visits to veterinary hospital in Victoria Island.As you are seeing the greyhounds jumping inside their large cages,so shall you see dangerously-looking bulldogs barking as if high on hard drugs and above all,Chief ABC’s favourite breed is German Shepherd Dog.Maybe due to its loyal and protective nature, this four-legged animal is one of the most registered dog breeds in the world.The German shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding and guarding sheep but because of its unique strength,intelligence and abilities in obedience training, it is often employed in police and military roles around the globe.
Chief ABC was so tired to join the party,he went straight to his bedroom to relax and as expected,Omolade noticed his disappearance and quickly joined him in the bedroom.
“Chief,I hope all is well with you?Where is Abayomi?We were all expecting you at the backyard but we thought you’re still busy with Abayomi.I am also tired and ready to sleep.”
“Abayomi is a responsible young man.I don’t need to repeat how he treated me so nicely while in India.He writes and speaks fluent Hindi language even more than the Gandhi’s family.He told me of his dream of starting a private business upon his final return to Nigeria and assisting him with a cheque of two million naira is not a bad idea.”
“So you gave him a cheque of two million naira?Why not just give him a cheque of half a million naira instead of two million naira?I hope Abayomi will use the money well for his private business and not spend it on non-profitable ventures.”The body language of Omolade clearly suggested that she was not happy with Chief ABC’s kind gesture to Abayomi but the rich man ignored her point of reasoning.
“Anyway,I have done my best for him,goodluck to Abayomi with the money.He cannot come back to me and tell me another story.I cannot be buried with money on my last day.Don’t worry yourself my dear.I don’t need to tell you everybody I give my money to.” Omolade was not even listening to Chief ABC’s sermon as she was fast asleep.
As if remotely-controlled,Chief ABC quickly wore his reading glasses.He got out of the giant-sized bed as if chased by unseen forces,went straight to his study room with unsteady steps to scribble some words on a white paper.He was wearing his favourite Sari-like night gown which he bought for 100 rupees in Mumbai central market.Omolade was slowly dozing off to the dreamland and could not notice Chief ABC’s movement to his desk to scribble some lines.
Chief ABC woke up peacefully and quickly made some phone calls and told Omolade to inform his cooks to prepare his favourite dish of fresh fish with jollof rice plus local palm wine as his breakfast.There is a well-maintained fish pond inside his Lekki residence as the wealthy man is so close to nature.Since 15 years ago,Chief ABC had stopped eating meat for reasons only known to him.He also avoided sugar in his tea like a plague,using honey instead and many times tea without sugar.Chief ABC also ended eating in the public except in his house.
“Chief,I will tell the head chef to prepare your favourite meal for you as soon as possible.”Omolade told him.
They both moved into the sitting room as one of his domestic workers served them early morning two cups of tea,as expected Chief ABC’s hot drink was sugarless.
As Omolade was sipping her own tea,she complained that the tea was tasteless and quickly dropped six cubes of sugar into the hot water.The cubes melt instantly.
Chief ABC nodded his head in disapproval and advised Omolade to reduce her sugar intake.
“You’re still a young woman,maybe by the time you clock the ripe age of 40.You’ll re-think and reduce your sugar intake for health reasons.’
“Haba Chief!I have reduced my sugar intake compared to when you first met me.I am very fit and used to run 100 meters during my high school days.Even after one child,I am still as fit as a fiddle.”
“No problem,let me tell you about my dream last night.I suddenly found myself relaxing under one big Iroko tree in an unknown village,eating from a calabash and suddenly a vulture perched on one of the branches of the tree and slowly descended in front of me to carry away my food before my very eyes.I ran after the lean bird but no way to arrest this two-legged thief.As I was going away,I came across a woman with two heads and she rudely removed my cap from my head and broke my trademark tobacco pipe.My anger boiled like the surging waves against the restive bank of a river but I was so powerless to challenge this strange predator.I then woke up suddenly.Let me stop here for now.”
“You have to relax your mind and don’t take your dreams so serious Chief.You don’t need to develop hypertension along with your present ailment of prostrate cancer.”
“At 75 years of age,I am not afraid to die.I have seen many things in this life.Life is vanity upon vanity.I have also prepared my final bedroom,I mean my grave in my newly-constructed house in Sango-Otta.I wish to be buried in Sango-otta,even if I die in India or America.Please make sure I am buried in Sango-Otta not even in private cemetery in Ajah area.”
“Chief,don’t talk about death for now.God will give you longer life in good health.Don’t scare me with your grave.Our son is just 6 years old this year and yet to enjoy enough parental care.”
“Anyway,after our breakfast,I am going to Sango-Otta with my driver,tell the second driver to drive you to your business meeting appointment in Idumota.We shall meet later in the evening.”
As they were discussing,somebody knocked at the door.It was one of the domestic workers.She came with Chief ABC’s favourite dish in a silver tray.They both ate the meal with full satisfaction.Chief ABC used toothpick to remove some of the fish’s tiny bones delicately lodged in his frontal teeth.As he was trying hard to remove the tiny bone,toothpick bruised his gum and few droplets of blood stained his lower lip.Chief ABC coughed and gasped for breath as slipping into a coma and this scene created panic in the heart of Omolade.
“Are you okay,Chief ABC?please look at my face.I hope no problem?Can we go to the hospital right now.”
“I will be alright,no cause for alarm.please quickly get me water to drink.’ Chief ABC re-assured Omolade.
Chief ABC sank his weight on the brown leathered sofa and it appeared everything was alright as he had said earlier.He laughed,kissed and hugged Omolade as if they were new lovers.He grabbed his trademark tobacco pipe and his walking stick.
“Time to move to Sango-Otta.I am sure my driver is ready now.Where are my mobile phones?please get them from me from the bedroom.You will see them near the plasma television.”
“Safe journey,Chief.I will call you when I get to Idumota but I may also check my cousin in Apogbon market.I will always keep in touch no matter my busy schedule.”
It was around 11.30am,the driver drove out of Chief ABC’s mansion and as they got to Obalende area,there was a mass movement of people in front of them.The angry protesters were chatting unpleasant songs and armed with machetes and sticks and this caused traffic congestion in the area as the cars were moving at a snail-speed.
There was a rumour that a stray police bullet had killed an innocent young man when armed robbers invaded the nearby bank earlier in the day.Police men arrived after the robbers had left the bank and started shooting into the air to disperse people.It was a chaotic situation as the ‘area boys’ took the advantage of this pandemonium to harass motorists and pedestrians and violently demanding for money.
Chief ABC sank his weight on the brown leathered sofa and it appeared everything was alright as he had said earlier.He laughed,kissed and hugged Omolade as if they were new lovers.He grabbed his trademark tobacco pipe and his walking stick.
“Time to move to Sango-Otta.I am sure my driver is ready now.Where are my mobile phones?please get them from me from the bedroom.You will see them near the plasma television.”
“Safe journey,Chief.I will call you when I get to Idumota but I may also check my cousin in Apogbon market.I will always keep in touch no matter my busy schedule.”
It was around 11.30am on Tuesday,the driver drove out of Chief ABC’s mansion and as they got to Obalende area,there was a mass movement of people in front of them.The angry protesters were chatting unpleasant songs and armed with machetes and sticks and this caused traffic congestion in the area as the cars were moving at a snail-speed.
There was a rumour that a stray police bullet had killed an innocent young man when armed robbers invaded the nearby bank earlier in the day.Police men arrived after the robbers had left the bank and started shooting into the air to disperse people.It was a chaotic situation as the ‘area boys’ took the advantage of this pandemonium to harass motorists and pedestrians and violently demanding for money.
