10 BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA ( GRANACIA KOLA)

10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA CONSUMPTION AND ITS USES

BITTER KOLA THE AFRICAN WONDER NUT: HEALTH BENEFITS AND ITS USES

This article summarizes the health benefits of bitter kola and the uses of bitter kola.

Garcinia kola (bitter kola) also known as African wonder nut, is a species of flowering plants belonging to the family Guttiferae and grows in coastal rainforests in the South-Western and South-Eastern parts of Nigeria, and it also can be found in some African countries, such as Cameroon, Côte de Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Gabon, and a few other..

Bitter Kola..

bitter kola is widely known for its medicinal benefits, as the seeds, nuts, and bark have been and are still being used to treat varying ailments ​(Hertog et al., 2007)​.

10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA

1. Treating malaria: Bitter kola is believed to have chemical properties that allow it to be an antimalarial catalyst. It contains Kolaviron which is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, which has high antimalarial properties ​(Esiegwu & Udedibie , 2009)​.
2. Weight Loss: Bitter kola is known for being a natural hunger suppressant and a great thirst stimulant, and as such helps to reduce weight loss, as a reduced intake of food and a large intake of water is needed by the body to get rid of excess fat and stay healthy ​(Collise et al., 2011)​.
3. Diabetes: The seeds of bitter kola are believed to possess the ability to lower blood glucose, which makes it a potential treatment for diabetes miletus ​(Hertog et al., 2007)​.
4. Prevention from glaucoma: It has been proven by a group of researchers, that constant and consistent use of an eye drop made from an extract of garcinia kola can help treat glaucoma ​(Farombi et al., 2005)​.
5. Cold and fever remedy: By possessing the ability to enlarge the alveolar sac and duct, Bitter kola provides relief for chest cold and goes on to prevent cold altogether ​(Okwu & Ekeke, 2003)​.
6. Treatment of erectile dysfunction: Research has shown, that garcinia kola (bitter kola), has aphrodisiac effects (causes or increases sexual desire) in male folks, and as such is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction ​(Okwu & Ekeke, 2003)​.
7.  Immunity: Bitter kola influences multiple regulatory systems in the body, the immune system inclusive. It enables the body to adapt to stress and also acts as an anti-infective agent ​(Collise et al., 2011)​.
8. Osteoarthritis: Bitter kola is known as an excellent disease modifier, which provides potential relief in osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that garcinia kola appears to have significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects on patients with knee osteoarthritis. As such, garcinia kola is considered a potential osteoarthritis disease activity modifier with a high prospect of a good outcome. It helps in the reduction of inflammation, pain and immovable joints. The root cause of arthritis and displeasing pain may be a joint injury, obesity, aging or it may be hereditary. Thus, the consumption of this miraculous plant can help cover all these problems and cure it from its roots ​(Farombi et al., 2005)​.
9. Healthy lungs: Garcinia kola contains saponin which is an antioxidant. It has detoxifying and cleansing effects. This goes on to improve the function of the lungs by expanding the alveolar ducts and sacs, and as such, strengthens the fiber in the tissue of the lungs. It has favorably high antioxidant content for a healthy body ​(Farombi et al., 2005)​.
10. Helps Pregnancy: Bitter kola contrary to what some may believe, actually has been said to be helpful and useful in and for pregnant women, as it helps in combating nausea and vomiting, making the uterus healthier, supplies strength to the expectant mother and normalizes circulation of blood also.

             OTHER USES OF BITTER KOLA

1. Traditional medicine: Bitter kola is said to be anti-parasitic, anti-microbial and purgative in nature. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis, typhoid, tuberculosis, diarrhea, and bacterial infections ​(Atawodi et al., 2005)​.
2. Anti-cancerous: Bitter kola can be used in treating breast cancer as it has an anti-cancerous effect. Nature has ​(Atawodi et al., 2005)​a cure for something incurable as well ​(Atawodi et al., 2005)​.
3. Anti-Poison: The bark and the seed when eaten together helps in detoxification of the human body during food poisoning. Saponin found in bitter kola is used as a liver tonic, assisting in the gall bladder functions because of its cleaning properties ​(Atawodi et al., 2005)​.
4. Life Prolongation: Certain African cultures and scientific studies believe that bitter kola breaks down glycogen in the liver, prolonging life ​(Emmanuel & Gabriel, 2011)​.
5. Repellant for snakes: Bitter kola is used to repel snakes in places where life is prone to snakes ​(Nair, 2000)​
6. Evil Spirits: Delving into a little bit of spirituality, although those you do not believe in spirits, may not agree, the tribes and ancient peoples believed that the plant has abilities to repel evil men and spirits ​(Farombi et al., 2005)​. Such believes are still held up by some, even today.

Bitter kola has enormous health benefits as well as nutritive benefits that could be explored by adding it to both human’s and animals’ diets.

The traditional uses of this plant have been viewed based on its historical beliefs (eg. Repelling evil spirits) and other medicinal uses (eg treating cough, relieving stomach cramps, etc).

From the information gotten about bitter kola, it can be concluded that it is a healthy, profitable, and indigenous plant that is highly underutilized and should be used for its medicinal values to alleviate this illness.

THINGS TO DO DIFFERENTLY AS A COUPLE...✍

1. Have a joint vision for your love. Don't just be together without direction. Agree on areas you will grow in, things that will define your year and projects you will pursue together.

2. Give each other eye contact more, this communicates love and attention. Unfortunately, the more some stay together, the less they show care.

3. Complain less. Tone down the fault finding. The more you appreciate each other, the more you two will be inspired to do better.

4. Communicate better. Send each other warmer texts, call each other more even if for just a brief conversation. Scroll down your messages and see love. Be each other's peace.

5. Laugh more. Find things that bring you both laughter. Watch comedies, be each other's clown, share funny videos, smile more. It makes things warmer between you two.

6. Support each other's dreams. None should feel like their progress is being curtailed. Find out your partner's dream and help to achieve it.

7. Increase your joint wealth. Analyse how you two make money and use money and maximize your earnings. Add or improve your revenue streams. Save. Invest.

8. Find a person, a family or a cause that you can help together as a couple. Be a blessing to people as a joint force. When you are a blessing to others together, you will not focus on petty fights between you two.

9. Listen to the concern your partner has about your friends or your habits and see if they are substantive. Don't hold on to friends and a lifestyle that pulls you down as a couple.

10. Agree on a joint approach to your parents and in-laws and ways you can be a blessing to them as a couple.

11. Pray more together as a couple. Cultivate your individual relationship with God and your walk with God as a couple.

12. Have your legacy as a couple in mind. What legacy do you want to leave behind to this generation and your children as a couple? Mentor your child/children. Make success stories out of 2021.

13. Be more deliberate about listening to each other and making each other feel special by custom making your love to love your partner the way your partner wants to be loved and vice versa. Know their love language.

14. Travel. Try out new experiences you have never been to or felt. Go out on dates more and make time for quality time. Companionship needs allocated time.

15. Seek to please each other more sexually. Desire to give your spouse amazing sexual experiences.

16. Touch each other more, plant soft kisses on their cheek, lips or forehead, rub each other's waist and hug more even without sex being the agenda.

17. Listen less to gossip about each other from others. Be smart with your smart phone, don't let that small gadget come in between you two.

18. If you do not do this already. Learn to say "Please" and "Thank you". Do not take each other for granted. Show and exercise courtesy at every opportunity you get. This will make your spouse feel more appreciated.

19. Have some alone time. Do date nights; where it's just the two of you enjoying each other's company, and having intimate conversations.

20. Speak life and a blessing to your spouse every day. Words carry a lot of power. They can uplift, encourage motivate, inspire and build someone.

Àbọrú, Àbọyè, Àbọsìsẹ— The Tope Alabi Saga....

Please, read very well!

Àbọrú, Àbọyè, Àbọsìsẹ— The Tope Alabi Saga.

Many have been talking about these names mentioned by Tope Alabi which had drawn so much criticism. 

For those who do not know who these three names are all about. Here is what you need to know.

“Àbọrú, Àbọyè, Àbọsìsẹ:  Ọ̀rúnmìla's three important women 

In Odun Ifa Ògúndá Méjì, there is a story of Orunmila in desperate need to consult Olodumare, but it was difficult for him.

At the entrance of the house of Olodumare were three women. They are the Ìyàmi, who are daughters of Olodumare.

Orunmila knew he would have to get through the three Ìyàmis (women) to Olodumare and be well received.

So Orunmila consulted IFA and was told to make sacrifice in three calabash as gifts to the women. 

