(Mr. Maduka’s house. A cocktail is going on. M.C is giving a toast. Applause)

ADEWALE: Ladies and gentlemen, when the fowl sings the praise of the eagle, it is because it recognizes its superior power. Mr Maduka has struck me as being significantly hard working during the few years I have known him. His dedication to duty is worthy of emulation. I have observed him arrive in his office latest by 8a.m each morning for the past three years. Those who are familiar with the traffic jams in this part of the country will appreciate what I am talking about. On a personal level, his neatly cut suits, well-polished shoes and immaculate shirts, backed up with an ever cheerful countenance has won him the heart of many customers, his technical demeanour has left counterparts and customers dumfounded. Behind every successful man as we all know, is a resourceful woman. We congratulate Mrs. Maduka for creating the right atmosphere for the development of our host’s sound personality. We hope you will continue doing this. Despite his present ways, Mr Maduka as been very shy about announcing his success, much like the man he his. In fact, those who are familiar with him know that this party came up only at my insistence. Well, I had a reason for insisting Most of us are aware of the fact that with Building Insurance becoming a separate department within our great company Mr.Maduka, who is obviously our most seasoned broker in this field is likely to get a boost of some sort (murmurs). And when it comes, it will be well deserved. And so gentlemen, without wasting much time, do join me in toast in Mr. Maduka’s honour (they clink glasses and drink to Maduka’s health). And now, we shall invite Mr. Maduka for the response (applause)

MADUKA: (after the applause) on occasions like this, one really doesn’t know what to say. Not because one I afraid that there on hidden microphones around, and of course, this is not a political meeting but rather because it is easy to imagine things when under the influence of wine (laugher). For now therefore, I would like to thank the M.C for his speech and also to thank every one of you for sparing the time to come. It is our hope, my wife and I, that you have enjoyed yourselves tonight. Thank you very much. (They cheer him and start leaving. Helen calls Mr.Ola aside as her parents usher the guests out)

HELEN: As you can see, my Dad and his friends are eagerly expecting him to be promoted, and of course, he will not, since the fraternity has appointed someone else…

OLA: So?

HELEN :Well…. I was just thinking… I think we Should try to involve my Dad in the fraternity, I mean try to bring him in, you know…

OLA: Hmm… that may be a good idea. We can discuss it at the next meeting.

HELN: Please lets work on it before my school resumes.

OLA: No problem, it will be organized (checks his watch) I have to go,

HELEN: Thanks. (He leaves, Her parents come back, and Friday up)

MADUKA: (Stretches) Lord! I’m a prime candidate for bed

MRS. MADUKA: (Teasing) Lazy man. Your mates party till dawn, and see yourself after a 3-hour mini-cocktail.

(MADUKA’s office. Messenger is singing as he cleans the secretary’s office)

MASS: Ah, this world self, person no understand am. Some people dey there, na soso enjoyment; some, dem go wahala tey, (but) na that wahala go kill them. Na wah o. The person wey dey pursue money, na money go kill am. The one wey sit down, na money go kill am, Wetin make person do now? Well, how man for do? Man no (go) die, man no (go) rotten, e must continue to survive. At least I be man, pickin boku for ground to show that one.

(Secretary enters unseen during his soliloquy)

SECR: Baba Chidi

MASS: (startled) Ah, good morning, madam, I now know say you don come

SECR: What so engrossed your mind that you don’t notice when I came in?

MESS: Eh, wetin person no go think of? Na the food wey be no see chop this morning abi na my wife wey dey hospital?

SECR: What is wrong with our wife?

MESS: Nothing madam She wan born pickin.

SECR: (Surprised). You mean that you are still having babies at this stage? This should be, let me see…. Number 8, in this country! What if she gives birth to twins?

MESS: Iyeme! God forbid! That one na real curse. If that kind thing happen I go just run commot for house or I go carry my family go farm for our town.

