We used to have some games when I was a kid. You see, I grew up in what you could call a semi traditional environment.
Semi traditional because even though we were living in the city, we were taught the mores and values of traditional life. Also, our grand parents were living with us or in some cases, we were living with our grand parents.
Of course, you should know what that means. Alright, for those who did not know. They had the time to look after and teach us! They would over pamper us and generally even defend us when we were supposed to be punished by our parents for one misdemeanor or the other.
However, they, grandparents also had their hassles. They would want some special meals which we must buy for them. They would want us to scratch their backs for them. They would want us to carry their bags for them when they had outings. As young children, we would not want our pals to see them with us. However, when it was time for sweets, we would definitely not be found wanting.
One game that I can remember which is logical to recent events in this country is ‘E ma w’ehin’. ‘Don’t you look back’.
In that game, we formed a circle. However there was someone who would not be in that circle. That person would be holding an item. They would be at the back of the circle and be going round, singing and we would be chorusing:
E ma w’ehin o,
Wenwe,
E ma s’ofofo,
Ofofo o da,
Idi ore mi,
Lemi ofi si,
Idi ore mi,
Sala n solo.
After going round for a number of times, the person would now drop the item at the back of one person. That person would then start the game all over again.
Some millions of naira was found in Kaduna airport about a fortnight ago. We are talking of millions of naira, for crying out loud. Apparently the money wanted to travel. However, the large amount of money did not have an owner. I thought there were CCTVs in that airport. OK, if it had been in Yoruba land, we would have said it was the Yoruba jazz ‘egbe’ that brought it. Of course, CCTV has no power on egbe!
As if that was not enough, a larger amount was found in Lagos. A sum of four hundred plus in millions was found somewhere in Lagos.
I’m one of those who have been sticking their necks out shouting that Nigeria does not have any business with recession. We were saying it with the little we know about the resources of this country. These discoveries are confirming our views. However, I think some Robin Hoods are being good enough to give to the masses what rightly belongs to them.
Well, I am begging egbe or whatever is distributing the millions to please remember me. One thing I can assure it is non disclosure.
If it can bring it to me, I know it would even be more than four hundred million. I can assure the spirit that I won’t disappoint it.
I will first paint the town red. Then I will start giving all the Flotsams and Jetsams of society what should have been theirs’ in the first instance. I’ll even give them more because I will pay them arrears.
As for me, I will become the seriki n talakawa of Nigeria. A title that all the traditional rulers must confer on me by force.
That’s the power of money!!!
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