Orunmila did as advised and placed the sacrifice at the river where the women bathe. 

When the women saw the gifts, and discovered that they were brought by Orunmila, they were delighted and appreciative.

Because of Orunmila's generosity, when he came to see Olodumare, the three Ìyàmis (women)  gave him free passage and he concluded his mission successfully.

Seeing the great importance and spiritual power of these three women, Orunmila decided to ask their hands in marriage and they accepted.

Òrúnmìlà then gave the law that when anyone gets to the house of any Babalawo, before greeting the Babalawo, the three important women must be greeted first by saying Àbọrú, Àbọyè, Àbọṣíṣẹ .”—Story culled from A Yòrubá Historical Book.

"They" Say YORUBA are cowards Really?

"They" Say YORUBA are cowards Really?

Did you know that the major actors responsible for the Victory of the ill fated civil war were Yorubas (Benjamin Adekunle, Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen Yinka Adebayo, Obafemi Awolowo etc)

Did you know that it was "ONLY" the Yorubas that stood by Ojukwu in his early days in exile despite being a Treasonable felony to do so.

Did you know that "NO" Igbo leader, not even one, had the guts to visit Ojukwu in exile within the first seven years. Only Yoruba 'cowards' like Wole Soyinka, Tai Solarin & co were Brave enough to visit and spend time with him in Abidjan.

Did you know that out of all his contemporaries it was only the Zik of Africa that "Ran" abroad during the political turbulence of late 60s.

Did you know that if Abiola was to be Igbo in the case of June 12th, they won't have gotten Obasanjo.

Did you know that despite the heroic welcome given to Ikemba upon his return from exile, the same people "rejected" him from becoming a senator less than a year after?

Yorubas are not cowards.

We are Compassionate Deep Thinkers who don't do things precipitously and we see way beyond tomorrow & now.

We don't fight wars we can win with "Brains" with hands. We don't make senseless noise just to attract needless attention or sympathy

We are Warriors who use Great Ideas, Intellect and Strategies to fight wars.

We can decide to lose a battle just to win a war.

We are the most Sophisticated Microcosm of this entity called Nigeria.

We are the "Glue" that binds Nigeria together (Happening As I Type).

We are YORUBA'S, Ómo To Ni Ran, Òmo Lua Bi.

 The Descendants of ODUDUWA!.

Follow us on Instagram @proudtobeayoruba to get more updates.

PROFESSOR PETER FATOMILOLA

PROFESSOR PETER FATOMILOLA

Peter Fatomilola was born on 16th January, 1946 at Ifisin, Ido-Osi, a city in Ekiti state, South-western Nigeria to the family of Late Chief Abraham Ojo and Mrs Elizabeth Fatomilola, being the only child of his mother, though his father had several other children. He had his primary education at The Apostolic Primary School, Iwaro-Oke; he went to the modern school at Ilesa and then Ife City Commercial College in 1968 for his secondary education.

Acting, for him, began when he was in primary school. He used to write short plays and direct his friends who were co-actors with him. When he was at the City College, he collaborated with his house master and established a drama group named Ife City Dramatic Society, and he was further sponsored by the schools principal, Adeyera, who donated a bus to the group. 

Peter Fatomilola and his group went about staging plays such as Oluwa LO Mejoo Da, Agbalowomerii: Baale Jontoro, etc. In the course of these tours, in 1970, Peter came in contact with late Professor Ola Rotimi during a festival at Oranmiyan Local Government where he had won the medal as best actor. Prof Ola Rotimi took interest in him, so Peter began to work with him. After his secondary education, Prof Ola Rotimi enrolled him in his own Theatre group  University of Ife Theatre. Peter Fatomilola worked there for ten years before Ola Rotimi left for Port Harcourt. Peter thereafter worked for Wole Soyinka until his retirement.

He is the son of a Chief Ifa Priest, which was believed to influence his herbalist roles in Nigerian Yoruba Film. Peter Fatomilola is a retired academic staff of Obafemi Awolowo University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1978. He was the first person to act the role of  Papa Ajasco, a lead role in a comedy opera produced by Wale Adenuga. He has featured in several notable Nigerian movies including Sango, an epic African movie scripted by Wale Ogunyemi and produced by Obafemi Lasode.

Peter Fatomilola is currently the Head of Ifa Priests in his town. Just recently, he was honoured with a chieftaincy title in Ile-Ife by the Ooni of Ife. Peter Fatomilola is a proud father of over two dozen children who he has successfully trained in their academic endeavours.

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OBA ADEMUAGUN VS PREMIER OBAFEMI AWOLOWO

Ebora Owu needs to read this...

Oba Ademuagun was installed as Deji on the 28th October, 1957. In the same year 1957 he was inducted into the Western House of Chiefs which we know as "Ipade Lobaloba

The incident happened during the very first meeting he attended. All selected Oba in the region attended the meeting with Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was the Premier of the western region. In Ondo province, only five(5) Obas attend the meeting namely; Deji of Akureland, Olowo of Owo, Osemawe of Ondo, Ewi of Ado and Elekole of Ikole

At the meeting, all the Obas were already seated before Awolowo walked in majestically in his usual way. Immediately he arrived, all the Obas stood up except Oba Ademuagun, Ekun oko Eyesorun. The other Obas were surprised, seeing this new and young Oba from Akure seated when Awolowo came in. Awolowo himself was surprised and asked who he was and he replied, "I am the Deji of Akureland, Ademuagun Adesida II."

Awolowo queried his audacity, and Oba Ademuagun responded, "was it polite seeing the likes of Kabiesi Adesoji Aderemi or Alaafin Ladigbolu, who are older than us, standing up for you while you walk in. In London where we both studied law, have you ever heard that someone walked in and the Queen stood up. In fact Queen will enter a venue last. Even if Nigeria system of government is different from theirs, respects must be given to whom it is due. We here, inherited our father's stool and it's only death that can remove us but you, your time on this seat will soon lapse. You got there by thumb and through thumb you shall be removed. Me, Ademuagun will never stand up for you."

He asked those Obas including Oba Akenzua of Benin, to get back to their seats but they couldn't. They were just watching the drama. A serious altercation ensued, after which Oba Ademuagun had to remove his cap(crown), handed it to Awolowo and dared him to put it on if he could so as to prove he deserves the respect he demanded from him. The other Obas took it from Awolowo and before they could turn back Oba Ademuagun had left the venue. Thanks to Olodumare that some omodeowas followed him to the meeting, they had to retrieve the crown and ran after him. The feud between both Icons was later settled here in Akure by Dr Nnamdi Azikwe after many years

He exercised his bravery before Awolowo, maybe because he was a lawyer who knows law like him

Olori Asake Adebola Adesida, the then Eyesorun witnessed this and Regent Adesida Adebusola Alice confirmed it

Respect to Akure Deji

The omo Owa Omo Ekun laafin

Iku pa ni han da're

@Richard Afolayan

NO BE TODAY WICKEDNESS BY RECORD LABELS START

NO BE TODAY WICKEDNESS BY RECORD LABELS START

The Story of the Epic Battle Between King Sunny Ade and Chief Bolarinwa Abioro

It was in 1974 that the news broke. Chief Bolarinwa Abioro, the Balogun of Ipokia, the Chairman of African Songs Limited, had taken his star musician to court! Everyone who knew #KSA knew Abioro. Everyone who knew #Abioro knew Sunday Adeniyi. #Sunny was the son. Abioro was the father. What could have gone wrong between father and son?

KSA was the second artiste to be signed on to the stable of African Songs Limited. Ayinde Bakare was the first. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was the third. Like most creative people, young Sunny Ade was more concern about his passion and less concern about the business aspect of music. His passion was to play music and to excel as a musician.

It was enough that Abioro – one of the biggest men in the music industry at the time – was ready to promote him. They brought documents for Sunny and his band boys to sign. They called it a contract. It could have been called any other name for all that KSA cared. Won ni ko wa je saara, o ni ojo ti wonu ju. Se ata ni won ni ko mu wa ni, abi iyo. You are invited to a free feast, you are complaining about the short notice, are they asking you to bring salt or pepper? Sunny Ade and his boys didn’t hesitate. It is doubtful if any of them read what the contract said. The most important thing was that they were going to become recording artistes. Sunny signed. His band boys signed. Everybody was happy.

The contract was for 5 years. However before its expiration, KSA had become a household name. His album, Challenge Cup, sold in excess of 500,000 copies. It was certain that King Sunny Ade was going to dominate the music scene for a very long time to come. African Songs Ltd knew a good product when it saw one. The management of the company didn’t wait for the first contract to expire before they brought a new contract.