SECR: Anyway, I wish you all the best. Please hurry and finish up before the boss comes

MASS: I don finish self

SECR: He is unusually late today. I hope nothing bad has happened (Maduka enters Mess goes to collect his briefcase as they both greet him)

MADUDKA: Morning. I hope you had a nice weekend

SECR: Yes, sir (Maduka enters his office, followed by SECR, and settles down) You were unusually late today, sir, I hope there was no problem?

MADUKA: No, I had a flat tyre on the way. Could you get me the Alpha resources file?

SECR: I gave it to you on Friday sir, it should be on our table (they look for, and find it) MADUKA: Here it is. You may leave for now, thanks. (She leaves, Soon MESS enters)

MESS: Oga, Sir,

MADUKA: Yes.

MESS: Oga some people too rich for this company o; I dey go my own jeje for corridor na so I see this fifty naira for ground (Drops it on the table)

MADUKA: Well this seems to be you lucky day, you can keep it (Gives him)

MESS: (Turns around, but take it) No Oga… thank you Oga (Moves away then turns back) Oga I wan see you, Sir.

MDUKA: Go ahead.

MESS: Oga, em…. The thing I wan tell you, (must go first) promise me sincerely say na only your ears go hear am.

MADUKA (amused) Go ahead. You have my promise

MESS: Abeg, I dey come sir, Wall dey get ear (moves to the door and looks out, to Maduka’s amusement) I know say you be hardworking man and you dey do us well for this office, and besides, you resemble my first son,…. But he get some people, some powerful people for this company wey no dey let person succeed, these people na dem dey for powerful position and em no dey pack their cars for inside the company’s garage and dem fit do anything even kill for to get power. Oga, na dem dey hinder promotion for hardworking people like you. Oga.

MADUKA: (Bored) This people you are talking about don’t they have a name?

MESS: Hem…..(Scratches his head) Let make thing Oga… Yes the X- fraternity that is their name, dem be dangerous people and dem fit kill for power. Oga make you do something or else dem no go promote ou, maybe u fit do your own medicne and……

MADUKA: All right, I’ll think about it. Thanks a lot.

MESS: Alright Oga.... Thank you for the fifty naira (He leaves, happily brandishing his new note) MD and Ogundele enter and are shown in by the SECR)

MD: Good morning, Mr. Maduka

MADUKA: Good morning Sir,

MD: Meet Dr Ogundele (They greet) On behalf of the entire board of this company I present to you the new Marketing Director. He is to assume office next week, and you are required to show him al documents pertaining to our marketing division that are in your possession, (Turns to leave).

MADUKA: (at a loss for words) But, sir,.... What is going on? What about my… Can you explain what is going on to me?

M.D: Mr. Maduka, any observation you may which to pass should be forwarded to the board meeting. Good day, (They leave, with Maduka staring after. The he returns to his office and thinks. Bob enters)

BOB: Hello, madam. Please could I see your boss?

SECR: Good day, sir do you have an appointment?

BOB: Actually, no. I’m an old classmate of his, and I just came to this town briefly and incidentally got his address. Bob Adetola is the name.

SECR: Do have your seat, sir, I’ll see if he can see you (He sits as she enters Maduka’s office)

MADUKA: (grouchy) Yes?

SECR: Sir, a man wants to see you. He claims to be an old classmate of yours. Mr. Bob Adetola is his name.

MADUKA: Bob? (perks up and darts into SECR’s office) Bob, is that you? I can’t believe this. How are you? (Takes him into his office) How’s life been treating you? And how is your family?

BOB: Cant’s complain, men I can’t complain. Tolu and the kid are in Paris for the summer and I’ll be joining them in a fortnight, How’s yours? It’s been 5 years, men.

MADUKA: That’s right. They’re real fine and those kids are growing very fast. In fact, my daughter is now an undergraduate, thank God.

BOB: Yeah, you can say that again.

MADUKA: So, what brings you to these parts?

BOB: Business, of course.

