Chapter Two
The death of Mrs. Ogunbeshin struck the entire village, like a thunder storm. Mr. Ogunbeshin and his son could not live freely in their house, because of the memory of Mrs. Kikelomo Ogunbeshin that was in every air around the house. So Soji Ogunbeshin decided that the house be re-arranged.
He said maybe that would give them a bit of relieve. Apart from her picture that hung on the wall, every other thing of hers was taken out of sight.
The furniture position was also changed from the square shaped position to the circle shaped style. The window blinds was changed from thick brown colored cotton with beautiful flower designs, into pink soft nylon lace, which gave the room a bright and light impression.
All other things regularly used by her including her sewing machine was locked up in her room. Olumide was not able to concentrate on his studies for some time, his friends and teachers sympathized with him over the loss, but as the final exams were nigh, his classmates helped him to see the fact that mourning over his dead mother would not help him pass his exams, that he should continue his study as he had done, and were always keeping him company, so that he does not feel lonely.
Another problem surfaced soon after Olumide finished his examinations. It seemed that Mrs. Ogunbeshin’s death brought misfortune on the farm work. At the harvesting festival, Mr. Ogunbeshin who was for the past years at the top of the production chart fell to the 4th position.
Olumide graduated from modern school and joined his father on the farm. He was shown different ways in which the farm was run. The second harvesting festival saw them in the 5th position. Then Olumide began to worry about the poor performance, onlookers were surprised at the performances, they said this must have been caused by Mrs. Ogunbeshin’ death, and so did not feel very much himself by the time of planting period.
Olumide thought there might be something possible to do, to help his father’s business.
He made his thoughts known to his father one evening, while his father was reading the ‘Nigerian Concord’ newspaper; he went into the parlor and sat casually on a straight chair opposite his father.
Soji Ogunbeshin looked up at him and back to reading his paper. ‘Father’, Olumide called, ‘I would like to speak to you about something’. ‘Yes Olumide, what is it?’ he looked up again. ‘About the farm work Father, Said Olumide, ‘Yes what about the farm work? Asked Soji Ogunbeshin, ‘don’t you know? It’s not progressing, ‘Yes, I know, but don’t worry, it will progress’, said Mr. Ogunbeshin trying to reassure Olumide, ‘Father I have been thinking about it, it might help you somehow if I worked somewhere else, then you can use the money to buy fertilizer and other seeds to plant.
After a moment’s hesitation, his father replied, ‘Yes thank you Olumide, but you don’t really understand the situation; we are all right as we aren’t we?
‘It’s nothing really to be bothered about, ‘I think you should not try to carry my own responsibilities, while I am still alive, that remains my own shoulder bag’, Okay? Olumide wanted to say something but his father interrupted, ‘that is my final say’, as he looked back at his newspaper. Olumide sat down motionless, staring at him in dismay. Olumide was disappointed.
In a gentle but commanding tone, Soji Ogunbeshin said, not looking away from the paper, ‘go get some sleep now Olumide, it will do you some good.
Olumide staggered weekly out of the parlor into the corridor, he felt his whole body was almost wet, he went outside for a cool breeze; his brain became active again and he felt brave enough to face the challenge, he sat up and wiped off the sweat on his head with the back of his hand.
If he went to his uncle Felix Ogunbeshin, he might speak to Olumide’s father, maybe his uncle would know how better to speak to his father. ‘Well, at least I will give it a try’, Olumide said to himself. And he was glad to think of the idea. He put on his slippers and made for his uncle’s place, feeling a bit chilly.
As he turned into the last bend of his uncle’s house, the bright security light showed him the way. The Light inside the house told Olumide they were not asleep yet. He walked faster approaching the front inlet of the house.
Usually he went through the back door that led to the kitchen and dining room where he would find his uncle’s children, but tonight he went in through the front.
He didn’t want to be seen by either his uncle’s wife or children. There was the possibility of being lured into some sort of conversation with them, and it would not sound nice if he just shunned them because he wanted to discuss something with their father. He tapped on the door and waited, a voice came from behind the door ‘who is that?’ ‘Me sir’, Olumide replied, trying to keep his voice low and steady and still be heard inside. ‘Come inside’, the voice requested.
He opened the door and stepped in, closing the door behind him gently. Mr. Felix Ogunbeshin his uncle was sitting on one of the cushioned chairs; he was a man of two wives, on the fair side of thirty. He was a younger sibling of Soji Ogunbeshin, on his mothers side alone, since some other siblings come from a different mother.