The driver was able to negotiate his way round the crowd by dropping twenty thousand naira notes given to him by Chief ABC.The broad-chested guy,just like a weight-lifter, among the area boys smartly grabbed the money as a trained goal-keeper.He then cleared road for Chief ABC’s jeep.It was like a drama,Chief ABC’s ideology is very straight-forward:’with money,everything is possible in this Nigeria.’
They drove over to the third mainland bridge.Chief ABC phoned the building contractor in charge of his Sango-Otta buildings.He loves to keep appointment and was not so happy about the delays encountered in Obalende.
“I am on my way now to Sango Otta,we just ran into Lagos area boys wahala in Obalende area but all is well now.I hope everything is alright on site?.’Chief ABC asked the building contractor guy.
The driver could not hear the response of the building contractor from the other end as he was busy concentrating on his driving while the evergreen music of Ebenenezer Obey was just playing at the background.Chief ABC loves Obey’s music since early 70s.He is one of his fanatical fans till date.
When they reached Ebutte-Meta area,there was a loud noise from the front wheel of the car.It was so loud that Chief ABC nearly suffered an heart attack.The driver,an experienced motor mechanic, struggled to park the car by the roadside to investigate the matter.He discovered that the two frontal tyres were punctured and fortunately they have exactly two extra tyres at the boot of the car.
“I nearly faint.What’s the matter with the car?Many people are waiting for me in Sango-Otta now.I just don’t like dissappointment like this at all.’
“Sorry sir,just flat tyres.I will quickly fix them.I may also just look around for a vulcanizer to fix them.”
Chief ABC saw a newspaper vendor passing by and he waved to the man and he bought his favourite two Nigerian newspapers:Vanguard and ThisDay.He opened page 3 of ThisDay newspaper and his eyes caught one strange headline and Chief ABC exploded with anger.
“I am just tired of this government.I don’t know why we have so many ‘educated illiterates’ in power in Nigeria.What is the meaning of all these government projects not beneficial to the poor masses?’
When the driver finished replacing the punctured tyres,he informed Chief ABC but his boss was still lamenting about ‘vagabonds in power’ in Nigeria.The driver ignored Chief ABC’s rants and continued his driving towards Sango Otta.
At Agege motor road,around Sogunle bus stop.Chief ABC coughed forcefully and slumped at the backseat.The driver noticed this ugly trend and quickly parked the car to administer first aid to his boss.Some officials of Lagos State Transport Monitoring Agency (LASTMA) came to accuse him of illegal parking but when they witnessed the reason why the driver parked unlawfully.They ignored the crime and also tried their best to revive Chief ABC.
They all flagged and waved to other motorists for assistance until one off-duty medical doctor,Dr Kazeem Balogun from a private hospital in Maryland Lagos stopped his car to assist Chief ABC.Stethoscope was visibly hanging on Dr.Balogun’s neck at the scene.Dr.Balogun is a cardiologist after his medical degree in Nigeria.He proceeded to United Kingdom and Canada to study more. It was like a miracle when the medical doctor arrived at the scene.Chief ABC was gasping as if on his way to grave while his both eyes were opening and closing with the same speed.Suddenly,Chief ABC’s phone rang and the driver quickly picked it.It was an expected call from Omolade,Chief ABC’s youngest wife.The driver could not hide his feelings any longer.He told Omolade the sad news.
“Madam,please come to Sogunle bus stop after Oshodi right now.Chief ABC has just suffered an heart attack.We are all with him right now to save him.One doctor is here with his right now.”
“Please tell me the exact condition of Chief ABC right now.is he still breathing normally or gasping for breath?what really happened?I am still in Apogbon area.”
“Madam.I cannot say much for now.Please come over quickly.I need to stay with the good people trying to revive him.This is an emergency situation.”The driver’s voice was cracking with fear and anxiety while his hands were trembling.
“So where is your location now?.Can you text or give me the full address?I am now at Oshodi bus stop.I need to see Chief ABC with my two eyes.I cannot feel better until I set my eyes on him and see him to be breathing and alive.When I called all your mobile phones and nobody picked my calls.I was ready to go mad.”
“No worry,Oga Madam.I will text the address to you right now,it is very close to Mende bus stop in Maryland but also close to Anthony Village.”
Few minutes later,text alert suddenly arrived in Omolade’s phone,she quickly checked the address and now ready to move to Dr Balogun’s hospital.
As they were going,the driver complained of limited fuel in the Toyota Avensis which could not take them to Maryland area.
‘Oh my God!Why can’t we buy petrol since all these wasted hours?How much do you need now?Please park very well.I don’t want any wahala with these LASTMA guys.Let’s drive further a bit to that petrol station.’Omolade could not hide her anger as she pointed to one newly constructed petrol station in the opposite direction.
“Madam,I will need about N5,000 for both engine oil and required petrol.We shall be able to reach our destination with such amount of fuel in our car.”
“Don’t tell me another long story.Let us just buy fuel in time and move to see Chief ABC.” Omolade felt like knocking the driver’s head.
They were so lucky to meet just two vehicles ahead of them at the petrol station and it appeared Omolade was even planning to bribe the owners of the two cars in order to be at their front.
Finally,they reached the private hospital and the receptionist directed Omolade to Chief ABC’s corner; Ward 3,bed number 8.The section is exclusively reserved for ‘special’ but rich patients.Omolade smartly climbed the stairs to see Chief ABC.She walked hurriedly as if trying to meet a deadline or being stalked by an unseen enemy.
At long last,she found herself standing next to Chief ABC.The old man was fast asleep receiving drips while a nurse was on standby near his bed.
“Hello Madam,you can’t wake him up.He is resting for now.”The nurse cautioned Omolade as she tried to disturb Chief ABC’s sleep.
“I am his legal wife.Please for God sake,I need to speak with him now.I have been looking for him for the past four hours until I was directed to this address.Where is his driver?What of Doctor Balogun?”Omolade pleaded with the slender nurse.
“Madam,I don’t know the whereabout of his driver but Dr.Balogun is currently attending to some patients next room.You need to wait until Chief wakes up.I can’t disturb his rest.I am not sure when the doctor will discharge him but he is responding well to treatment.”
The argument eventually brought back Chief ABC to life or maybe activities from the dreamland did the magic as he slowly opened his eyes to see Omolade standing next to the nurse.It was like a flashing light penetrated Chief ABC’s eyes.Omolade could not believe her eyes because she heard that he was unconscious for many hours.
Tears of joy navigated down Omolade’s cheek,dropping through her nose bridge as she hugged and kissed Chief ABC but sadly the old man was too weak to reciprocate the emotional and romantic gesture.
Chief ABC struggled to utter few words to calm down Omolade.
“I am feeling better now,please don’t weep again.We may travel to India next week.Dr.Rajiv Iqbal called Dr Balogun today and they both discussed my health problems.” Chief ABC whispered those soothing words to Omolade’s ears.
Chief ABC struggled to utter few words to calm down Omolade.
“I am feeling better now,please don’t weep again.We may travel to India next week.Doctor Rajiv Iqbal called Doctor Balogun today and they both discussed my health problems.” Chief ABC whispered those soothing words to Omolade’s ears while trying to hide his discomfort.
Suddenly,Doctor Balogun appeared from the inner chamber to interupt their conversation.One pregnant woman holding a little girl was also seen leaving the same room with Doctor Balogun.He greeted Omolade warmly as if greeting a familiar personality.
“Good evening Madam,I know you’re Chief’s wife and so glad to see you here today.He is feeling better now but Chief is still grieving over the mysterious death of his first son which has really affected his blood pressure.I would prescribed some drugs for him to regulate his blood pressure and also to reduce further heart attacks .Chief is very hypertensive at the moment and his prostrate cancer is not helping the matter at hand.”
“Words are not enough to express my sincere appreciation for all your efforts.Chief ABC shall surely pay for all your medical services.We are likely to travel to India next week.”Omolade quipped.