The new agreement was carefully worded. KSA and his band boys agreed to perform and record exclusively for ASL for a period of five years. ASL had full copyrights to all compositions and recordings of Sunny Ade. ASL was entitled to the sole right of production, reproduction, and use of King Sunny Ade’s performance throughout the world. That was not all. During the period of the agreement, KSA was prohibited from rendering any performance whatsoever to himself, any company or group of persons. The contract also stipulated that ASL had the option to renew the agreement at its expiration for a further term of two years or for any longer period. Sunny Ade had no such right.

That was not all. On the sale of every album which price was then fixed at N6.00, KSA and his boys were entitled to a princely sum of 20 kobo. Yes, you read that right. African Songs would go home with the remaining N5. 80 kobo. Onigegewura’s mathematics has never been good. He is just an amateur historian. You can do the sum yourself.

Still basking in the euphoria of his growing fame, Sunny gratefully signed again. His band boys signed. 20 kobo was still something. Orogun iya re da sokoto fun o, o ni ko bale, melo ni iya to bi o da fun o? You are complaining that the trousers made for you by your step-mother was not long enough, where is the one your own mother made for you? They were expecting their 20 kobo royalty on every album. Well, when the time came for actual payment, it was then discovered that mathematically and arithmetically, it was not supposed to be 20 kobo. They had not factored the cost of publicity and promotion! And since it was the artiste that was being promoted, he must be the one to bear the cost! After the addition and subtraction, Sunny was given 15 kobo per album.

KSA was not Chike Obi, the mathematician. But he knew that 20 kobo and 15 kobo were not the same thing. Compared with his contemporaries in the music industry, KSA realized that he was holding the short end of the stick. His colleague, Baba Commander, Chief Ebenezer Obey was earning as high as 70 kobo per album. Others were earning between 35 kobo and 60 kobo.

That was when Sunny decided to ask Chief Abioro for a raise of the royalty payment. The chairman listened patiently to KSA and his colleagues. He was nodding as they canvassed one reason after another why a raise was in order. When they finished, Chief Abioro flipped open a file he had on his table. He brought out a bundle of documents. Even from where he was seated across the table, Sunny saw that it was a copy of the contract he signed. “An agreement is an agreement. It is a binding contract!” The chief informed them. “This is what you signed. This is what you are entitled to! No more, No less.” He returned the documents to the file. Case dismissed.

But Sunny was not done. “Chief, this is not about contract. You are our father. Our request is for adequate compensation! Let’s leave the contract aside.” Chief Abioro looked at the young star the way a parent looks at a child asking for another candy. “Leave the contract aside? We should leave the contract aside?” The chairman asked incredulously. “You know, it would be nice to leave the contract aside. But you know what? That would be illegal!”

Haba! Illegality ke! . It was then that someone brought up the idea of requesting some of his friends to plead their case. Sunny agreed. After all, Eni ti o mo oju Ogun, ni pa obi ni ‘re. It is the person who is conversant with Ogun, the god of iron, that is usually given the duty to administer its rites. They went to meet Prince Okunade Sijuwade who would later become the Ooni of Ife. They also met with Chief Afolabi Joseph. Even Chief Ebenezer Obey was also requested to intervene as well as Chief Nurudeen Alowonle.

The eminent persons appeared in the court of the Balogun of Ipokia as ‘amici curiae’ on behalf of the musicians. Amici curiae are lawyers invited by the judge(s) to assist in filling briefs that may be helpful to the court in deciding a case. Our eminent persons argued their case like experienced advocates. They cited relevant sections of the unwritten Yoruba constitution. They cited Yoruba proverbs. They made reference to the story of Oduduwa. The presiding chairman listened to their submissions and summarily dismissed the case. Contract is contract!

Chief did not only dismiss the request for a raise. He opened another file on his table and brought out a new set of documents. Your guess is right! A new five-year contract! By now, Sunny Ade had learnt enough law. He had become a professional mathematician. He had obtained his Master of Business Administration from practical experience. He knew the implication of putting pen to paper. He applied for an adjournment.

The King of African Beats found himself in a quandary. His new songs were ready but Chief had threatened not to release any new album until he signed the new contract. And KSA was not ready to sign any new contract until the issue of royalty was resolved.

KSA remembered his grandmother’s proverb. Ti abiku ba gbon ogbon ati ku ni igba erun, iya abiku a gbon ogbon ati sin oku e si etido. If an abiku decided to die during the dry season when he knew that the ground would be hard to dig, his parents would also decide to bury him by the riverside where the ground would not be hard to dig.

Sunny Ade decided to release his record with another company. His plan was to use the album to bargain for a better deal with African Songs. Instead of the measly 20 kobo, he was confident that the chairman would be ready to pay him at least N1.00 per copy. The album was recorded in Nigeria but taken to London for mixing. What Sunny Ade did not know was that Chief Abioro was a master at the game. Before Sunny could get a copy of his own album, Chief Abioro was already in possession of the new record.

Baba Ibeji was composing fresh materials at home when the court bailiffs arrived. They served him with an order of interim injunction! The court order was as comprehensive as it was broad. Sunny Ade was prohibited from sale, distribution, marketing, dealing, etc. etc. of the record. He read the order again. Even without being a lawyer, he knew the implication of the document he was holding.

With palpable emotion, his mind went back to how he came to Lagos from Abeokuta with only one shilling and eighteen pence! He remembered his years with Baba Sala. He recalled how he got stranded with Baba Sala’s travelling theatre in Jebba and Kano. How he did not see his mother for two years whilst he suffered to make it as a musician. He recalled how his first album sold only 13 copies. Now when he was at the threshold of success, this court order! With grim determination, he knew he couldn’t afford to quit.

He remembered his first day at Oshodi when he missed his way trying to locate Moses Olaiya’s house and how he was directed instead to Dr. Victor Olaiya at Tinubu. He recalled how he knelt down in the dust of Oshodi to pray. Immediately he knew what he must do. Sunny went down on his knees and with an emotional voice, he prayed and prayed. It was not the Sunday Adeniyi that knelt down to pray that stood up. He had become empowered. He had become emboldened. That same evening, he established his own label.

Sunny Alade Records was born! He didn’t bother to sit down again. He remembered the threat of Chief Abioro to bring him down at all cost. He needed a lawyer who knew his law and who would be prepared to fight his cause against the Magnate. He went off in search of Gani Fawehinmi.

Gani collected the court papers and looked at the claims. He looked at his client. He looked again at the claims. Chief Abioro was not leaving anything to chance. He knew what he wanted from the court. His lawyer had read the agreement between African Songs Limited and Sunday Adeniyi.

Chief Abioro wanted only four things from the court: a declaration that the agreement between ASL and Sunday Adeniyi and his boys was still subsisting; an injunction restraining Sunny Ade from distributing or selling the record; an account of all sales of the record; and N1 million for breach of contract.

I hope you are not sneering at the N1 million as being ‘chicken change’. Remember this was in 1974. The price of a brand new Volkswagen Beetle car was about N500 at that time. N1 million in 1974 was a princely sum!

On the day of the trial, the court was filled to capacity. Gani Fawehinmi was armed with every conceivable legal authority. The law books he brought to the court were more than enough to open a library. There were books on Contract. There were books on Human Rights. There were volumes on Intellectual Property. Gani even brought some books on Slave Trade.

The first application Gani brought before the court was for an order to compel African Songs to produce its statement of account over the preceding three years. The court granted the order. It was discovered that the company was making almost N900,000 every year from the sale of Sunny Ade Records. It was also discovered that the total sum that KSA received was N62,000 in the almost ten years he was with the company. How can you be asking me what is 900,000 divided by 62,000? I have told you that I’m not a mathematician. Please don’t ask me about percentages or fractions.

Gani did not forget to raise the issue of how 20kobo became 15 kobo. He also cross examined Chief Abioro at length on the onerous terms contained in the contract. Gani put it to the chief that the contract was in restraint of trade and that it was therefore null and void as it amounted to colonization of King Sunny Ade, a free citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a citizen of the Commonwealth!

My Lord Justice L. J. Dosunmu listened patiently to the parties. His Lordship also asked the witnesses some probing cases. The court thereafter adjourned the matter to February 14, 1975 for judgment. It did not even occur to the King of African Beats that the day was St. Valentine’s Day. His only preoccupation was to find out the direction in which the pendulum of justice was going to swing.