When their father died and they had to share his properties, they decided to merge their land together for a bigger farm. His house was different from his brother’s house, apart from the cushioned chair he sat on there was another long sofa, a shelf on the left and on the right, an old radiogram, green cottons covered the windows and portraits of himself and his two family’s hung on the wall.
‘Olumide, I hope there is nothing wrong, it’s a bit late now’. Said his uncle, ‘Sit down’, he continued in a relaxed tone. ‘No, Sir there’s nothing wrong’ replied Olumide sitting down, Olumide said ‘there is one little thing I want you to advise me about ……’ He found no better way to put it. He paused a bit and went on, ‘it’s about the farm work’. ‘You will agree with me that everything on the farm is running down. I asked my dad this evening, if there is anything I could do to help him’, the smile went away off uncle Felix’s’ face ‘but he did not like the Idea.’
Olumide continued, not noticing the change. Uncle Felix ran a big dark finger about his forehead, then looked at Olumide, shifted his gaze to the ceiling, then back to Olumide and said: ‘Yeah, I am surprised you are that much sensible’, you see, your father is a sort of man who likes to do what he thinks is all right. I have talked to him about it, but he doesn’t seem to believe someone can help him. There are things people like him do, when in this sort of situation, he could ask for assistance from the co-operative bank, they only have to inspect the farm, when they see the work on the farm, they will know that he is a very energetic worker.
Maybe we’ll have to join hands together and continue to persuade him. Olumide felt that at least he found somebody on his side, he smiled.
‘Thank you sir’, Olumide said. ‘Okay Olumide, it’s very good of you, we’ll see him again tomorrow’, he is not the only person who had been faced with such tragic loss, I am sure we can convince him; we only have to persist, goodnight my son and set your mind at rest’. Uncle Felix said finally
Closing the door as Olumide walked down the road. The cool gentle breeze of the night making his legs faster than he thought it could be. It was almost two months before Uncle Felix and Olumide could convince Mr. Ogunbeshin about talking to the bankers for a loan.
On different occasions, he told them that he doesn’t need anybody’s help, he reminded Uncle Felix that when they were about to start the business, he put the idea to him, to see the co-operative bank, that ‘caterpillars, tractors’, planters and all other agricultural machines that was necessary, would be lent out to us, ‘but I told you I do not want them’, was his response. After much talk, he was made to put the one fact into his head, that although he was the boss, Uncle Felix has his family to take care of and that he might have to break the accord with Soji if he does not yield to the advice.
Then they decided that Soji Ogunbeshin and Olumide go to Lagos and make the transaction. Uncle Felix gave them the name of the co-operative bank they are to contact in Lagos. Felix Ogunbeshin explained that the transaction would take about two weeks, ‘in Lagos’ he said, ‘one has to persist’. On the morning of journey, Uncle Felix came to his brother’s house to bid them goodbye. As Soji Ogunbeshin entered got in the front seat and started the engine, he said: ‘thank you Felix, you have been very nice to us, and I hope this works out well. Olumide got in beside his father happily. They waved Uncle Felix goodbye until they were out of sight.
They got to Lagos at about 3pm. For the first time in his life, Olumide saw Lagos, its heavy traffic, the big cars, the beautiful houses, overhead bridges, gorgeously dressed gentlemen and ladies. It was very interesting to him. As they went along, Olumide’s father showed him places like Eko Bridge, the general hospital, Lagos zoo and botanical gardens, and other tourist centers.
They went straight to Mr. and Mrs. Ajigbotinu house, his Nephew who had always lived in the city, and loved living in the city despite Soji Ogunbeshin’s constant concerns, it was too late then to see the bankers, ‘we should go see the bank manager tomorrow’ Soji Ogunbeshin said. The house of host happened to be a bungalow building painted in orange color, built in the style of the colonial houses, the front of the building was decorated with delicious and well-arranged flowers. On both sides of the carpeted door step, were red and yellow potted flowers. A very decent place for the honorable permanent secretary to the state government; They were gladly welcomed inside by Mrs. Ajigbotinu an average height, fair in complexion lady with faint traditional mark on her cheeks. Mr. Ogun’s’ she started, smiling brilliantly this is a surprise; I’m glad to see you’, she ushered them to a big white settee, standing distinctly on a soft butter colored rug: ‘you are very welcome, how was your journey?