“I am only doing my job as a medical doctor.No problem Madam.Everything shall be alright with Chief ABC.I have instructed the hospital accountant to prepare his medical bills.I am not charging so much,but you know this is a private hospital,one-man business and not government-funded.”
“When are you likely to discharge my husband?”Omolade asked politely.
“Chief is responding very well to treatment and we may discharge him early tomorrow morning or this night.I still need to monitor his conditions before the final release.” Doctor Balogun explained.
“Can I be allowed to stay over night with him in the hospital?I don’t even know the whereabout of his driver,Mr.Adisa.”
“Madam,you’re free to stay over night with Chief ABC,but not on the same bed.We have some vacant guestrooms within our compound for the relatives of our ‘special patients’,they are just moderate rooms to accommodate people for few days.I am sure you’ll like to stay in one of our rooms.”
As they were discussing this issue,Chief ABC’s driver arrived at the hospital with a bag of take-away food.The white bag contained pounded yam,fresh fish soup and a big bottled water.Omolade could not hide her anger on why the driver abandoned his boss and escaped from the hospital while his two mobile phones were either unreachable or switched off.She was bitterly enraged and ready to give this driver the full length of her caustic tongue.Omolade was a bit temperamental and Chief ABC once comically suggested that she must always attend ‘anger management’ courses.
“Hello Mr Adisa,where have you been for the past five hours?You wickedly abandoned your boss and your two phones were unreachable.”Omolade exploded with anger while Chief ABC was just monitoring the drama.The driver cleared his throat as if preparing to sing another song from his unreleased music album but fear was boldly written all over his body.He quickly prostrated in front of Omolade to re-affirm his loyalty and respect for Chief ABC.
“I am deeply sorry,Oga Madam.Let me explain to you.I can never abandon my benefactor.I am not an ungrateful servant.I am very loyal to Chief ABC.As soon as he was feeling better.I informed Doctor Balogun and the three nurses on duty that I would like to rush down to Bariga area to buy Chief’s favourite food.I have the delicious food in this white bag.Chief ABC was sleeping during that time.I was advised not to disturb his sleep.”,Adisa carefully opened the white bag to support his claims.
“So you spent over five hours from Maryland to Bariga to buy ordinary food for your boss?I am sure you’ve wasted so much petrol in your trip?”Omolade lamented.
“Madam,I was held up by three police officers around Ikeja round about.I was stopped and the car was searched.The tall one among them later demanded for my driver’s license and other papers.He even cracked nasty joke that Chief”s car was a stolen vehicle.They deliberately wasted my limited time despite pleading with them that I was rushing to buy food and drugs for my sick boss.I eventually dropped N3,000 for them as ‘let-my-people-go’ fee.”
Chief ABC suddenly coughed to interupt the whole argument and Omolade quickly said:’are you alright Chief?I can see that you’re now feeling better and you’re healthy enough to travel to India next week for further medical checks.”
“Everything is okay with me except my irregular breathing but Doctor Balogun gave me some tablets yesterday.I hope all shall be well with me very soon.I am not so keen to re-visit India.Let me eat my food.” Chief ABC managed to speak out.
The driver placed the food and drinks on the small table next to the hospital bed.He washed his right hand with a satchet of water handed to him by the driver while Omolade fed the old man like a baby.
As Chief ABC swallowed the first bite,he reacted to the taste.
“Ohhh…too much pepper in this stew.Did you buy this tongue-cracking food from our usual joint in Bariga area?’ Chief ABC faced the driver as if to punch him like a boxer.
“Yesss Sir!I bought the food from our regular restaurant in Bariga.Maybe because of your ill-health and your taste bud is so weak right now.” Adisa tried to defend the food.
“Haba Chief!Coolu temper! This food is delicious enough but as stated by Adisa,it seems you’ve lost appetite for finger-licking food and I would rather assist you to finish the food if you don’t mind.” Omolade cracked jokes.
The agony of son’s death is still haunting Chief ABC. He was prevented from visiting the graveyard of his first son who trained as a medical doctor in the United States of America.
The young man was buried in a public cemetery with no funfare to respect tradition.
“I would have love to break traditional protocol and be part of my son’s burial rites.” Chief ABC told Omolade and Adisa.
“Baba,that’s an abomination.You cannot be part of the burial rites.Let me tell you the truth,Akintunde was buried last week in Atan cemetery.I attended the funeral with my few friends.” Omolade said.
“But,I would still love to see his final resting place to pay my last respect to him as a father.” Chief ABC stated.
“Not a problem Chief,maybe after the first anniversary of Akintunde’s death.We shall take you to Atan cemetery to perform your final respect.” Omolade explained.
“What of his American wife,Sandra and their three year old son Collins?When are they likely to fly back to Chicago?Are they still staying in my Ikeja GRA apartment or back to their hotel apartment?” Chief ABC enquired.
“I am not so sure of their present location.Sandra is still very disturbed about the sudden death of her husband.She is yet to break the news to Collins.She even lied to Collins that his dad only travelled to Abuja for business meetings.They only came to Nigeria for holiday and not expected to experience all this agony.” Omolade stated as she tried to cut off her mobile phone vibrating in her wallet.
“Shit happened and so unfortunate for the sudden death of my dear son,Akintunde, in his sleep.After his medical degrees abroad.He told me of his passion to establish an ultra-modern hospital in Nigeria.He told me some of his future plans and his hope of final relocation to Nigeria with Sandra and Collins .
But death is just a murderer of dreams.” Chief ABC lamented as tears strolled down his cheeks.
“Don’t worry too much Chief.Life is full of unresolved mysteries and Akintunde’s death has just joined the league.Let us just give glory to God that he left behind his three year old son,Collins.” Omolade tried to consoled Chief ABC.”
The clocked chimed 11.45pm and Chief ABC was dozing off gradually.Time to sleep,Omolade went to the guest room earlier reserved for her while the two drivers decided to sleep inside their parked cars at the hospital.Doctor Balogun re-confirmed that Chief ABC is free to go home the next day after re-examining his whole body and said he only needs constant rest to recover at home.
When the doctor checked Chief ABC during his ward round at exactly 12.45 am,the old man had slept like a baby but unexpectedly snoring like a drunkard.
The doctor covered his body with the yellow blanket and also instructed the nurse on a night duty to always check the old man on a regular basis.
“Hello Nurse Folake,Chief ABC is our VIP,I mean our very important patient.He must be properly looked after.I am going home right now and hopefully to be back before 8.am tomorrow to discharge him myself.”
The doctor was very satisfied when he saw Chief ABC sleeping like a recently breast-fed baby and the last line of Bob Marley’s evergreen album’s No woman, no cry’ instantly sneaked into his heart :’Everything gonna be alright.No woman,no cry.”
When the doctor checked Chief ABC during his ward round at exactly 12.45 am,the old man had slept like a baby but unexpectedly snoring like a drunkard.
The doctor covered his body with the yellow blanket and also instructed the nurse on a night duty to always check the old man on a regular basis.
“Hello Nurse Folake,Chief ABC is our VIP,I mean our very important patient.He must be properly looked after.I am going home right now and hopefully to be back before 8.am tomorrow to discharge him myself.”
At exactly 6.45am,Omolade emerged from the hospital’s guest room to check on Chief ABC.She found him still lying on bed and refused to wake him as advised by the doctor.
She moved closer to see if Chief ABC was still breathing. Omolade used the back of her right hand to feel his body’s temperature.Chief ABC’s body was slightly warm with beads of sweat dropping from his forehead.
Omolade’s phone vibrated in her bag,it was an unexpected phone call from one of her business partners in Idumota market.She told the person to call back as she was busy attending to Chief ABC at the hospital.
