The sun, now a red ball in the sky, descending behind the huge woods gathered in the village square. There was silence as the villagers were gripped with tension during the final wrestling contest between Mayowa Ojueye and the giant, Dawolo from Ope Kingdom. They locked arms trying tricks to throw each other; each move drew a tension on the audience. Systematically, Mayowa threw the giant, pinning him to the floor to submission. The crowd went wild, carrying him shoulder higher.
Smile was plastered on King Ogiso’s handsome face. He watched the longest wrestling contest with tension as Damola, dark, powerful with muscles, who had been the wrestling champion for six years, was dethroned by Mayowa.
Mayowa, smiling, was crowned the new wrestling champion and a yellow and white stripped plastic belt was fastened to his waist. Dawolo embraced him, accepting defeat.
“You are a worthy champion," Dawolo congratulated. Despite his giant size compared to Mayowa's, he was surprised how he was thrown over. He was proud of the new champion.
Drums were being played as masquerades danced excitedly. Mayowa was the hero of the day. He danced like he had never done before to thrill the audience.
Mayowa was engulfed by the spirits of ldheze Kingdom.
”He dances like the gods,” an elder said in admiration.
“The gods are upon him. Behold another great man has found favour in the sight of the gods," another elder added.
Some words from the elders and the chiefs took him by surprise as his household danced around him in pride.
Famous drama group put up a drama piece. It was about an innocent hardworking man who had two wives. The older wife was jealous of the new wife. The farmer married the new wife due to the wickedness of the older wife. As time went on, the older wife cast a spell on her husband and the six children.
They found life difficult. Every effort to break the spell proved abortive. it was when a prayer session was organised in the family house that she confessed and died. No one pitted her death. Her children become vagabond and useless because that spell returned to her poor children.
The crowd almost wept. it was a good and interesting drama: a thunderous applause filled the podium.
It was a memorable celebration. There were enough to drink and eat with much leftovers. The king appreciated the guests, accepted gifts and the closing prayers were observed. Dust filled the atmosphere as the audience went home.
ldheze Kingdom was the pride of lsoko race. Their occupation was farming, the teenagers sometimes went fishing during leisure. They had been living in peace for years until Emevoh, the prince, stole away the king's only daughter which caused fierce war for almost two decades. It was only when the federal government intervened that peace was once again restored to lsoko race.
Lives were lost, properties were vandalised. After the war, a huge monument was erected by both kings as a vow not to go to war with each other again.
Full moon stood proudly up in the sky brightly as Mayowa's compound was crowded with excitement. He received accolades. As a hardworking farmer with the biggest yarn barn. he was crowned the leader of the farmers. Also he won the king's first prize. He was able to submit six elephant tusks, leopard skin, two lion's jaws to win the prize to the excitement of the other farmers who admired his hard work, combining farming and hunting. Twice, he had brought Cheetah to the village square.
His ancestral lineage had the gift of hearing the language of the forest. Eagles also sometimes traced him home and this was said to be a bad omen. Whenever something evil was about to befall the kingdom, eagles always visited Mayowa.
He giggled in excitement as the moon aglowed his body. He stood six feet six inches, barefooted with broad shoulder and very handsome oval face to complement his fair complexion. He was admired by many for h's handsomeness.
Moreso, he was blessed with wisdom. Twice, he had advised the king successfully. Other kings sought for him at intervals for advice. His wealth of wisdom had given him an edge amongst his peers on how he managed his polygamous family to the envy of his polygamous mates. Even those with a single wife queued to hear his wisdom on how to make a success of their marital home. He was always happy to use his wisdom to settle scuffle.
No doubt, he was the most popular figure after the king. Quiet and humble but a real disciplinarian, he handled his eight children with wisdom. Other children in the kingdom were very fond of him.
As early as cock-crow, he would be on his way to the farm and return after the sun had gone down. He would never forsake his children as he wanted them to continue from where he stopped. He never did anything without his beloved children. He loved them with passion. Other men of his age didn't do this with their children.
He was a shining diamond in the dark. A real example to ldheze indigenes. Whenever he was ready to eat, he would call his children to eat with him. He would tell them interesting stories, singing them songs before they went to sleep. He was also romantic with his three wives.
Other families and well wishers visited him in warm embrace to celebrate with him till the twelve hours of the night. A thick brownblue cloud floated across the face of the moon as darkness swallowed the earth.
I remain 
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