I hope it was interesting’, ‘Oh yes it was a very interesting one’, replied Soji Ogunbeshin, ‘were is Lanre, asked Soji Ogunbeshin. ‘He has just gone out’, she answered. ‘I suppose this young man is your son’, she said. ‘You are right, this is my first son’, replied Soji Ogunbeshin. Busuyi Ajigbotinu said to Olumide: How are you young man?’ ‘I’m fine, thank you ma’. Said Olumide ‘What class are you reading now?’ she asked again, ‘I’m just out of school ma’.
Ah! You are so bright, I like that, what is your grade?’ she probed, ‘grade two ma’, he responded, meaning grade range of B+ and B, ‘good boy. ‘What do you do now? Busuyi Ajigbotinu probed further, ‘I work with my father’, Olumide replied, ‘How about going to Modern School? ‘Are you satisfied with the modern education?’ she asked, meaning ‘high school education?’ she turned to look at Mr. Ogunbeshin, he quickly said: ‘we’ve never talked about that yet, but that would be in the future’.
‘Well, sir as you know, things have changed now, it is better for him to attend a Modern School at an early age’, there was a sign of disappointment in her tone. ‘Oh! dear me, what shall I give you sir?’, she resigned finally; ‘Just anything will do’ replied Soji Ogunbeshin, ‘I’ll be right back’, she went towards the kitchen. ‘Lagos city, the center of business, beauty, refreshment, entertainment, everything’, said Mr. Ogunbeshin after a yawn, relaxing on the settee with a gay grin.
That’s true sir, but with something else, most of the crimes are committed here’, Busuyi Ajigbotinu said with a tray containing three cups of cold beer. ‘You have a point there, and that one point is what scares me from living in Lagos, you know?’ added Soji Ogunbeshin enthusiastically.
‘A very big advantage you have at Ipetu Town sir’, added Busuyi Ajigbotinu enthusiastically. ‘Thank you very much’, Mr. Ogunbeshin said, receiving a glass of cold beer. ‘No, he doesn’t take beer’ Soji Ogunbeshin rejected the beer for Olumide. ‘Just Orange Juice is alright for him’. She hesitated for a second, and then she went for the orange drink saying to Soji Ogunbeshin, ‘Hmm…you are a different man sir’.
Olumide woke up the next morning at 6.30 am; his father wasn’t in the room. He found his way to the bathroom. After his bath, he dressed up and thought maybe his father was waiting for him in the parlor.
He was greeted by a young man, who introduced himself as Lanre Ajigbotinu, ‘Did you arrive yesterday? he inquired. ‘Oh yes, we came yesterday’, Olumide answered. ‘How long would you be staying?’ She inquired further, ‘I can’t say exactly but, I think we will remain here until the transactions are made’, Olumide replied as Lanre walked slightly ahead through the corridor, he stopped as they came to the kitchen saying, ‘Ah! I see’.
‘Your breakfast is waiting, this is the dining room; Lanre pointed to a double swinging door made of plywood, ‘I’ll see you in the evening’.
‘Alright, have a nice day’, Olumide replied, cheerily. He entered the spacious dining room; in it was an enormous dining table, a refrigerator and a fan. To the far right was a large cupboard. His father sat on one of the chairs battling with a meal composing, of fried plantain, and fried egg along with custard porridge.
Olumide greeted his father and sat down in the opposite seat eagerly. Olumide served himself from the bowl of fried plantain and egg and began munching his food. His father raised an eyebrow at him, don’t be greedy and don’t bite the plate, he said, jokingly pushing towards him a cup of custard porridge, ‘there is more in the jug’, he added.
‘Did you enjoy your sleep? his father asked. ‘Yes, sweet dreams’, Olumide replied. Soji Ogunbeshin smiled and stood up, ‘don’t keep long, we have only one hour’. Later, when Olumide joined his father in the sitting room, Gbesan Ajigbotinu was there, a dark skinned man, tall and straight.
He looked like a man in his early forties, ‘A very smart boy you’ve got here Soji, said Gbesan Ajigbotinu, ‘Come on how are you? I’m fine sir’, Olumide replied smiling. ‘I heard that you made grade two in your finals, congratulations’, commended Gbesan Ajigbotinu, ‘Thanks much sir’. replied Olumide smiling. ‘What do you do now’, Gbesan inquired, ‘I work with my father’, Isn’t Olumide going to a higher school?’ asked Gbesan, turning briefly to gaze at Soji Ogunbeshin. ‘In the meantime he is working for me’, replied Soji Ogunbeshin, Gbesan Ajigbotinu said appeared surprised, ‘Working for you? ‘Sometimes I don’t understand you, why don’t you allow this boy to go to a higher school?’