As if Chief ABC was listening to the brief phone conversation,he opened his eyes and saw Omolade sitting close to his bed.The old man smiled and to hugged his wife.Chief ABC is stylish,witty and constantly entertaining and would always have stories to tell Omolade or anybody around him.He asked about the whereabout of the two drivers and Omolade replied that they were washing the cars.
“Doctor Balogun said I would be discharged this morning and I am expecting him to come quickly because I am missing my bedroom right now.Health is wealth.I am feeling better right now.”
“I am so delighted that you’re recuperating faster Chief.You only need to eat good food and rest very well.You also need to stop thinking about your son’s death.Are you still travelling to India?Life continues anyway.” Omolade quipped.
“I wish to die and to be buried in Nigeria.I am not sure of my next trip to India.I am still waiting for Doctor Rajiv Iqbal’s phone call from his Bangalore private hospital.”
As Chief ABC and Omolade were busy discussing,one of the nurses arrived in their midst to announce that Chief ABC must be preparing to go home.They have been waiting to hear such a relief news from the hospital management.
“Doctor Balogun is around Ikeja Underbridge and coming straight to the hospital to discharge you sir.I just spoke with him on his mobile phone.If you need anything,let me know now sir.Please be prepared.”,the nurse stated.
The hospital’s security officer opened the front gate for Doctor Balogun’s car around 9.30am and the man went straight to Chief ABC’s corner without much ado.The middle-aged security man was neatly dressed with well-polished black shoes.He waved as the doctor drove his car into the hospital compound.
“Good morning Chief and Madam.I am sorry for keeping you waiting.I was delayed by the usual Lagos traffic.I am here to discharge Chief ABC.I hope everything is alright with him now?”
“We have been expecting you since early morning.I am ready to go home to relax my body.I am grateful for all your efforts.”Chief ABC yawned.
“I am sure you’ve taken your breakfast sir?” doctor Balogun asked both of them.
“We only swallowed fresh Agege bread and tea.We are okay with that.We shall eat pounded yam,fresh fish soup with vegetables at home.” Chief ABC stated with a sense of humour.
The old man gradually stood up to grab his ‘third leg’, in readiness to walk to his parked car.He shook hands with doctor Balogun and waved goodbye to the nurses.Chief ABC carefully opened his brown wallet and gave crisply packed naira notes for the hospital security officers.They were all delighted.
Omolade also expressed her sincere gratitude for Chief ABC’s recovery when she made eyes contact with doctor Balogun.
Their two drivers arrived at the scene in preparation for their journey back to Lekki.They both slept inside their cars over night and appeared a bit rough and unkempt.Neither Chief ABC nor Omolade complained about their funny looks.The drivers only used bottled water to wash their faces and rinse their mouth.
Chief ABC and Omolade entered the same car,BMW X5 while Omolade’s driver was the only occupant of the other car.As they were about to move,doctor Balogun came to advise Chief ABC to use his tablets and take enough rest at home.He directed his message to Omolade not her husband.
“Madam Omolade,please make sure Chief ABC is allowed to rest at this stage of his life.He must not stress too much on issues.He is not getting younger.”
Omolade only nodded her head to agree with doctor’s sermon while Chief ABC only managed to smile at doctor Balogun and nurse Folake.
The Chief ABC’s driver drove out of the hospital compound and ready to enter the Ikorodu express road while also watching out for oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
The road was relatively free and Chief ABC’s favourite evergreen music of Ebenezer Obey’s board members was blaring smoothly from the car stereo.
As they entered the main road,fresh air filtered through the car and momentarily dragged Chief ABC and his sweetheart Omolade into the dreamland.
They both slept like babies while the driver was looking at both of them from the car mirror.
Chief ABC suddenly opened his eyes as if pinched when the driver reached Obalende bus stop,the exact spot where they earlier experienced delay due to street protest hijacked by the Lagos area boys over police stray bullet which killed one innocent man.
Chief ABC then saw one old dark-skinned woman selling roasted corns and coconut by the roadside,he quickly alerted the driver to park his car to buy the snacks.He handed over a single five-hundred naira note to his driver to buy them and not expecting any change from him.
The driver opened the car’s door to meet the old woman to buy the corns and coconuts.He mistakenly slammed the door which eventually angered Chief ABC.
Omolade suddenly opened her eyes too and she thought they just had an accident until Chief ABC informed her never to worry.
“Adisa,please don’t spoil my car for me.You’re always impatient.Why are you behaving like a schoolboy?” Chief ABC criticised Adisa.
“I am deeply sorry sir.It was the wind that blew the door from my hand and not intentionally done by me.please pardon me Chief.”
As a proverbial dog with a tail tucked between its legs,Adisa paced calmly across the road to meet the roasted corn seller.He could not utter more words to defend his act.
The younger woman selling roasted corns was waving to Adisa to buy from her but Adisa ignored her unsolicited advertisement and went straight to the dark-skinned old lady approved by Chief ABC.
The younger woman was very disappointed when Adisa walked away from her front to meet the dark-skinned old woman.
“Mama,how is your market today?Why can’t you move away from sun rays?How much is this big roasted corn?”
“Thank you my son.I am used to this type of trade for over a decade.I am a widow.my husband died eight years ago and left me with three grown-up children.I faced hell on earth with my late husband’s relations.If I begin to tell you my stories,I cannot finish them till the next day.Last week,I gave three thousand naira to one local carpenter to construct a make-shift shed for me but unfortunately the young man vanished after collecting my hard-earned money.I will sell this big one for fifty naira while the smaller one for thirty naira.I will give you free coconuts as my new customer.You only need to pay for the roasted corns.”
“So there is no way for you to trace him again.He must be a very wicked human being for defrauding an elderly woman like you.” Adisa pitied her.
Adisa was unexpectedly showing keen interest in her story without considering the fact that he was just on an errand by his boss.
“Please don’t worry about the run-away carpenter.God would surely reward him.No evil deed shall go unpunished.Just tell me how much you wish to buy.Your boss must have been looking for you.”
The driver picked the available roasted four big corns and three smaller ones as the old woman was trying to turn other corns to be evenly roasted by the hot charcoal.He took some coconuts free as agreed by the old woman.
They were all wrapped with some old newspapers to preserve the freshness and warmness.The smoke escaping from the burning charcoal spiralled toward the sky and the old woman coughed like a smoker as if she had inhaled all the smoke.
Adisa sympathised with the old woman and gave her five hundred naira while the woman gave him two hundred and fifty naira as change which he neatly kept in his back pocket.He knew Chief ABC would never ask for change on food items.
Adisa got to where he parked the car and handed over the snacks to Chief ABC and Omolade.Nobody bothered to ask him for the change and he was so relieved.
Chief ABC picked one of the big roasted corns,he broke it into two and started eating it.He appeared to be enjoying it with the sound emanating from his teeth.
He picked a bottled water under the driver’s seat and drank part of it.Omolade also ate her own and shared the bottled water with Chief ABC.
“Adisa,are you not going to eat some of these sweet corns with us.Don’t feel shy.” Omolade teased him.
“Madam,if I stop driving,I will also enjoy the sweet corns.I am handling steering now and cannot really enjoy it until I park the car.” Adisa stated.
“If you wish to eat,you better grab one now because Omolade is likely to finish everything before our very eyes.”Chief ABC cracked jokes for the first time.
“Haba Chief ABC,I am not a glutton.I am even watching my weight right now.If I grow too fat now,you’re likely to pick another younger wife soon.” Omolade joked.*
Chief ABC quickly countered her sentiment and stated that his old age coupled with health conditions cannot permit him to pick another ‘fresh blood’ as wife.
“You’re a very jealous young woman.Don’t you know my present age?I just wish to look after my health and live a stress-free life until my last days.”