On February 14, people started arriving at the court as early as 7am. The court officials had hectic time controlling the mammoth crowd that had come to court to witness the historic decision. In His Lordship’s judgment, Justice Dosunmu held that although some of the terms of the contract were stringent, that was not a ground for holding the contract invalid. In effect, the contract between ASL and KSA was therefore valid. As the court pronounced on the validity of the contract, Sunny looked at his lawyer. Gani signaled to him to be calm, the court had only resolved one issue out of four.

With regard to the second claim, the court held that since the records in question had been distributed all over Nigeria, there was no way the court could order them to be recalled. The court therefore refused to restrain Sunny Ade and his marketer, M. Ola Kazim from distributing the album. A tiny smile crossed Sunny’s face.

You recall that Chief Abioro was asking for N1,000,000 as damages for breach of contract. The court ruled that for recording with another company during the subsistence of the contract, Sunny Ade was liable. He was asked to pay N300! Yes, Three Hundred Naira! From N1,000,000 to N300! Sunny smiled for the first time.

The court having found that the contract was still subsisting, KSA was ordered not to release another album pending the expiration of the contract with Chief Abioro’s company, which was due in six months. Six months! What am I going to be eating? Sunny thought. Apparently, this was the only part of the judgment that Anti Wura, Buroda Alani’s third wife must have heard, and heard wrongly too! As if reading Sunny Ade’s mind, Justice Dosunmu said he realized that Sunny Ade would need to eat and feed his family in the six months that the contract had to run. His Lordship therefore held that the injunction was limited to only recording of albums and that Sunny Ade was free to do live performances for fees. His Lordship said that this was in order to avoid a situation where the King of Music would starve or be compelled to go back to Chief Abioro.

The Judge had hardly risen before King Sunny Ade jumped up to hug his counsel. He was free! He gave Gani a bear hug. He had learnt his lesson. Creativity and Business must go hand in hand. Years later, the King of Music recalled: “The lesson I learnt from the episode is that if an artiste is churning out hit records, he needs to keep an eye on the business side of things. If not, he would be in a mess.

(c) Written and copyrighted by Onigegewura

EKITI PEACEDAY. (KIRIJI MEMORIAL FESTIVAL)

#EKITIPEACEDAY

(KIRIJI MEMORIAL FESTIVAL)

24 NAMES OF PERSONALITIES THAT

SIGNED THE YORUBA PEACE TREATY OF SEPTEMBER 23,1886 A.D

The following were those that signed the peace treaty:

1.Adeyemi, The Alafin of Oyo

2.Ajayi,Balogun, Ibadan

3.Osuntoki,Maye, Ibadan

4.Fijabi,Abese, Ibadan

5.Fajinmi,Agbakin, Ibadan

6.Tahajo,Otun Bale, Ibadan

7.Agunloye, Owa Ilesa

 8.Okinbaloye, Oore, Otun-Ekiti

 9.Oyiyosoye,Ajero, Ijero-Ekiti

 10.Odundun Olayisade,Olojudo, Ido-Ekiti 

11.Ogedengbe, Seriki, Ilesa

12.Derin Ologbenla, Ooni-elect,Ife

13. Awotionde ,Obalufe, Ife

14.Oramuyiwa, Obajiwo, Ife

15.Akintola ,Obaloran, Ife

16.Osundalu, Ajaruwa, Ife

17.Jojo, Arode, Ife

18.Aworinlo, Arisaure, Ife

19.Oga, Balogun, Ife

20.Ogunwole ,Ogunsua, Modakeke

21.Sowo, for Balogun, Modakeke

22.Ayanleye, for Ogunsua, Modakeke

23.Aboki ,Awujale, Ijebu 

24.Onafowokan, Balogun, Ijebu

Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of the undersigned, after the terms and conditions therein, contained had been interpreted and explained by us, or one of us to the respective signatories.

(Signed) Samuel Johnson, Clerk in Holy Orders, Messenger and Interpreter for the Governor, (Signed) Charles Phillips, Clerk in Holy Orders, Messenger and Interpreter for the Governor.

Date: Thursday, September 23rd,1886 A.D

At the Kirijimesin Battlefield.

 #EkitiPeaceDay #KirijiMemorial #September23

SHODEKE PROCLAIMED

Ki Sodeke to fi aiye sile 

O fi ohun sile lo

Pe ki ogun maja Ilewo

Ki ogun maja Ijemo

Igbati Sodeke fi aiye sile

Ogun ja Ilewo ogun ja Ijemo

O ko gbogbo ara Ake da sehin odi

Before Sodeke's death, he proclaimed that there would not be an outbreak of war in the two Egba towns of Ilewo and Ijemo. But after the demise of Sodeke, war-ravaged both Ilewo and Ijemo, and the Ake people were displaced contrary to Sodeke's foretelling. 

Sodeke was regarded as the founder of Abeokuta. He was considered to be clairvoyant and had foreseen the coming of Henry Townsend the British missionary in 1843 the visitation which Sodeke had seen in his dream a few days earlier. Apart from being a sort of soothsayer, Sodeke was a farmer and warrior and he took credit for winning many victories for the Egbas before he eventually settled them down under the Egba rock now known as Abeokuta.

Sodeke died in January 1845 and the entire Egbas came together to mourn him in Abeokuta.

The above Yoruba chants were rendered in the songs of Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Lefty Salami when the two artists were serenading their Egba-born patrons, and I began to unravel the interpretation of the story to no avail. I am hoping one Egba historian would help to shed light on this intriguing but hidden Egba history. 

(C) Soa Olaribigbe

OLOWE OF ISE EKITI

OLOWE OF ISE EKITI

The man in this photograph lived in the last century. He was born by a slave mother in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State and sent later to serve as a servant in the palace of Arinjale of lse Ekiti.

That was where he developed his talent as a carver. He made his name as a renowned carver of doors, veranda posts and decorative pillars in the palaces of Ekiti and Akoko.

His fame has however gone afield to the rest of the world. I once viewed the exhibition of his works at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC and I was awed.

Baba Olowe was a great carver and his works are incredible and have been celebrated all over the world by art critics.

A critic said this of him: "Olowe of lse, became a widely celebrated artist for his virtuosity of invention and design developed through the production of a range of notable and important royal commissions in the early 20th century."

Oddly enough he is not even known, remembered or recognized in his home Ekiti State. Most of his works which survived are now held in museums and private collections in America and Europe.

Understanding Ẹdan Ògbóni ..

Understanding Ẹdan Ògbóni 

Ògbóni; Ògbóràn 

Erelú; Àbíyè

Eríwo yà!; À yà gbó, À yà tó! 

The old ones; Increase with age.  Titled female elders; May children be born to live

The Lord of secrets, descend!; For longevity and prosperity!

Ẹdan Ògbóni is a pair of male and female brass figures with iron stems, usually joined at the top by an iron chain. It is an emblem of membership in the Ògbóni society, which wielded considerable political, judicial, and religious powers among the Yoruba in precolonial times and still does, to some extent, today. 

In the past the society (known as Òṣùgbó among the Ẹ̀gbá and Ìjẹ̀bú Yorùbá) functioned as a town council, a civic court, and an electoral college for selecting a new king and dethroning a bad or unpopular one. It imposed curfews in times of crisis and also executed serious offenders.

Much of the society's authority derives from its role as the vital link between the community and the Earth that sustains it. Membership, which brings power and prestige, is restricted to a few individuals who have attained distinction in their professions and have proven to be people of high integrity and mature judgment. 

In the course of participating in various deliberations, a member gains considerable insights into human nature as well as local politics, traditional lore, religion, and philosophy. Above all, membership provides access to certain knowledge and powers for coping with the vicissitudes of life. 

Free-standing versions of the ẹdan pair (see examples below) are called Onílé (Owner of the house) and, sometimes, Onílẹ̀ (Owner of the land). They represent the earth deity on special altars inside the Ògbóni lodge, witnessing the secret proceedings of the society to enforce confidentiality, fair play, and self-discipline. Regardless of size, an altarpiece is considered more powerful than ẹdan because of the sacred substances used in consecrating it. 

In essence, the Ògbóni venerates the Earth (Ilẹ̀) to ensure human survival, peace, happiness, and social stability in the community. The desire for longevity and well-being is evident in the choice of brass (idẹ) for the figures and iron (irin) for the stem of ẹdan. Brass is distinctive for its luster and permanence. Moreover, it is sacred to and attracts the blessings of Ọ̀ṣun, the river goddess associated with health, wealth, beauty, and fertility. Iron, on the other hand, is sacred to Ogún, the deity of valour creative energy, industry, hunting, and warfare. 