MADUKA: So, how has business been

BOB: It has been relatively easy; in fact I see no reason why I shouldn’t becomes a director soon. This is all that has brought me. I am to attend a meeting tomorrow night where this will be discussed and I’m sure to get through

MADUKA: Young man, you think life is so easy? I will be surprised if you become a Director, though you are hardworking. My brother, you have made life too difficult for yourself’ Ricky, do you want to know and have the secret of success?

MADUKA: Bob, what do you mean? There is only one secret to success- hard work: sweat is the key word...

MADUKA: You mean I have failed.

BOB: Not exactly, but haven’t you? Look here, let me give you the recipe of success which I have found to be very practical. The fact is this: Top promotions are not made at the meetings of Board of Directors. They are made somewhere else unknown to the Madukas of this country.

MADUKA: What are you people talking about? You are the second person to say this rubbish to me today. O.K speak on Tell me everything.

BOB: Come, let me show you something. (They move towards the farther end of the office and sit in gentle light). Ricky, can’t you see? (Bob reveals the red strip of cloth around his arm) I belong to the X fraternity. We are meeting tomorrow night. Promotions to the top posts of the most of the Nigerian companies and ministries- and even church posts are made there. Director Oguntola of Southern Tobacco Company is a member. Directors Boniface and Yahaya of Grand Valley Insurance are there. No promotion can be made without our recommendation otherwise the promoted man and or his promoters shall meet sudden calamities. (Notices Maduka deep in thought, having heard the names of the directors). What are you thinking about? The world is already too dirty. Look, Ricky, like you and I admire your industry, so why rot away due to hard work which will never materialize into promotions, when you can have such numerous advantages.

MADUKA: (thoughtfully, stands) Well, I am grateful to you, Bob. I suppose the struggle for success has to be conducted on man planes. My directors think they are the wisest people on earth. Force must be met by force! Nobody shall take any natural or supernatural advantage of me. If it comes to joining fraternities or brotherhoods, then so be it, as I have no alternative (turns back)> Bob, how do I get in?

BOB: Don’t worry. I will make the necessary contacts for you tomorrow. By the evening, you should be well face already. I have to go now. You must keep our secrets secret, not even your wife must know. Well, (Stands) I have to confess that it’s been a pleasure seeing you again.

MADUKA: Same here, Bob (Ushers him out, then returns) I guess the race to success involves some sacrifice, and I will not let anyone take any natural or spiritual advantage of me. LIGHTS

Cult Scene decorated as such, Fire bearer enters to the sound of drums, and others enter backwards and set themselves, all with red candles except. new members. Priest emerges dramatically. They chant)

PRIEST: (stops chants) Fellows, as it h as always been, so shall it be on this occasion of Maduka Mbafo’s initiation into this invincible fraternity. Bring him in (Maduka is slowly led in, veiled) Remove the veil (They do so. Maduka looks around, afraid) kneel down. Don’t fear men born of women: we here are born of dead women. T he spirits of our dead friends welcome you. Maduka, son of Mbafo, who was himself the son of Okonkwo Nana (Maduka is surprised), we have gone deep into your lineage and history. You are trustworthy, diligent and you deserve your reward, but what you deserve eludes you. Why? There are forces and as you are initiated into this fraternity, those very forces will become the instruments of our progress, in our hands. Are you willing to use those forces for your benefit at this time by joining this fraternity?

MADUKA: (Looks around again, then) Yes … I am willing.

PRIEST: You will now take the oath (Initiator comes forward and he is startled, and tries to talk) Quiet! Outside this circle, she’s our daughter, but here, he (stressing the ‘he’) is your colleague and initiator!!