There was a pin-drop silence inside the car and only the Ebenezer Obey’s music was heard in the background.Chief ABC later informed the driver to change the music to late Fuji maestro Ayinde Barrister music.
“I have been listening to Obey’s music in recent times.Let me change my taste by listening to Fuji garbage’s track of Doctor of music,Sikiru Ayinde Barrister,true son of Ibadan land.He was a music genius.May God rest his soul.He did his best for music industry in Nigeria during his heroic life time.I just love that particular track to the last beat.”
Chief ABC was shaking his head sideways to blend with the melodious fuji music.Omolade was just looking without saying any word.She appeared a bit tired.
They reached the newly-constructed toll gate zone of Lekki,they paid the expected fare and Adisa zoomed past as if chased by the police men.
The anger on Chief ABC’s face was better imagined than experienced.Omolade did not even utter a word at all.She was busy concentrating on her mobile phone.He punched the air.
“Adisa!Adisa!!Adisa!!!Always slow down if you’re driving me,we are just few minutes to reach our destination.I don’t know why you don’t always listen to my instructions.No wonder they say,too much familiarity brings contempt.Maybe I need to get a new driver soon.” Chief ABC reacted rudely.
“I am deeply sorry sir.I am still maintaining the moderate speed limit.” Adisa’s voice trembled.
“You better sorry for yourself.So you think I don’t know how to drive before I employed you to be my driver?Nonsense.” Adisa kept a sealed lip afterwards.
Finally,they reached the main gate of Chief ABC’s Lekki mansion known as ‘Castle of Mercy’ and Adisa pressed the car horn three times to alert the gateman and within few minutes,the gateman quickly opened the remotely-controlled gate from his glass cubicle.When the giant-sized gate opened,he bowed down from his cubicle to greet Chief ABC and Omolade.
The alsatian dogs freely roaming about in the compound also barked and wagged their tails to welcome their master.
Chief ABC’s eyes saw his favourite dog nicknamed Tango.The german shepherd breed wagged his tail as if dancing to an imaginary music beat.The old man just smiled.
As they parked the car near the mini-zoo inside the compound,all the other domestic workers came out welcome Chief ABC and Omolade back to the house.It was a wonderful family re-union.
Chief ABC stepped out of his car when Adisa opened the door for him and Omolade.He looked at everybody’s face the way a schoolteacher would look at his students in a classroom.
“I hope everything is okay with everybody?Anybody looking for me yesterday?”
“Nobody came to ask after you except Mr.Adigun,our next door neighbour’s driver who came to check you.’One of the domestic workers said.
As if informed of the arrival of Chief ABC,somebody knocked at the main gate and it was Mr.Adigun that appeared from the moon,also known as Mr.Know All.Mr.Adigun seems to know every gossip in the neighbourhood.
If Mr A is sleeping with Mr.B’s wife,Mr.Adigun would even know the hotel room number in Allen avenue in Ikeja.
If Mr.A’s children children have just arrived from abroad,Mr.Adigun would tell you the exact arrival time at Lagos international airport as if working for the airline or Nigerian immigration services.He is indeed the uncrowned king of rumour in the neighbourhood.
“Oga Sir,I came here yesterday to check you.I was told you travelled to Ogun state.Welcome Chief.”Mr.Adigun bowed down to greet Chief ABC.
“I hope no problem today?Do you have any good news for me today?”Chief ABC asked.
Omolade could not hide her displeasure for Mr.Know All and tried to prevent any further stress on Chief ABC who just returned from the private hospital.
“Mr.Adigun,please allow my husband to rest.He is just recovering,even we are just coming from a private hospital in Maryland and the doctor advised him to eat and rest well.”
“I am sorry Oga Madam.I was not aware of Chief ABC’s health issue but I overheard from neighbours that he travelled to India few months ago.”Mr.Adigun feigned ignorance.
“Must you know everything in the neighbourhood?Mr.Busybody!”Omolade teased him.
“I will try to be brief in telling Chief my story,please give me just five minutes.”Mr.Adigun affirmed.
‘Your five minutes of gist would suddenly turn to five hours and Chief ABC enjoys listening to your ‘cock and bull’ stories.Like father,like son.’ Omolade left Chief ABC and Mr.Adigun alone to continue their tales by moonlight episode and walked away with her handbag.
“Oga,I get plenty stories for you sir.Can you still remember the armed robbery operation that took place in Chief John Akangbe’s house in Ikoyi area last year?
“Yes,it is still very fresh in my memory,Chief Akangbe was my classmate during our high school days at St Gregory’s College.He was our best student in Geography and History.We even stayed together in the same hostel for two years.Any arrest of the armed robbers or you know anything about the robbers.Please be honest with me.”
Mr.Adigun coughed as if preparing to preach to Chief ABC to give his life to Jesus Christ.
“I learnt one of the armed robbers was arrested last week at Lagos local airport.”
“How was that possible?who spotted one of the masked armed robbers?”
“One of Chief Akangbe’s grandchildren, that 9-year old Temitayo boarded the same airline from Abuja to Lagos with her mother.I am not so sure if the airline was Aero contractor or Dana airline or maybe Arik Air but it was actually a local flight within Nigeria.You know Temitayo as a very intelligent girl and blessed with sharp memory to correctly recollect events?”
“Adisco Adigun!You know everybody’s story in the neighbourhood.I don’t really know anything about Chief Akangbe’s grandchildren.So what really happened at the Lagos local airport?” Chief ABC asked Mr.Adigun.
“Last year,when four armed robbers stormed Chief Akangbe’s residence around 1.30 am.They over-powered and killed the gateman and later fired bullets into his head and chest.Their gang leader did not cover his face as he pointed loaded gun into Temitayo’s head in order to force Chief Akangbe to release all his money and valuables.Fear gripped Temitayo and others but she was able to master his face and saved it in her memory till date.
They all boarded the Abuja-Lagos route airline from Nnamdi Azikwe airport .Temitayo calmly alerted her mother when the suspect entered the plane and sat in the next three back row.Maybe the armed robbery suspect could not recognise Temitayo once again.Her mother smartly informed one of the airline workers on board and on arrival at Lagos local airport,police van was waiting for this armed robbery suspect and he was arrested.I learnt the suspect was quickly driven to Panti police station or Ikeja police station for more investigations.Anyway,the man is innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law.”Mr.Adigun concluded.
“Are you sure it was not a case of mistaken identity or look-alike?” Chief ABC is used to Mr.Adigun’s stories and he was so keen to get some valid informations out of this tale-bearer.
“I am not really sure unless you get in touch with Chief John Akangbe for more information.I also gathered that CCTV footage would further nail the arrested suspect.” Mr.Adigun smartly replied.
Chief ABC was getting bored of Mr.Adigun’s story and he stylishly discharged him to prevent him leaking more stories.To say Mr.Adigun is a talkative is an understatement.If he starts a topic,he would loquaciously jump into another story without finishing the first story.He is indeed a chatter-box specimen of human being.Some people traced his mouthy malady to undiagnosed mental disorder.
“Thanks so much Mr.Adigun,I need to rest now.I will talk to you later in the week.”
As Mr.Adigun was departing Chief ABC’s house,Tango surprisingly barked repeatedly at him and this action really triggered Mr.Adigun to get ready for defence.He was shock beyond words.The hound ran after him as if to bite him.Mr.Adigun also tried to escape from the dog.
Chief ABC was safely in his bedroom and was not aware of the drama happening in his compound.The security officers and other domestic workers were just laughing at Tango and Mr.Adigun as if watching a comedy movie.
Tango moved closer into a corner and wickedly sank its teeth on Mr.Adigun’s left leg.He shouted for help and there was few blood stains on the floor.Nobody knew what really provoked Tango to attack Mr.Adigun,the neighbourhood tale-bearer.