Although it rusts easily if abandoned or buried in the ground, iron is durable when treated, sheathed, or kept in frequent use. One of the strongest metals, it is fabricated into different hardware for hammering, cutting, securing, bracing, and other purposes. The iron stem reinforces the brass figures of ẹdan, indicating the strength, vigour, and "cutting edge" one needs not only to succeed in life but also to live to ripe old age. 

This symbolism echoes in the Ògbóni catchword Ogbódirin! ("Age, and still be strong like iron!"), a nickname for Ọbàlùfọ̀n, one of the ancient kings of Ilé-Ifẹ̀ credited with introducing the art of brasscasting to the city and reputed to have lived for more than a century. The enduring and dynamic qualities of brass and iron thus buttress the talismanic functions of ẹdan, inspiring the following incantation: 

Ẹdan never dies, ẹdan never decomposes 

The vulture never dies young... 

Never shall we hear that Olódùmarè is dead 

Old age abides in ẹdan 

May I grow old, and be blessed 

For a long time will the feet walk on the land. 

 

Reference:

Culled from: African Arts, Vol. 28, No. 1 (Winter, 1995), pp. 36-49+98-100 (Author: Babatunde Lawal) 

Images credits: 

The University of Iowa Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Olobe Yoyon

A model for a Yoruba nation, borrowing from our past to build our future...

OLOOLU: THE FATHER OF ALL MASQUERADES IN YORUBA LAND....

OLOOLU: THE FATHER OF ALL MASQUERADES IN YORUBA LAND. 

Recalling the history and importance of one of the greatest masquerades in Ibadan and Yorubaland as a whole, the head of Aje family in Ode Aje, Ibadan, where the Oloolu masquerade originated, Chief Oyerinde, disclosed that their great forefather, Ayo̩rinde Aje, who was a warrior along with Ogunmo̩la, Ajayi Ogbori-e̩fo̩n, Ibikunle, O̩de̩rinde, O̩de̩rinlo̩ went on a war expedition in O̩gbagi in Akoko local government in Ondo State and Oloolu was a great war masquerade in that town and was so powerful such that no one could confront him during the war. 

”Nobody could defeat Oloolu during that war but it was our father, Ayo̩rinde Aje that fought him and removed his regalia and costumes, before he was brought to Ibadan as a slave. 

His eyes caught the Egungun’s outfit that attracted him. But as he moved towards the shrine where the outfit was kept, the war captive warned Aje Ayo̩rinde not to go near it because it could put his life in jeopardy. 

Hence the name Oloolu, that is, O-LU-NKAN, meaning ‘you will put your life in peril. Ayo̩rinde took the advice but ordered his captive to take the outfit along with him back to Ibadan. He also ordered the wife of the captive to accompany her husband to Ibadan. The woman refused. In his annoyance, Ayo̩rinde beheaded her and ordered the captured husband to carry the woman’s head along to Ibadan in addition to the Oloolu outfit. 

That woman’s head is what is permanently placed on the masquerade. It is the original one. It is because of the head that every woman is barred from setting eyes on the Oloolu. Any woman who sees the real Oloolu – not his pictures – will surely die. It is also true that the first person the Ololu sees on his first day in an annual Egungun festival will die. The Olubadan usually warns the populace to take precautions. 

During an ancient time in Ibadan, there was famine, ill-health and crisis in the land and all the elders and chiefs were looking for a way out, that was how Ayo̩rinde Aje suggested that Oloolu should carry the rituals to appease the gods, immediately he carried the rituals, there was rain and everything got back to normal in Ibadan. 

Oloolu helped Ibadan to be what it is today. Since then anybody that is the head of the Aje family becomes the custodian of Oloolu masquerade. 

No other Egungun must be seen on the streets whenever the Oloolu is out. That Egungun will certainly perish. During the reign of Olubadan Dada, and Egungun called Ipo̩nri-Iku tried it, I was then a small boy, quoted Chief Oyerinde. "Ipo̩nri-Iku came out on the same day the Oloolu was out. He challenged the Oloolu to do his worst. 

Oloolu then dropped a special cowry on the ground and challenged Ipo̩nri-Iku to pick it up. Ipo̩nri-Iku bent down to pick the cowry. He could not. His backbone was broken instantly. Ipo̩nri-Iku could no longer stand up. 

His followers had to carry him home. Ipo̩nri-Iku died on the same day. Since that day, no other Egungun has dared to challenge the Oloolu". 

According to Chief Oyerinde, ”any area in Ibadan where the people try to fight the Oloolu anytime he is out, such areas will continue to experience bloodshed, and that is what is happening in Opopo Yeo̩sa area till date, because they tried to beat Oloolu there sometimes ago. 

Oloolu is so great that he gives the barren children, he provides for the needy, he prospers business among other good things he can give an individual who is ready to serve him” 

The Oloolu masquerade is an individual masquerade. It has its unique attire which looks like an elongated pyramid made from different pieces of clothes and a net. 

The most bizarre piece of the Oloolu masquerade is that it has the skull of a woman as its crown. As the Oloolu dances round the city in its strange rhythm with a female skull dangling on its head, the bearer proudly displays the human bone while accompanying the dreaded cult figure. 

The bearer of Oloolu must not wear shoes nor carry any kind of load on his head. Also, he must not go to bed with any of his wives 30 days before coming out. 

In fact, a few days before the festival opens, all females must vacate his compound and return after the Oloolu festival is over. Besides, he must not carry a child on his shoulders with his feet slung round his neck.‎ 

Of all the Egunguns worshipped in Ibadan and probably in all of Yorubaland, none is as dreaded as the Egungun Oloolu (Oloolu Masquerade). 

This cult figure is believed to have immense supernatural powers and one of these is the ability to mysteriously kill the first person, man or woman who sets his or her eyes on the Oloolu (in his weird costume which is usually kept inside its own special shrine).

MY WIFE AND I

My wife is a CEO, she always hates me for being lazy and wants to divorce me. But she doesn't know that her success is bestowed by me.

"Dustin, here is the divorce agreement prepared by Ms. Nicholson, please sign it."

In the president's office of the Quine Group, Lyra Blaine, the secretary, placed a piece of paper on the table. A man sat opposite her, dressed in plain clothing.

"Divorce? What do you mean?"

"Your marriage with Ms. Nicholson is over. You're not even on the same level anymore. Your existence is nothing but a smear on our CEO's reputation!"

"A smear on her reputation?" Dustin frowned. "Is that what she thinks of me?"

Dahlia Nicholson and Dustin Rhys had been married for three years. After Dahlia's meteoric rise to success, she was about to abandon Dustin as a burden and filed for divorce. Unbeknownst to her, everything she had ever achieved was actually bestowed by him.

Back when they first got married, the Nicholson family was in ruinous debt. He was the one who helped them when they were at their rock bottom. Now that they became rich, Dahlia Nicholson was ready to kick him out.

With the sound of the door opening, a pair of enchanting high heels came into his view.

"You're finally here."

Dustin felt complicated when he saw the beautiful woman. They had been married for three years, during which they treated each other with care and respect. But this was how it ended. He still didn't know what he had done wrong.

"I'm sorry for being late, I was caught up with something else."

Dahlia Nicholson sat down. Her expression was as impassive as ever.

"You certainly are busy, if you need your secretary to help you deal with your divorce," Dustin said.

Hearing this, Dahlia frowned slightly. However, she did not explain herself. Instead, she said, "Since you're here, let's end it on a pleasant note. You can have the car, the house, and 8 million dollars as alimony. How does that sound?"

At that, she placed a card on the table.

"Do you really think our relationship can be measured by money?" Dustin asked.

"Too little? That's alright. Let me know what you want. I'll give you anything within my power," Dahlia said placidly.

"Are money and power that important to you?" Dustin was truly bewildered.

"Dustin, that's where you and I diverge in philosophy. You'll never understand what I really want." Dahlia shook her head in disappointment. 

"You're right." Dustin nodded without any emotion. "I heard that you've been close with the heir of the Nolan family. Is it because of him?"

Dahlia was about to deny it when she gave it a second thought. In the end, she nodded.

"You can say that."

"Okay. I hope you're happy with him." Dustin smiled and signed the divorce agreement without any more hesitation. All he felt now was disappointment. Ironically, today was also their wedding anniversary. There was cruel humor in divorcing him on the day they had gotten married.

"I don't want the money, I just want that crystal necklace back. My mother left it to me before she died so that I can give it to my wife."

"Okay."

Dahlia nodded and gave him the necklace.

"From today on, we will have nothing to do with each other!"

Dustin put on the necklace and left. He had no more gentleness in his expression, all that was left was distant aloofness.