HELEN: (Signals to him to put his hands on the skull in her hands) Say after me: In the name of the X fraternity, I take this oath of allegiance: I promise to abide by the rules and regulations of this fraternity. I also promise to keep the secret of this fraternity secret from my friends, wife and children. I shall contribute in cash and kind towards the maintenance of this fraternity, and if I fail, I shall subject myself to the discipline of the Karmic order. (He repeats)

PRIEST: (carries a calabash) This is the seal of our brotherhoood, which you will come to understand later, and your blood must of a necessity be added in here. Bring your right thumb (pricks him, takes up drop of his blood into the calabash, shake it and puts one or two drops on the alter). That is for the spirits (Takes a sip and hands the calabash to Maduka who sips after much hesitation and returns ti to the priest. The calabash is th en passed to the other members)

PRIEST: I shall show you what is contained in these pots. After that I’ll tell ou how this brotherhood functions. You see this pot? (opens it). Just as water is turned into irrigation dishes, so our master directs our activities (the next pot) This pot contains the skull of the originator and founder of this fraternity. He was the only man who powerful man, destroyed all the allied forces working against him in his day. He was the only man who could communicate with the dead. One day as he was speaking to the spirit of his dead brothers, he came face to face with the master. From then on, this fraternity came into existence (others hum). His spirit surrounds this building, hence an man who partakes of use never leaves us. If he does, then he is sure of not seeing the sun the following day. The spirit of the dead ones will suck his blood dry. The next pot contains the index fingers of those who after joining us decided to deflect. You have now entered into the path of successes and money.

INITIATOR: (Goes T O BRING THINGS) For your protection have these. Put on this ring till you die, it must not leave your finger, as for this concotion, keep it on your shrine and cover it with a white cloth. Any power against it dissolved in it and perishes. Maduka Mbafo, you must. Defend the brotherhood even if it cost your life. You must rescue a fellow from ruin by whatever means possible. The following shall be in your temple:

A big mirror, A white basin half filled with water,A human skull, and The names of staff.

Note one thing however, Maduka, it is an offence for you to turn around during your meditation, it is ver important.This is your own red strap, put it on your left arm each time you come to meeting. Take this design of the brotherhood, stick it to the bumper of you car, and an form of accident is far from you, with it around, another brother will recognize you easily, note again that it si a very terrible offence punishable by death, for you to turn around during your meditation (she goes back)

PRIEST: Do not turn around during our meditation. Shall we depart

(They all stand and murmur some incantations and walk out backwards)

DOLAPO: Hmm, please what’s the time?

HELEN: Some minutes to ten. The men will soon be entering you know today is Saturday, you better get up.

DOLAPO: (Surprised, she sits up, wonders). You are up so soon and I came in before you!!!

HELEN: You’re always sleeping!

DOLAPO: Just for once, you are awake before me. I slept late, you know (pause) you didn’t even mention that you’ll also be at that party.

HELEN: Which party?

DOLAPO: Seyi’s party now. I saw both of your there, Lanre and yourself you !!

HELEN: You think I’m a "lazy bones" like you? I wonder why "international sister" bothers to wake you up in time. You ‘re always sleeping!

DOLAPO: Just for once, you are awake before me, I sept late, you know. (pause) you didn’t even mention that you’ll also be at that party.

HELLEN: Myself at Seyi’s party? You must still be drowsy.

DOLAPO: Ah, ha but I saw Lanre clearly with a lady in a dark corner but I didn’t really see the Lady’s face, I assume it was you, although I was wondering if I had ever seen the dress the lady was putting on with you., But because of our long proclaimed loyalty of Lanre, I just though it was you.

HELEN: En, en so Lanre went to the part with a girl (After some thought)

DOLAPO: Please o, I;, not sure, I might have made a wrong assumption

HELEN: Come on be a friend. Do you know the lady’s name?

DOLAPO: How can I? I won’t even recognize her if I see her again, I only saw her figure and her dress.

HELEN: I See

DOLAPO: But it’s strange, I had always though Lanre was an exception of all guys not knowing that the are all the same.

HELEN: This is his first time of behaving this ways to m knowledge and I’m really surprised I will find out about that lady.

DOLAPO: Please take it cool with them,I should go and have my bath now (preparing to go) but its rather ironical, he is the one you fancy most out of your sea of loyal boyfriends and he is the one to first disappoint you in this way.