Suddenly,Mr.Adigun grabbed a big stick in self-defence and hit Tango’s frontal leg in retaliation.The dog screamed with an excruciating pain and limped back to its cage.It was a pandemonium.
Mr.Adigun refused the first aid treatment offered him by the gateman.He went back to his house to nurse his wound by himself.He was warned of rabies but he replied them comically:”I am an adult,I would take care of myself,you people must also take care of Tango because I also hit its frontal leg in self-defence.”
When Chief ABC heard about the incident the following day,he was very upset and decided to ban Mr.Adigun from coming into his ‘Castle of Mercy’ to peddle his long stories.He directed one of his domestic workers to carry Tango to see vet in Ikoyi for medical treatment as urgent as possible.Omolade was also not pleased with the whole incident.There was a knock at the main gate and it turned out to be Akintunde’s American wife and their three year old son,Collins.
Akintunde’s wife,Sandra and their three-year old son,Colllins were ushered into Chief ABC’s private sitting room.Sandra visited to inform Chief ABC of her plan to return to Chicago within the next few days with great dissappointment and heavy heart.
Chief ABC gave her some undisclosed amount of dollars in a sealed envelope to support her trip back to America.They all wept together about the mysterious death of Akintunde in his sleep.
Collins is a mirror-image of his late father but Akintunde was also a carbon-copy of his biological father,Chief ABC.An emotional rush travelled down the spine of Chief ABC as he carried the little boy on his lap.He could not hide his feelings as he planted kisses on Collins’ cheeks.Little drops of tears navigated down his wrinkled cheek all the way from his nose bridge.
“Always keep in touch with me.I will make sure Collins would never suffer.I will make provisions for him even after my death.He is my only grand child for now.Safe journey to America.” Chief ABC hugged her and Collins.
Before their departure,they all snapped photographs together to mark the visit.Omolade later escorted Sandra and Collins towards the main gate.
It was a memorable event for Omolade and Chief ABC,they met Akintunde’s wife and son for the first time.They waved them goodbye and wished them journey mercy.Omolade returned to the sitting room to discuss further with Chief ABC.
The old man was watching television and reading text messages at the same time on his mobile phone.
“Sandra and Collins must arrive at O’Hare airport in Chicago latest in the next 24hours.I have directed my driver to take them to Lagos airport tomorrow.” Chief ABC stated matter-of-factly as if he was part of their travel plan from day one.
“I am not sure of their itinerary but I thought they would first land at JFK airport in New York before connecting another flight to Chicago.’ Omolade said.
“I wish them all a safer trip no matter where they land in America.All shall be well with both Sandra and Collins.It is just unfortunate that Akintunde cannot return to America with them.I am sure Sandra would call me on arrival in America.We may visit them this year in Chicago depending on my health conditions.”
“No problem Chief,I am ready anytime anyday to follow you to America and India.” Omolade quipped.
“I am not even thinking of India for now.Let me rest my body in Nigeria but I still plan to travel to Sango-Otta to see my new site.’
“It is true,you’re even travelling to Sango-Otta when the incident happened at Sogunle bus stop yesterday.I nearly collapsed when I first heard the sad news.Glory be to God that you’re still alive till today.You need to rest and eat well my sweetheart.” Omolade sympathised.
“If Dr.Rajiv Iqbal still insist that I must come over to India for further medical checks.we shall need to travel together.I am still waiting for his phone call anytime from now.”
After hearing all these stories from Chief ABC.Omolade then decided to suspend her business trip to both Dubai and Paris.
Chief ABC then picked his phone to call Chief John Akanbi to re-confirm Mr.Adigun’s story.He called many times but he was hearing the same message over and over again:’the number you’re trying to call is not reachable at the moment.please try again later.”
He thought the man was not available in the country and gave up hope of calling him back.He only sent text messages based on what he heard from Mr.Adigun.
One of his domestic workers knocked at the door to ask for money to buy fuel for the generators.Chief ABC heard his voice and asked him to come in straight away.
“Excuse me sir,we need to buy both petrol and diesel for the generators.We also need to make minor repairs on one of the generators as urgent as possible.”
“How much is the money expected from me?”Chief ABC asked with his both eyes widely opened.Although a wealthy man but he is always conscious of spending money.
“Sir,if I see fifteen-thousands naira right now,I should be able to fill the two main generators and keep the remaining fuel at the store.I will go to our favourite petrol station in Obalende area.”
Chief ABC opened his wallet to produce the freshly-minted naira notes.He handed over the exact amount of money to the domestic worker.He was not even expecting any change from him as his usual style.
The domestic worker left him to prepare for Obalende to buy the expected fuel.As he was going,his mobile phone suddenly rang and it was an unexpected call from a strange number.He instantly picked the strange call.
It was an automated voice that first greeted him:”Good afternoon sir,you’re one of our lucky winners to grab one million naira in our national promo.To claim your money,please press one now.”
“He eagerly pressed one and he heard another prompt once again,”…and to re-confirm your full names and phone number,please press two and to….”The domestic worker was a bit confused and not sure if it was a was a scam until when another call entered his mobile phone to repeat the whole story but in a different format.
When he tried to check his phone credit balance,he noticed a drastic reduction which really angered him.He lost his temper and punched the air like an amateur boxer.
“This is totally unacceptable and day-light robbery.I loaded N2000 phone credit few hours ago and I am yet to even make any call to anybody.How come my balance has now been reduced to N350.58k.” He was talking to himself until Adisa cautioned him that he was shouting.
“Please coolu temper my brother.What is the problem?” Adisa asked him.
“About five minutes ago,I received a phone call that I have been selected as one of the lucky winners to claim one million naira in a national lottery.I was then directed to be pressing one,two and three when prompted.At the end of the whole drama.I checked my balance and discovered that my phone credit has been reduced to N350.58k from N2000.”
“Did you ever play or enter into any national lottery competition at all.” Adisa asked him as if to slap his gullible face.The domestic worker was shocked when Adisa questioned him.He mustered courage to defend himself with hocus pocus gibberish.
“I did not enter any competition but…..”
Adisa interrupted his words and sounded sarcastic before he could go further.He then started speaking the gospel truth into his two ears as if haranguing a naughty school boy.
“My brother!How greedy and gullible you’re!,you did not enter into any lottery competition but you’re expecting ‘free money’ to fall from heaven into your bank account.Why are you building your castle in the air?Please wake up next time to use your brain properly.”
Those caustic words from Adisa’s mouth sticked like barnacle into his ear drum.He could not utter any defensive word except to request for Adisa to carry him to Obalende to buy fuel for the generators.
“Chief ABC just gave me N15,000 to buy both diesel and petrol for the generators.Can we go together please?” He said.
Adisa agreed to go with him to Obalende and he smartly changed the topic to Mr.Adigun’s story when they both entered the car.
“When last did you hear from Mr.Adigun,that ‘waka about’ man? Adisa questioned him.
“I saw him last time he had problems with Tango.I don’t know anything about him any more.I am sure he is treating his dog bite wound well to prevent infection.” He said.
Mr.Adigun is a typical neighbourhood jester with a bizarre lifestyle.He is fond of laughing at funerals as if not moved about the whole serene environment.He always behave on the day of the burial as if he knows the cause of every death in the neighbourhood.
He is just an enigmatic prototype of modern day troubadour,singing different kind of music while walking as if entertaining the unseen spirits.
“I am sure Chief ABC would not like to welcome him back into his house,Castle of Mercy?Adisa told the domestic worker.
“I am neither a stargazer nor a mind-reader.I cannot determine Chief ABC’s next action but I know deep down in his heart that he is not happy that Mr.Adigun broke Tango’s leg in self-defence.Tango is his favourite dog.”