"Did I do the right thing, Lyra?" Dahlia asked hesitantly.

"Of course you did!" Lyra nodded. " Dustin does not deserve you at all. You're destined to be the most powerful woman in Swinton!"

Dahlia did not answer her. As she watched Dustin leave, she felt as if she was losing something precious.

Chapter 2

In the elevator, Dustin stared at the crystal necklace dejectedly. It was time to awaken from this prolonged daydream.

Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking him out of his trance. 

A familiar voice raised, "Mr. Rhys, I'm Hunter Anderson from the Swinton Group. I heard that today is your wedding anniversary with Ms. Nicholson, so I've prepared a gift for you. I'm just wondering if you have any time today?"

"Thank you for your kindness, but I'm afraid we won't need the gift any more," Dustin said. 

"Why?"

Hunter could sense something wrong.

"Is there anything else you'd like to talk about, Mr. Anderson?"

"Actually, yes." Hunter cleared his throat awkwardly. "I've got a friend who contracted a strange illness. He's seen a lot of doctors, but none of them could do anything about it. I was hoping that you could help."

"Mr. Anderson, you know my rules."

"Of course! I'm sincere in my request. My friend owns some canscora, which I remember you were looking for. I'm sure he'll be willing to part with it if you help him," Hunter said.

"Is it true?" Dustin asked seriously.

"Yes, it is!"

"Alright, then I'll be willing to take a look." Dustin immediately agreed.

He wasn't interested in money or jewels, but rather some rare plants, as he needed them to save lives.

"Thank you, Mr. Rhys! I'll send someone to pick you up immediately!" Hunter smiled in relief. 

As the CEO of the Swinton Group and one of the Mighty Three of Swinton, Hunter acted exceptionally timid in front of Dustin.

"Great, one more done, five to go. I should have enough time," Dustin muttered to himself. His mood was lifted a little by this news.

With a ding, the elevator doors opened. As soon as he stepped out of the building, he saw two familiar figures walking to him. It was Dahlia's mother and brother, Florence Franklin and James Nicholson.

"Mom, ..." Dustin greeted.

"Did you and Dahlia get divorced?" Florence did not waste any breath.

"Yes, we did." Dustin gave her a forced smile. "It's not Dahlia's fault, it's mine. Don't blame her."

However, hearing this, Florence snorted coldly.

"Of course it's your problem. I know my daughter well. If you hadn't done anything wrong, why would she divorce you?"

Dustin was stunned. What was this? Victim blaming?

"Mom, stop wasting time." Suddenly, James stepped forward. "Listen, Rhys. I don't care whether you divorce my sister or not, but you're giving me all the money you got from her."

"Money? What money?" Dustin was flabbergasted.

"Stop feigning ignorance! My sister gave you 8 million dollars as alimony!" James said coldly.

"That's my daughter's money! Give it back!" Florence stretched out her hand in demand.

"I didn't take any money from her," Dustin denied. 

"Do you take us as idiots?" James did not believe him.

"Rhys, you'd better be tactful. Don't make me angry!" Florence warned.

"You can ask Dahlia if you don't believe me." Dustin did not want to explain himself any further.

James dove straight into Dustin's pockets.

Florence followed suit.

"Mom, do you have to do this?" Dustin frowned.

Florence spat on the ground in disgust.

"Who are you calling Mom? Who do you think you are?" As she spoke, she continued searching Dustin's pockets.

After some time, they didn't find what they wanted.

"Did he really not take it?" James said, displeased.

Suddenly, he spied Dustin's crystal necklace and pulled it off roughly.

"Isn't this my sister's necklace? Why is it here? You steal it?" James demanded.

"This is the Rhys family heirloom. Give it back!" Dustin said, expression darkened.

"A family heirloom? Does this mean that this is valuable?" James'eyes lit up. 

"Then it can be your repayment for these three years that you've been living with us. Let's go!" Florence gave her son a look and prepared to leave.

"Stop!" Dustin grabbed James'wrist. "Give me back the necklace!"

Seeing that he had no chance of freeing himself from Dustin, James threw the necklace onto the ground. With a crisp clink, the crystal necklace broke into pieces. Dustin blanched. This was the only thing he had to remember his mother by.

"How dare you lay your hands on me! I'd rather break it than give it back to you!" James said as he rubbed his sore wrist.

Dustin clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles popped. His eyes were red with anger.

"Screw you!" Outburst, Dustin punched James in the face.

James was punched so hard that he spun back uncontrollably before falling to the ground. He was so dizzy that couldn't stand up.

"Let me teach you manners!" Dustin grabbed him by hair and lifted him. Then, he punched him several times.

James' face soon turned bloody from the punches.

"How dare you hit my son!" Florence screamed as she tried to help her son.

"Get off!" Dustin turned and glared at her. The glare was so intense that Florence froze in her tracks.

Chapter 3

"Get off!"

Those two words were enough to scare Florence motionless. 

When she finally got her wits back, Florence began screaming, "Help! He's murdering my son!" 

Soon, the Quine Group's security guards gathered around them.

"What happened, Mrs. Nicholson?" The head of the security guards recognized Florence and stood at her side immediately.

"Tom! Lock this guy up at once!" Florence yelled.

Just as they were about to act, a voice sounded.

"What do you think you're doing?"

A curvaceous woman in a silver dress barged into the crowd with her bodyguards. With her lips painted a fiery red, she was stunningly beautiful. Every move she made was alluring.

"She's gorgeous!"

The security guards stared at her dumbly. 

"Mr. Rhys, are you okay?"

The woman ignored the looks and headed straight toward Dustin.

"Who are you?"

Dustin narrowed his eyes at her, his anger dissipating.

"Nice to meet you, my name is Natasha Harmon. Mr. Anderson sent me here," the woman said with a smile. 

"Natasha Harmon? Is she the heiress of the Harmon family?"

"Oh, my God! Why is she here?"

Natasha Harmon was a well-known name around the city. She was pretty, influential, and smart. At 22 years old, she had already gained control of the Harmon Group and built her own business empire within five years. 

"Ah, it's you."

Dustin nodded.

He had heard of Natasha before, but he hadn't expected her to be involved with Hunter.

"Mr. Rhys, please wait in the car. I'll deal with this." 

Natasha snapped her fingers. Behind her, her four bodyguards whipped out their batons and advanced toward the crowd. The security guards back off.

"After you, Mr. Rhys."

Seeing that no one else dared to move, Natasha smiled and held out a hand to lead Dustin to the car. Without a word, Dustin picked up the pieces of his necklace and left with Natasha. No one dared to stop him.

"What's wrong? Why did you just let them go?" Florence yelled when she realized what was happening.

None of them dared to lay a finger on Natasha.

The security guards looked at each other, not daring to speak. 

"What happened?"

Dahlia and Lyra came out to see what the commotion was.

"Dahlia! You're here! Look at how badly your brother's been beaten up!"

As soon as Florence saw her, she began to cry, as if she was the one who had been beaten up.

"What happened? Who did this?"

Seeing her brother's wounds, Dahlia's expression became chilly.

"It's that Dustin!" Florence cried. "We met him just now. James picked up a crystal necklace that he dropped and tried to give it back to him, but he tried to turn it around and said that your brother stole it from him. After some argument, he beat up James! My poor James, he just did what he thought was right. What has he done to deserve this?"

She began crying harder.

"Dustin?" Dahlia frowned.

After three years of marriage, she knew Dustin's personality well. He was normally calm and collected and rarely lost his temper. He wouldn't just beat someone up for no reason.

"Look at your brother! Is the truth not clear enough? If you don't believe me, ask the security guards. They saw everything!" Saying this, Florence gave the security guards a look.

"Ms. Nicholson, your mother is right."

The head of security understood his assignment perfectly.

"You hear that? I'm not wronging that person!" He even has a new woman now!"

Hearing this, Dahlia frowned. Could Dustin really do such a thing? Maybe he was furious about the divorce and wanted to exact revenge on her through her brother. If so, then she had to admit that she had misjudged him!

 

Chapter 4

"Mom, take James to the hospital. I'll deal with this."

"What do you think, Lyra?"

Dahlia rubbed her temples. She felt a headache coming on.

"It's obvious, isn't it? It was Dustin who assaulted them first. The security guards were witnesses, so that can't be a lie," Lyra said.

"But my mother's not exactly an honest person…" Dahlia began. She knew her mother and brother well. They were a hot-tempered and ruthless duo.

"Either way, it's still wrong for him to throw the first punch!" Lyra said righteously. 