Well…. (goes out, Lights off, Light come on to reveal Helen)

HELEN: (Iying down, reading a novel. There’s a knock) Yes come in (Lanre walks in)

LANRE: Hello dear (they exchange greetings) were you able to complete your assignments?

HELEN: Oh, yes I did l’ve even submitted them.

LANRE: So soon?

HELEN": Actually I don’t go myself. I asked one of my roommates to drop them at the man’s office for me.

LANRE: I think you should have gone yourself.

Helen: Gone where? That womanizer’ office? If he I snot satisfied let him go and die

LANRE: Well, if you think it is okay (shrugs)

HELEN: By the was, how was Seyi’s party?

LANRE: It was we quite okay, you can trust Seyi.

HELEN: And did you enjoy yourself?

LANRE: I missed you.

HELEN: You? You couldn’t have missed me in the company of another beautiful; lady B

LANRE: What do you means? I went to the party alone.

HELEN: Come off it Lanre, you want to tell me that you went alone.

LANRE: Sincerely speaking I did can’t imagine gong out with another lady so I went alone. Don’t you believe me?

HELEN: Look here Lanre, cool it. Look I didn’t expect you to go to the part alone, so stop playing Mr. Innocent. Someone told me you were at that party wit a lady. My roommate saw you and the lady.

LANRE: Oh, oh that lady she saw me with em, I didn’t take her there, I met her there and had a few dances with her, that’s all

HELEN: Men!!!

LANRE: You aren’t offended, are you? Sincerel, I met her there and I’ve forgotten about her.

HELEN: Look you don’t have to bother about me. I understand. Of course. I didn’t ex[ect ou to be hanging around all alone. So what’s her name?

LANRE: Hm, let me try to remember, em em Juliet Ikem, but, really….

HELEN: From this campus?

LANRE: Yes

HELEN: That’s quite interesting. Anyway, let’s forget about her. What will you take?

LANRE: Actuall I came to take you out to C.C as a compensation for missing Seyi’s party. I brought m car.

HELEN: Really? You’re great. I’ll repair my make-up.

LANRE: (Catches a glimpse of a friend outside) Hell there, Andy! Helen. Please, meet me outside (Rushes off calling Andy)

LANRE: Are you trying to tell me that because I am not an S.U like you, that is why I have a stiff neck?

SHINA: I am not saying so, but in this case it may actually be so. Like I said earlier on, your nightmare may be inspired by the devil in an attempt to harm you and Jesus Christ is a sure refuge from such attacks. I have beard stores of people waling up from sleep and shouting "I have been killed" only to dead the next minute. It is only in christ that you are totally insured against all such occurrences.

LANRE: Thank you for our preaching and concern. But you seem to be living a dream. The first place to seek help is the health centre. A couple of panadol tablets and a balm will start the healing process. From there I will go and see Helen, my girlfriend. By the time I give her one of those heart-warming hugs, the pain will disappear, and if you see me in three hour’s time, the miracle would have been accomplished without my having to believe in our Jesus. So first thing first, I will just wash my wash my face and get to the health centre. (There is a knock on the door as he stands up and he answers) come in if ou are good looking.

HELEN: (Coming in) Sure, I am good looking.

LANRE: (Ex claiming in surprise) Jesus! I have just finished talking about you and here you are. Well, talk of the devil.

SHINA: Tell me Helen, why should the World of Go not be preached? It is the only hope for humanity, and it takes courage to face that fact.

LANRE: Don’t mind him. He will soon preaching to you. Can you imagine that I have had a round 9 of early morning preaching from him all because I have a stiff neck?

HELEN: (Feigning surprise) Really, you have a stiff neck! Let me see (touches his neck and tries to turn it and he winces in pain)

LANRE: Oh, no don’t do that it is very painful.

HELEN: I am sorry. I have always told you that you are a bad sleeper, or did you import one "bush m eat" to sleep with you this night?