“I learnt Mr.Adigun is now banned from attending funerals in the neighbourhood because he would always laugh at the mourners by saying unpleasant words to rub salt on their injuries? Adisa said.
The domestic worker appeared not to be interested with Mr.Adigun’s story.
“The last time he attended a funeral at Atan cemetery.As the mourners and family members were going back to enter their cars.Mr.Adigun acted like a true ‘brother-kill-joy and said nobody is really sure of the next destination of the dead lady despite all the prayer showered on her because she knew her wayward lifestyle for many years.”
“Please Adisa, for God’s sake,forget about Mr.Adigun,face your front and concentrate on your driving.I don’t want any LASTMA’s problem.Let us drive carefully to Obalende and buy fuel for the generators.Chief ABC shall soon be calling our mobile phones to ask for our exact location.”
Suddenly Adisa’s phone rang and it was an unexpected call from Chief ABC.He could not pick the call because he was driving and he passed the phone to the domestic worker to answer the call.
“Where were you for the past few hours?When are you coming back home with the fuel?” Chief ABC ranted on phone.Adisa quickly parked the car by the roadside to explain to Chief ABC since the domestic worker was so afraid to utter any reasonable defensive word.With a trembling hand,he grabbed the phone.
“Sorry sir,we are just few steps to the petrol station.We experienced a flat tyre on our way and spent some minutes to fix it.We shall come back home very soon Sir.”
“I am so worried when you’re taking for ever to come back with the fuel.If it takes twenty years to prepare for street madness,when is the mad person going to enter market for the practical aspect?” Chief ABC cracked jokes and they all laughed over the phone.
When they finally got to the fuel station,just two cars ahead of their car.When it was their turn,they bought the required amount of both diesel and petrol and drove away quickly.
“I am sure you correctly place the two kegs containing the fuel inside the boot.” Adisa asked the domestic worker as he was driving.The domestic worker just nodded his head in agreement.
There was a graveyard silence inside the car as Adisa drove towards the ‘Castle of Mercy’ in Lekki peninsula.He was careful not to exceed the speed limit as advised by Chief ABC.When he finally reached the main gate,he pressed the horn to alert the security man and the young man opened the remotely-controlled electric gate for him without much hesitation.
Tango was seen limping around the compound with a bandaged leg.The dog appeared not to be in good health, still feeling the pain of Mr.Adigun’s attack in self-defence.
“I am sure if Tango sees Mr.Adigun in this compound once again,the four-legged creature shall bark if not bite him like a thief.’ Adisa told the security man as he parked the car.
“Chief ABC is not so happy about the health conditions of Tango,his favourite dog.But I am sure Tango shall pull through this ailment.” The security man answered as the domestic worker opened the boot to carry the two kegs of fuel to the store.
As he was carrying the heavy kegs away,Adisa alerted him to wait for Chief ABC to see the fuel before any usage whatsoever.
“I am not going to use the fuel at all.I am just keeping them inside the storage for Chief ABC or Aunty Omolade to see them.’
As if Chief ABC was secretly listening to the whole conversation.The man emerged from his bedroom with his trademark walking stick.Omolade also joined him to check the fuel bought and brought from Obalende petrol station.
The sight of Tango limping around with a bandaged frontal leg nearly brought tears to Chief ABC’s eyes.The dog instantly wagged its tail to greet Chief ABC as Omolade was just looking at the whole scenario.He cuddled the dog like a baby and whispered some inaubible words as if praying for Tango’s speedy recovery.
Adisa told him that the fuel was ready inside the store and Chief ABC moved quickly to check the two kegs.Omolade also followed him to cross-check the fuel.The old man was with his trademark cuban cigar,puffing away the smoke like a chimney.
“I learnt there is going to be a fuel scarcity next week.Anyway,please fill the two giant generators with fuel and I will give you money tomorrow to buy another three kegs for further usage.’
“At your service sir.If you’re ready to buy them.I am also ready sir.” Adisa stated like a loyal staff.
Chief ABC looked at Tango once again and he could not hide his anger and resentment on the brutality unleashed on his dog.He dropped the verbal bombshell for his workers.
“Hello everybody,I don’t wish to see Mr.Adigun in this compound until further notice.I will need to inform his boss on how he nearly killed my dog in self-defence.I am sure he can’t enter my ‘Castle of Mercy’ again for the rest of his life.”
‘Your wish is our command sir.’ One of the domestic workers said.
“Chief,you’ve tolerated Mr.Adigun for so long.He always tell people that he is your close friend and confidant.That’s arrant nonsense.My friend’s son saw him at Elegushi beach last week and after drinking some bottles of beer.He started speaking gibberish like a demented fellow.I don’t even know who invited him to the beach party.He is just a shameless man.” Omolade stated with anger.
“Everybody is my friend until they show their true colours.I welcome everybody into my villa but now is the right time to control everything in my life.I am not happy about Tango’s wounded leg.I am likely to travel to India very soon to attend to my prostate cancer.We shall travel together.I am still waiting to hear from Dr.Rajiv Iqbal.”
“Oh lest I forget,I received a text message not the expected phone call from Sandra yesterday.She arrived safely in Chicago with my grandson,Collins.She wanted me to visit America for my medical treatment but I still prefer to travel to Gandhi’s homeland.”
“That’s a good news Chief.So unfortunate that Akintunde died mysteriously in his sleep.We need to keep in touch with Sandra and Collins.” Omolade affirmed.
“I don’t wish to remember the whole tragic incident for now. Don’t let me weep once again.” Chief ABC cautioned Omolade.
Omolade checked her mobile phone for any missed calls but nothing.She quickly interpreted Chief ABC’s body language and concluded that it was time to prepare food for Chief ABC.She did not ask for what type of food to prepare as she entered the kitchen to prepare fried rice and fresh fish stew for her husband.As she was going to the kitchen area,she whispered some inaudible words into the right ear of Chief ABC as if they were new lovers.The old man just nodded in approval.
“Madam,let me assist you to prepare food for Chief ABC.’ One of the domestic workers requested to help Omolade.
Omolade checked her mobile phone for any missed calls but nothing. She quickly interpreted Chief ABC’s body language and concluded that it was time to prepare food for Chief ABC.She did not ask for what type of food to prepare as she entered the kitchen to prepare fried rice and fresh fish stew for her husband.As she was going to the kitchen area,she whispered some inaudible words into the right ear of Chief ABC as if they were new lovers.The old man just nodded in approval.
“Madam,let me assist you to prepare food for Chief ABC.’ One of the domestic workers requested to help Omolade.
“Don’t worry at all.Let me prepare the food but get me the grounded pepper from the freezer and set the table ready for Chief and me.” Omolade is always careful on who prepares Chief’s food except if she is not available in the house.
About half an hour later,the hot food was ready as the domestic worker arrived with two trays containing food and drinks.She brought them into the main living room.Chief ABC was already salivating for the delicious meal.
As they were both enjoying the meal,Chief ABC started to talk like a frustrated parrot.Some of his words were dark secrets of one of his childhood friends called Chief John Akangbe.Nobody knew why Chief ABC behaved in such an odd manner.Omolade was listening with rapt attention.
“Can you still remember Chief Akangbe,my childhood friend?” Chief looked straight into Omolade’s eyes as if interrogating a suspect in a police station.
“Yes Chief,you once told me he was your classmate during your high school days at St Gregory’s College.”
“Let me tell you his dark secret today and you must not tell anybody for the rest of your life.Behind every fortune,there is always a hidden crime.”
“I am not a basket-mouth brand of lady.I cannot expose your secret to anybody in this world.”Omolade reassured him.