Dahlia's frown deepened along with her doubts. Lyra was right. It would seem like her decision to divorce him was right.

She took out her phone and called Dustin. At the same time, Dustin was sitting in a silver Bentley and frowned when he saw the call coming in. Despite his reluctance, he still picked up the call.

"Dustin, I need an explanation!" Dahlia demanded. "Are you taking revenge on my family just because I divorced you?"

Hearing this, Dustin was taken aback. He hadn't expected Dahlia to be so aggressive. She hadn't even stopped to listen to what he had to say. After three years of marriage, she was treating him as if he was a mere stranger, or worse.

"Dustin, I'll give you another chance. Go to the hospital right now and apologize to James, and I'll pretend that nothing happened. Otherwise…"

"Otherwise what?" Dustin retorted. "Are you going to call the police on me, or hire someone to take me out?"

"Dustin! Are you really going to throw away my goodwill?" Dahlia snapped.

"Goodwill? Are you sure it's goodwill?"

"You…" Dahlia's retort was cut off as Dustin hung up.

She almost threw out her phone in anger. Dahlia had always been good at hiding her true emotions. It was one of the reasons why she had managed to get to where she was today. But right now, she was having a little trouble in that regard.

"How rude of him." Lyra was about to say more when Dahlia stopped her.

"That's enough of this. I need to work on more important matters, like the charity ball with the Harmon family."

"The charity ball? Has that got anything to do with our partners?"

"That's right. I just received news that the Harmon family has shortlisted the Quine Group. If we do well at this ball, we could be the Harmon family's next partners!"

"That's great! I'll go make the arrangements right now!"

...

After hanging up the call, Dustin arrived at Swinton Primary Hospital. Natasha brought him into a VIP ward, where an old man was laying on the bed, looked dying. Several doctors surrounded him, but none of them looked optimistic.

"Natasha! You're finally here!"

Suddenly, a young woman ran up to them. She was the second daughter of the Harmon family, Ruth Harmon, and the old man on the bed was Andrew Harmon, her grandfather.

"Ms. Harmon, we've already done everything we could." a doctor said helplessly.

"Mr. Rhys will take over." Natasha said coldly.

"Mr. Rhys?"

Dustin looked too young to be a good doctor.

To be frank, she wasn't quite sure about Dustin either, but if Hunter recommended him, then he had to have his merits.

"Could Mr. Anderson have been conned?" Ruth still looked doubtful. "Hey, you, are you really a doctor?"

"I know a little about medicine," Dustin replied.

"Just a little?" Ruth pouted. 

"I won't believe in you unless you can prove to me," Ruth said with her head held high.

"How?" Dustin asked nonchalantly.

"Tell me what ails me. If you're correct, then I'll believe in you!"

"Really? Show me your tongue," Dustin said.

Ruth did as he said.

After a quick look, Dustin said without any hesitation, "Your hormones are imbalanced, so you should be experiencing irregular periods and migraines. You're also showing some signs of food poisoning, which has affected your digestive system. You've been having diarrhea, haven't you? Oh, another thing, you have hemorrhoids…"

The more he spoke, the tenser Ruth became.

 

Chapter 5

"How did you know that?"

Ruth's eyes almost bulged out of her head. Everything from the migraines to diarrhea was spot on. 

"There's a lot you can tell about a person just by looking at them," Dustin said nonchalantly.

"Do you believe him now, Ruth?" Natasha smiled. At the same time, she also heaved a silent sigh of relief. Thank goodness Dustin knew what he was doing.

"He just got lucky!" Ruth refused to admit defeat. 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Rhys. Please ignore her," Natasha told Dustin apologetically.

"It's fine. Shall we begin?"

Dustin didn't take Ruth's attitude to heart. He walked over to Andrew and gave him a thorough check-up. It didn't take long for him to find out what was going on. It was obvious to him that the old man had been poisoned. Thankfully, it was discovered early on, so he could still be saved. 

"Ms. Harmon, can you get me some silver acupuncture needles?" Dustin asked.

"No problem."

Dustin nodded his thanks, then began. His actions were light but firm as his hands flew deftly. With his skill, his patient would not feel any pain from the needles. Seeing this, Natasha was surprised.

"He's good!"

Once all 16 needles were in place, Dustin breathed a sigh of relief. It had been some time since he last performed acupuncture, but thankfully he was still familiar.

"Is that all? Nothing changed!" Ruth looked confused.

"It'll take about two hours to drain the toxin from his body; you shouldn't remove the needles before the two hours are up, or there might be serious side effects!"

Ruth pouted.

"I need to go to the bathroom. Please watch over him while I'm gone," Dustin told the occupants of the room before leaving.

Not long after he left, a group of doctors barged in. These were some of the most skilled doctors in the hospital. A balding man led the troupe.

"I'm Jansen, the executive director of the hospital. I'm here on orders to treat Old Mr. Harmon," the balding man introduced.

"Ah, you're that famous Dr. Jansen! The best doctor in Swinton!" Ruth was ecstatic.

Dr. Jansen said proudly, "yes, I am."

Ruth immediately moved out of his way. Clearly, she trusted Dr. Jansen more than she trusted a youngster like Dustin.

Dr. Jansen nodded. When he got nearer to the bed, he frowned. "What's with the needles? What nonsense is this?"

As he spoke, he made to remove the needles.

"Wait!" Seeing this, Natasha stopped him. "Dr. Jansen, I've already hired another healer. He said that my grandfather has been poisoned. We cannot remove these needles as there might be serious side effects."

"A pack of lies!" Dr. Jansen snorted derisively. "If these needles can cure ailments, then what are doctors for?"

"That's right!" Ruth agreed. "Natasha, that Dustin barely looks a day over 20. How could he be a skilled healer? Please don't tell me you believe what he said."

"Ms. Harmon, all of the best doctors in Swinton are here." Dr. Jansen took the next word. "Please don't believe in these superstitions. It would just make things worse!" 

Their confidence weakened Natasha's resolve. However, she insisted, "We should wait for Mr. Rhys to come back."

"Ms. Harmon, I'm busy. If I pull out these needles and anything happens to Old Mr. Harmon, it'll be on me." With that, Dr. Jansen pulled out all of the needles.

As soon as the needles were removed, something strange happened.

Andrew's body began convulsing. His face began to turn black, and blood gushed out from his nose and mouth. The machines on either side of the bed began beeping.

"What's going on?" Dr. Jansen was surprised by the turn of events.

"What's this, Dr. Jansen?" Natasha frowned.

"That's strange, he was fine earlier…" Dr. Jansen felt uneasy.

"Sir, the patient is coding!"

"Quick, get the machines!"

Without delay, Dr. Jansen began emergency resuscitation. Even after a lot of effort, Andrew did not seem to get better at all. In fact, his stats were declining uncontrollably. Dr. Jansen was panicking.

"Ms. Harmon, I think… I think Old Mr. Harmon is… dying…"

"What?" Both Natasha and Ruth were shocked.

 

Chapter 6

"You liar!" Natasha was livid. She grabbed Dr. Jansen by the collar and yelled, "I told you not to remove the needles! Now that the worst has happened, this is all you have to say?"

"No, this has got nothing to do with me!" Dr. Jansen shook his head fervently. "It must be that other healer. His needles must have caused this to happen!"

Madam Bambina's Brothel

Episode Three

“You are killing all my customers. What is it that you have in your body that is making men to die after touching you? Do you want to drive me out of business?” Madam Bambina asked Cheta. Her face does not look good at all. She looked worried and troubled by a serious problem. Her eyes were red as if she did not sleep well the night before.

Cheta did not say anything yet as she patiently waited for Madam Bambina to finish ranting. As always, Madam was smoking and the odour filled the air, making Cheta very uncomfortable. Occasionally, she coughed because the smoke from the cigar bellowed and entered her nostrils. She used her left pam to cup her nose.

“I gave you the first man to service, you killed him. I gave you five other men to service, now I’m getting a very bad report that they slept and did not wake up. Do you know how bad it is that men are dying in my brothel?” Madam Bambina continued her rants. 

Unknown to her, Cheta was no longer afraid of her. Cheta has discovered that there is something special about her body and she is now determined to use it to her maximum advantage. After the five men slept with her the previous night, she discovered that she bled again, but in the morning, her body went back to virginity. She was now fully convinced that she possesses some mystical powers capable of killing people who touched her. She woke up that morning with a new kind of confidence.

She has made up her mind to fight back instead of suffering molestation in the hands of men in the brothel. She is determined to even kill if push comes to shove.