LANRE: "Bush meat"! Not with Shina in this room. How can you accuse me of such a thing? Actually I had a nightmare with some people chasing me with knives and spears and just as I was escaping I saw you and started to run towards you. All of a sudden, your face changed to that of a monster who threw spear at me that got struck in my neck. When I woke up I found I have a stiff neck as if the spear was still there.

HELEN: I, see a case of the more you look, the less you see, hmn?

LANRE: What do you mean by that?

HELEN: You said you saw someone like me but in a actual fact, you saw a monster. This could be serious.

SHINA: Exactly what I told him and…(makes his way into the kitchenette

LANRE: (Cutting in sharply) I know you told me but I have told you I will be going to the Health centre and then to Helen’s. I might just as well be going soon (standing up)

HELEN: Health centre? That is where I am just coming from

LANRE: Health centre? That is where I am just coming from

LANRE: Don’t tell me you too have a stiff neck. We would really make a funny two-some

HELEN: Not me. We took a friend there and I came down here to see you.

LANRE: What was wrong with her?

HELEN: (Standing up and spreading out her hands in gesture suggestive of ignorance) who knows? We women have a lot of troubles. May be she is pregnant or is about abort one. Her roommates told me that since the night she came back from one weekend outing, she has been behaving very unusually. Maybe the two of you went out together and gave yourself stiff necks. Anyway, I am not jealous.

HELEN: I though you said you were gong to the Health Centre? You had better as her when you get there?

LANRE: Oh yes I seem to have forgotten m own pain, that is what your presence does to me. HELEN: Or is it the thought of our other girl friend?

LANRE: Oh Helen, I have told you she does not mean anything to me. We just met at a party and danced together and that was all.

HELEN: I know, I was just trying to pull your legs. Get ready and let us go.

LANRE: I will just wash m face. (He goes out) LIGHTS OFF.

[Mrs Maduka is sewing. Mama Titi, her friend knocks

MRS M.Ah mana Titi, how are you? I’m sure you’re quite angry with me for not coming to see you since all these days.

MAMA T: Well, I just decided to check on you today so that all least I will have seen once this year.

MRS. M.: Eh! Look me o. Na work plenty jo. In fact, when last we were passing by your home, I wanted to drop in, but m son came to tell us that m husband’s director was waiting so I had to go and entertain them, and the visit was unexpected.

MAMA T. I just came to show you the material that we chose for Titi’s wedding.

MRS. M (Spreads it out) Ah, this is not bad at all. I can even get another colour of it, because I like the pattern a lot.

MAMA M:….Hmm. Which husband? You don’t know what you can both wear it on the D-day and feel newly married once more?

MRS.T: Don’t blame him much. He may be working late, and it’s all for the good of the family.

MRS. M: Well, he hasn’t informed me that he’s been working late, and which family is he taking care of…. I don’t get to talk to him again. He’s like a stranger to the children, and, the very short time he’s at home, he locks himself up in his room. Maybe be has someone else who takes all his attention these days, and so we are like dirt to him.

MAMA. T:…..I think you still need to understand him better and be patient with him, maybe that will change him. But as for running after girls, your husband is not that kind of man; he’s too dignified for that, I would advise you to talk it over with him. (Pause) Sorry, but I have to leave now because I’m expecting Mrs. Matins this afternoon concerning the wedding arrangements.

MRS.M: All right. Please do extend my greetings to her, and thank for the advice (sees her out. Ndadi enters)

NDADI: Mummy, when will Daddy be home?

MRS, M. Well, I’m expecting him too, I suppose he’s been working late at the office these days.

NDADI: Yes, and he doesn’t teach me my lessons anymore. I don’t even see him again. And he does’t allow me to enter his study any longer and……

MRS.M: Won’t you even let me speak and know what to answer first? Your father will be tired by the time he gets home after working late at the office, and he can’t possibly do all these things for you when he’s tired. Anyway, I’ll talk to him about it when he comes home, and you’ll have a wonder time with him from now on., Now, go to bed (He obeys. Enter Maduka absentmindedly).