Soji did not answer the question; he stood up glanced at his watch and said ‘we are running behind time, ‘Oh, forget it anyway Soji, but do not forget that he is the closest relative you have now. Anything that does him affects you’.
This unlike all other things he has heard said to his father about him, and was ‘not light’ on his mind. ‘Why would his father want him to go to higher school ‘later?’ He remembered that Mrs. Busuyi Ajigbotinu objected to the idea of schooling ‘later’, he wondered why, and what did Mr. Gbesan
Ajigbotinu mean by saying, ‘anything that does him affects you’.
Another thing struck him, there was no higher Modern School in his village, if he would have to attend a higher school, it would be in Lagos. He keeps telling him to learn to be an energetic farmer like himself, unlike the young man of today. Olumide thought he should put a limit to all his commands, he was a grown up boy and he thought he should direct his own steps better.
In the big sitting room of Mr. Ajigbotinu, Olumide was so carried away by the excitement of the game of monopoly that he forgot about the proceedings earlier that day, at the bank. It wasn’t anything to talk about; they got to the bank early before 9am and introduced themselves’ to the manager’s secretary,
‘It’s nice to finally meet you Mrs. Shadaru’ said Soji Ogunbeshin, stretching out his hand in a gentle handshake and smiling at Mrs. Bolanle Shadaru, ‘It’s nice to meet you sir’, said Mrs. Bolanle Shadaru as she looked up from her typewriter, and pushed aside a blotter she was reviewing as he entered her office which served as a reception area for the bank manager.
‘We are to meet with the bank manager this morning’, announced Mr. Soji Ogunbeshin, ‘what time will he be able to see us’, A look of seriousness and concern immediately came onto her face, ‘You can’t see him today! She said simply. ‘We can’t, but why? said Soji, ‘He had an unplanned meeting at head office and he will not be here all day today, we must reschedule for tomorrow’, she explained. Soji Ogunbeshin hesitated, briefly frowning, then said: ‘We can reschedule, I guess we can find something to do in your good city, between now and tomorrow. ‘What time shall we meet him tomorrow?’ he inquired,
Mrs. Bolanle Shadaru promptly took out her appointment book, and said ‘you will be his first appointment tomorrow’, a notable hint of relief in her voice. Soji Ogunbeshin seemed undisturbed as they walked out of the bank. As they drove home he had the picture of the bank in his mind, ‘Northwest Bank’ the big bold sign on the banks entrance had read; a glistening large glass door.
He remembered his initial irritation at the secretary, his thoughts really boiling ‘this fat lumpy, tiny eyed, rich looking secretary, and as though their day was planned to be a disappointment, their car stopped and resumed a stop and go routine, as the heat of the hot Lagos skyline picked up, and their 30 to 45minutes trip turned to an uncomfortable 2 and half hours journey.
He suddenly remembered what he noted to himself as his personal immediate problem. He stood up, giving an excuse to Mrs. Ajigbotinu, Shoya Ogunbeshin – Olumide’s cousin, – who heard that the Ogunbeshin’s were in town and had stopped over to keep them company, and Olumide, who were all completely into the game. He walked casually to the window and peeped out into the night; thick darkness along with a gentle breeze greeted him, after a while, he made out the little garden directly in front of the car parked by the right, looking for Mr. Ajigbotinu. There was nobody to be found there, he must have gone to the club, to a party or maybe to a friend, Olumide thought; life here wasn’t like their own in the village where there wasn’t any club, there wasn’t any disco party.
Someone has lost either his belt, slippers or shirt in the game, the outburst of laughter brought him back to realty, he went back to the game again, casually as he had left, even Mrs. Busuyi Ajigbotinu did not notice the change in him. Two days went by, but Olumide was not yet able to get Mr. Ajigbotinu to talk to him, but some different thoughts were now creeping into his mind.
Olumide told Gbesan Ajigbotinu’s first son Lanre, that he would like to discuss something with him, when he came back from school, Lanre said ‘okay, is it between you and I only?’ ‘Yes, that’s what I want it to be’, replied Olumide, ‘We can meet in the garden then, we’ll be alone there’, said Lanre as he rushed off to school.