“The source of Chief Akangbe’s wealth is not clean.Many years ago when all his business ventures mysteriously went down the hill.My friend contacted somebody who later linked him with one spiritualist in Owode town.He was advised by the spiritualist that except he agreed to sleep with one popular mad woman in Mushin in the middle of the night.This sick woman was in her early 30s.He might die in penury.Without wasting time,he promptly contacted some hoodlums to kidnap the mad woman for him,they forcefully dragged her into an isolated corner where Chief Akangbe quickly had sexual intercourse with this defenceless mentally-retarded lady.I learnt the mad lady was crudely chained to the tree as my friend penetrated her not minding the horrible stench emanating from her body plus her mental condition.” Chief ABC paused to drink a glass of freshly-prepared orange juice.
Omolade could no longer eat the food as she just opened mouth after hearing this strange story from Chief ABC.As if lost in a dreamland,she could not doubt the words escaping from Chief ABC’s mouth and not really bothered to investigate further all the claims.
“As directed by the spiritualist,Chief Akangbe was very nice to this mad woman during her pregnancy period.He would secretly visit her under the cover of darkness to offer her food and drinks.Everybody was wondering about the swollen belly of this popular mad lady as she searched through waste bins on a daily basis to feed herself.She drank filthy water from the open sewage and gutter.After some time,she started developing rashes on her face and swollen legs.Her eyes would convulse once in a while as if in an epilepsy fit.She was behaving aggressively to people around her;throwing stones or cans to anybody looking at her more than once.She was in a total state of delirium.She would punch the air like an amateur pugilist to attract attention from people minding their own business.Nobody could really explain the sudden change in her behaviour.”
Chief ABC stopped the story to read the text message on his mobile phone.It was a short text message asking after his health from Abayomi in India.
“This world is full of pathologically greedy and wicked people.So Chief Akangbe’s wealth is not as a result of his hardwork and family inheritance?’ Omolade said.
“Let me continue my story and as promised,don’t tell anybody this secret.Maybe I need to take an oath with you later.My health is failing me gradually and I don’t need to carry this burden into my grave.I wish to die in Nigeria not India.When the pregnancy was seven and half months,my friend secretly transported the demented woman away from the street around 2.am on one fateful day with the help of three drug-addicted hoodlums.He took her in his car into a private hospital somewhere in Badagry for her to deliver the baby safely.Chief Akangbe knew the owner of the hospital,they grew up together in Lagos Island.” Chief ABC paused to wait for Omolade’s response.
“What really happened after the safe delivery of the baby girl in Badagry hospital ?” Omolade was so curious to know the next story.
“It was a baby boy not a baby girl.The baby was a mirror-image of Chief John Akangbe.” Chief ABC replied her. Omolade was so desperate to know what happened next after the successful delivery of the baby boy in the Badagry’s hospital.She knew asking provocative question would further discourage Chief ABC from revealing the whole truth.The old man coughed as if preparing to explode a verbal bombshell.
“Hmmmmmnnnnn……you’re patiently waiting to hear what really happened next?”
“Yes,Chief,I wish to know the next story concerning the ‘over-night’ wealth of Chief Akangbe.” Omolade was so eager to know. ”
But unfortunately for Chief Akangbe,the baby boy was strangely born with six fingers on his left hand while the right hand was exactly five digits.With a sense of disappointment, my friend informed the bearded spiritualist about the boy’s deformity,the old man said the gods would reject the sacrifice but he should allow him seven days to try his possible best to appeal if the gods would ask for any other alternative.”
“So what then happened after the expiration of the seven days?’ Omolade questioned.
“You’re not patient enough Omolade.I don’t know why you wish to know the end of this story.”
“My Chief,I am enjoying the story.I am not going to inform anybody.It is highly confidential.”
“After the expiration of the seventh day,my friend travelled to meet the bearded spiritualist in the village and the old man went straight to the point.”
“What point?’
“He informed Chief Akangbe that the gods cannot accept the deformed baby except another sexual intercourse with the mad lady once again under the cover of the dark until she delivers a normal baby.”
“That would have been a big task for Chief Akangbe.”
“Yes Omolade.It was a big mess for my friend.He was running from pillar to post.He cannot imagine sleeping with the mad lady once again under the cover of darkness.”
“What really happened after the Baba’s message.”
“The spiritualist advised my friend to wait for about three months before meeting the mad woman once again for sexual intercourse.Chief Akangbe had no choice than to wait as advised by the Baba.”
“What happened next if not to organize four thugs that kidnapped the lady?”
“Haba Omolade!Please relax your mind with me.I am trying to recollect my friend’s story.Maybe you knew the story before today.”
“I don’t know the story.I only met Chief Akangbe twice in my life.”
“I don’t need you to tell me that history of meeting Chief Akangbe.”It appeared Chief ABC was getting angry with Omolade.
Chief ABC requested for a glass of water and Omolade quickly supplied his demand.
He coughed three times and then continued his story.
“The well-paid thugs assisted my friend to drag the mad lady once again.They struggled to collect her new born baby boy.The innocent boy named after my friend’s grandfather as Adio was sucking his mother’s breast when he was crudely snatched away by these drug-addicted thugs.He screamed but his mouth was instantly covered with a towel.”
“Why was the mouth covered by the thugs?”Omolade asked.
“That was promptly done not to attract anybody to their location.Remember it was in the dark and sound travels faster in the night than during the day.”
“So behind every fortune, there is always a dark secret.”
“I did not tell you that,just listen to my story and stop your childish conclusion.” Chief ABC cautioned Omolade.
“I am listening Chief, please continue your story.”
“My friend met the mad lady for sexual intercourse more than four times according to him during the unholy hours.The thugs slept in his guest room during those days.”
“So what happened after the whole sexual drama?”
“As I told you earlier.My friend showered gifts on this mad lady.He instructed one of the thugs to always supply her with food,water and few clothes which the mad lady often rejected.”
“Wonder shall never end my Chief!’
“The lady would roam the street during the day and during the night, she would speak with unseen people.She would punch her imaginary enemy as if preparing for a fight as a boxer.”
“Really?”
“There was one particular day she punched one of the thugs that came to deliver bread and water for her.But Chief Akangbe had warned them never to punch her back.He advised them to always treat her with high respect despite her sickness.”
“What was her reason for attacking the thug?”
“I don’t really know for her.But so easy for mentally sick people to swing their mood at random without any good reason.” Chief ABC paused.
Omolade was confused when Chief stopped the story.She did not wish to provoke the short-tempered old man to continue his story.
Chief ABC studied her body language and knew she wanted the story to continue.He was not ready to expose dark secrets of his bosom friend.
“Omolade,we shall continue the story some other time.”
“Haba Chief!Please I am enjoying the whole story.Please don’t starve me of a juicy story like this.I am begging you to continue.”
“Woman and gossip!” You don’t actually need the story at all. Let us face our own problem and forget about Chief Akangbe.”
“Chief, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.please tell me more.”
‘If you’re not patient, I won’t tell you any more,just calm down.’
“Chief Akangbe had intercourse with the mad lady for about three times or more with the assistance of the thugs that gripped the helpless lady to the ground during the sexual assault.” He said.
“The spiritualist gave him a white cloth to always use to wipe the lady’s face seven times in a row.”
“Who took the lady to the hospital for pregnancy care?”
“Chief Akangbe did his best to make sure she received a superb medical care in a secret hospital in Badagry. She was kept in the hospital for the whole of nine months until she delivered a baby girl.”
“Where are the children of the mad lady now? Dead or alive?” Omolade questioned Chief ABC.
“The boy with six fingers died after his second birthday but I learnt the girl is still alive.”
“…alive where? what really killed the deformed boy?”
“…..you don’t need to know all the details for now, maybe later.”


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Interesting story full of thought and educative!
Thank you, my dear sister.
Interesting….. Weldone boss, but i wish to know the detail now.😀😀😀
Wow, what happened to the mad woman and Chief Akangbe ?