MRS. M: Welcome’ darling’ How was the office, I hope it was not too hectic…

MADUKA: Oh… Em.. yeah, I’m sorry; I was miles away. How are the kids, are they asleep? Sorry, I don’t think I’ll take supper tonight; I have some important documents to complete before tomorrow morning so I think I’ll see to that first.

MRS M: Oh, it’s unfortunate, but why not take your food first? It won’t take long, and it’s a nice one.

MADUKA: Sorry, but I must go. Goodnight, dear (Moves, but she intercepts him)

MRS.M: All right, but I want to have a word with you. Please, it ‘s important

MADUKA: (Sights and sits) All right, but please make it brief.

MRS.M: Well, darling, I’m wanted to tell you this for quite some time, but I thought there’ll be a change with time but its getting rather long now and I can bear it any longer.

MADUKA: Please, go straight to the point, I’ve told you I have a lot to do tonight.

MRS.M: Of recent, you’ve been coming home very late at night, the children hardly see you nowadays and when you come home, you simply retire to our room or study. And I myself don’t even have any chance of talking to you. Companionship no longer holds nay meaning in our family.

MADUKA: (Angry) Now, woman, I think you should realize that I just got a promotion and t has its involvement’s too. It means both a rise in salary and an increase in workload-going around to see important people, and working extra time in the office.

MRS.M: (Also annoyed) I don’t think I deserve to be shouted on over this issue, rather, I deserve an explanation. It will only be fair to the children and I if you explain the reason for our estrangement from the family. You aren’t the first one to be promoted and Mrs. Daniels is not having this kind of problem even though her husband holds the same post as you do. And this wasn’t happening to us before….

MADUKA: (Cutting in) Better shut up! Mrs Daniels has her own family problems too, and I won’t stick my wife comparing me with another person. You either adapt to the present situation or pack your children and leave me in peace.(He storms off).

Scene opens with Maduka in the office shuffling through some files. Messenger comes in with a letter. Messenger knocks.

MADUKA: (Within). Yes, come in.

MESSENGER: Good morning sir, I get letter for you and sir, I want to ask you if nothing dey wrong. Sir? You no dey pack your car for the company garage again.

MADUKA: (Opens the letter, glances through) No, no problem. (The messenger leaves). ":Due to sudden death of Mr.R.A.O. Aromolaran, the Board has unanimously agreed that you be made the controller of the building department as a result of diligence, contentiousness, good conduct, and your indefatigable spirit. This tales effect from 1^st January, 1999" (the date can be changed as desired)

MADUKA: (Letter in hand, he stands petrified) It has happened. Mr Maduka, the controller. It took a life to make me what I now am. Satisfied, am 1? Not really, I now have it all, promotion, wealth and what have you. But./….(pause). Well, life must continue.

(A christian, Mr Solomon knocks and comes in)

MADUKA: Hello Mr Solomon , how are you, and how was the weekend?

SOLOMON: (Smiling) Oh, fine, thank God. The weekend was very pleasant and a time of blessings and fellowship

MADUKA: Hm…that’s nice.

SOLOMON: Sir, I heard it rumored that you have been promoted. Is it true?

MADUKA: Yes, I’ve just received a letter to that effect.

SOLOMON: Oh, congratulations. Thank God for it.

MADUKA: O, Well I really thank God.

SOLOMON: Well, you see, promotions indeed come from God. But the privileges do carry responsibilities. This is the right time for you to acknowledge the sovereignty of God, ‘Allow him to shoulder your responsibilities and accept his gift of eternal life through his son Jesus Christ like in the f amily.

MADUKA: Oh, that I\m a good christian, you know that yourself.

SOLOMON: I know you go to church Mr Maduka, but it goes beyond that. You see bible says that satan too believes in God and trebles. In addition to believing you, you have to make a personal contact with Jesus Christ and make him the lord of your life.