“Stop asking me stupid questions.” Cheta tells Madam Bambina. The words came ‘tata tata’ like multiple gunshots fired into the ears. Madam Bambina did not expect that and she was swept off balance, so she dropped her cigar. She did not know what gave Cheta the courage to say those words. Indeed, if a bird is dancing in the road, the thing that is drumming for him is in the bush.

It was early in the morning around 7am, but as usual, all the girls were up. Since she came to the brothel, Cheta has counted at least, thirty three girls. That morning, they were going about their duties in the brothel, pretending not to hear the conversation between Cheta and Madam Bambina, but Cheta knew they were eavesdropping. Madam Bambina had called her from her room to the veranda where she usually sits to monitor her girls and events in the brothel. She was sitting on a red rubber chair with a red table before her while Cheta was standing like a housemaid in the presence of her madam.

When Cheta fired back at Madam Bambina, everyone dropped what they were doing to listen and watch more closely. It was the first time anyone was questioning Madam Bambina’s authority. Before Cheta, no one ever dared to cough in her presence. She always has a gun in her hand, but fortunately for Cheta, she had no gun that morning.

“Are you talking to me or someone else? Is that question for me? How dare you?” Madam Bambina said to Cheta. She stood up from her chair and looked around as if she was checking where her gun is. There was no gun.

“The question is for you fat fool! You don’t have your gun and even if you have it, you can do nothing. Toothless bulldog.” Cheta fired again with her tongue. Her words made Madam Bambina angrier.

“I asked you questions and you are talking back at me? Don’t you value your life? I have killed people who are bigger than you. I have killed men and thrown them into the desert.” Madam Bambina tells Cheta. She was drawing closer to her with so much anger in her voice. It appears the woman hasn’t brushed her teeth that morning because Cheta could see something that looked like mucus coming from either sides of her dark lips. She also perceived her mouth odour which smelt like rotten egusi soup.

“That’s not true! You have never killed anyone. You think you will continue to intimidate me with all those lies?” Cheta’s voice was getting stronger and more confident. She also started drawing closer to Madam Bambina. The other girls were all watching and they were proud of what Cheta was doing, though, they were scared to say it. If they had their way, they all felt like cheering Cheta like a footballer who scored a penalty kick. But they all kept shut and watched the unfolding drama.

“You sent men to come and rape me and they did. Now, they are all dead and you are blaming me? How am I responsible for what befell them? What about me that was raped? You stupid lilie-livered, fat fool.” Cheta cursed. Madam Bambina was now boiling ‘putu putu’ like a pot of porridge on fire. She raised her right hand to slap Cheta but she was late because Cheta slapped her first. Actually, the woman’s hand could not reach Cheta’s face on time because she is short. If they were to measure height, Madam Bambina would only dangle at Cheta’s waist region.

So she was able to seize the moment and pushed Madam Bambina to the wall and held her by the throat.

Cheta’s grip was so tight that Madam Bambina struggled to breath.

“Please, let me go. I’m dying!” Madam Bambina pleaded.

“Die! That’s exactly what I want. I want to kill you and get my freedom. From today onward, you will no longer traffick girls to work as prostitutes.” Cheta responded. Everyone else started cheering Cheta up when they saw that she was winning and there were not chances of Madam Bambina surviving the choking grip. All the girls in the brothel gathered closer in joy. They all watched as Madam Bambina gave up the ghost.

When she stopped breathing, Cheta let go of her fat body and it dropped on the floor. 

“It is over. We are now free. I’m the new owner of this brothel. Henceforth, I will be the boss and I will run it the way I desire. You are no longer a slave. If you wish to stay, you can stay lets run this place together, but you can leave if you feel this place is not for you.” Cheta declared. She dragged Madam Bambina’s body into her room and hid it under the bed.

Just then, policemen in several Hilux vans entered the brothel and arrested everyone, including Cheta.

Watch out for episode 4.

Broken love 💔(A soldier's tale)

⚓

Chapter 3:

I found out about the preparation this evening, it's was meant to be a surprise wedding, my dad's wants to  marry me off without my consent to the senator's son. I won't let him have his way. I sobbed gently.

He just sat there thinking. You have to go?

Wait ,what?I was shocked by his sudden change of mind. I never expected this from him.

Yes, your parents want the best for you, I may not be able to give you the life which you crave for.

 I'm never going to marry Tobi not for any reason. His too arrogant and full of himself. His not the kind of guy any sensible lady will want to be with. And what do you know about the kind of life I crave for?

Hmmm, interesting. Tell me the kind of guy any sensible lady will love to be with..? he asked winking at me.

Answer mine first?

"never mind".

"Never mind as well" i replied him He's too cute as I stared at him.

We slept off cuddling ourselves.

I was woken up by a soft kiss planted on my fore head, as his sweet scent of perfume filled the whole room.

"You are set for work, so early, it's still 5'oclock in the morning.

Yeah, duty calls. He replied checking out his outfit in a nearby mirror.

I'll see you when I get back, take good care of yourself ok. 

Bye love,I stood up to see him off as he pecked me.

I watched him zoom off on his power bike.

I couldn't sleep again as his thought erupted my mind. I held his clothes closer to my heart  and sniffing it at different intervals.

During the day, there was nothing much to do,I took a walk around the Barack getting to know my neighbors since I would be living there. I saw the women doing some house chores, I longed to do it but unfortunately I was never taught how to do domestic chores. I ate only the bread I saw in his mini fridge till he came back around 7pm at night.

I hugged him, "welcome back", I miss you baby.. I spouted my lips like a baby.

"How was your day?"

"Boring"

"Mine wasn't fun as well, work work work". I noticed he was tired.

"I'm hungry what did you cook".

I adjusted scratching my hair, I was deeply embarrassed.

"It's fine I'll prepare something for us to eat". He proceeded towards the kitchen but I was swift to held him back.

"No no no, I can cook just that I overslept so I didn't wake on time prepare your meal, just sit here let me prepare your food. I quietly walked into the kitchen.

I know of a truth cooking was never imbibed in me.. unaware to me, Maurice was looking at me through the kitchen door.

"Are you sure you don't need some help", I was startled by the sound of  his voice.

I concurred.

Dinner was ready in less than an hour as the aroma of jellof rice filled the whole room.

After the delicious meal. I offered to do the dishes, I was gradually fitting in, after all I have a whole lot learn.

He alerted my attention on getting there,the news about my disappearance was all over the city. A reward of 5million naira was to be  given to who soever was to find my whereabout.

I saw the worried look on Maurice.

"What do we do? Your dad is keen on finding you, do you have any trust worthy friend around". I wasn't the type that keeps friend.

"Yeah, Ella, but by now I guess my dad would have contacted her". 

Weeks turned into months, I has learn so fast, I learnt through observation from my neighbors and cooking from my great chef, Maurice.

Maurice has warned me never to go out to get things, I would only call or text him,while he get the things himself.

On this particular day, I urgently needed to prepare dinner before his arrival.  At the market I noticed two men following me, I turned severally to see if they were going on their business but it seems I was their business. They stopped aas soon as I made a stop. I smirked at them, I purposely increased my steps and they did as well. 

Who knows how long, they've been following me?

I need to divert their attentions. SoI took a bushy part and when I got to a lonely area. I stood still.

"Who are you and why have you been stalking me.

We need to get you to your father right now, they made a move to touch me, I quickly threw a punch on the first one, then kick the other on this private region. The first one charged towards me almost immediately throwing a punch immediately at me, I dogded him and gave him a submission grappling, causing to bleed on his lips.

The both were down wincing in pains, I quickly took my things before been caught again.

I wasn't only the daughter of a drug dealer but I was as well skilled In marital art, dad taught this as  self defense art and I made use of it at that moment. 

I didn't inform Maurice about what happened.

Few weeks later, Maurice went out to work as usual and was reported absent. After waiting a day without his appearance, a search party was sent to look for him. Deep down I knew I was been track down and was caught, since they couldn't come for me in the barrack, they went for Maurice. I knew my Maurice has been abducted by my dad.

I began preparing my self for the next line of action.

When I got a call from a private number. I crossed the number to see if it has a gun sign to avoid explosion. That was a skill taught to me in the group. There was none. So I picked the call.

"If you want to see your dear lover, you better be here in the nearest 30 minutes or I will send his corpse to you".

You dare not hurt him, else…. The line went dead, I put on a dark trouser and a black hoodie and left. Tracing the direction of the address given to me was hard. It was indeed an uncompleted building in a thick forest. I arrived there by 8pm at that night.

All for me to see my…….

TBC

I am Magdalene Akuma I believe in positivity 💖💖

Magdalene's library