MADUKA: What do you means by personal contact?

SOLOMON: That is, you have to recognize you are a sinner, repent wholeheartedly, confess your sin and invite Jesus by faith into your heart and you’ll become entirely new from within. Salvation is by grace not of Works.

MADUKA: (Scornfully) I have heard all these old stuff many times, before. Man you are still sticking to this fanatism? By the time you see how hard life is ou would have shaken off all these ideas. Anyway thank you.

SOLOMON: (Unruffled) I must be going now, but I hope ou won’t just be a man with full pocket but an empty heart (he leaves)

MADUKA: (Stands up and paces the room in deep thought) Hmm, full pocket, empty heart. Solomon seems to have read m thoughts. Perhaps that is why I’m not satisfied even up now. I have been a labourer all my. When will I ever have the joy of success? Life’s every milestone of achievement is like a signpost pointing a head to greater tomorrows. How much has this promotion cost me? My sweat? Yes my sweat indeed, and I wish that was all, I wish it were all, But no, not enough, Aromolaran had to die (LIGHTS OUT)

Maduka’s family go to church for thanksgiving for the appointment. The guest minister is a christian who preaches salvation and makes an altar call. Some people are saved. After the service, their pastor sees Mrs. Maduka:

PASTOR: Congratulations Mrs. Maduka. I must you are a very lucky woman. It is quite true that behind every successful man, there is a woman. I am happy that a family in my congregation has risen to such a height. God bless you.

Mrs. MADUKA: Don’t say so Pastor. Things are not so shiny as they appear. But this isn’t the place to discuss such matter. Maybe you’ll find occasion to call on us sometimes during the week. I have a few things to discuss with you.

PASTOR: I surely will be able to come round. I am most willing to render an service that lies in my capacity. See you later Goodbye.

Mrs.MADUKA : Goodbye, Pastor. (She greets a few more people and the lights go off.

SCENE V

(MR.and.Mrs. Maduka are at table)

MR. MADUKA. Could you please pass the salt?

(Mrs. Maduka passes the salt. They continue eating)

Where did you say, Ndadi was?

MRS,MADUKA: (Exasperated) Oh darling! That’s he third time you are asking that question. You seem to be absent-minded.

MR.MADUKA: (Still eating) Is there anything wrong in my asking about my child’s whereabouts?

MR.MADUKA: Not when you ask the same question thrice within a space of 20 minutes. Again, He went out next door for Tola’s birthday party.

MR.MADUKA: (Looking into her face) Let me ask questions when I want to I am the man-the father-in this house!

MRS MADUKA: The children and I know that, and that is why I need your love and attention. You are already making this house a filling station rather than a home. Can’t you understand….

MR.MADUKA: (raising his hand) Biko, Biko! I want to fill my belly with food, not with nagging. You don’t’ expect me to leave all the executive meetings and start running to my wife and children. I do… (a knock on the door. Mr.Maduka stops. His wife goes to open the door)

MRS MADUKA: (announcing to her husband) It’s the Reverend. Do come in, Sir. He comes in. Mr Maduka stands and greets and shakes hands with him)

MR.MADUKA: Yes, do

REV: No thank, I’m okay

MR.MADUKA: (laughing) i don’t want to do that.(He wipes his hands and mouth and join the Reverend, leaving Mrs. Maduka still at the table) It’s quite some time since you visited us last. I know you have a lot to do. Did you have the baptismal service

REV: Yes, we did, I drove straight from there. I met mana Ndabi (pointing to Mrs. Maduka) and she told me you were back from the office. We had a bit of discussion together and that is actually why I have come Mr. Maduka, don’t say I am interfering in your home affairs. I assure you I am not. Yesterday your wife complained that she sees so little of you. And when she does, you are…hmm….always in a hurry. This had not been your forginveness…God, our Father, forgave our sins through the lord Jesus Christ. This is definitely an example for us to follow. But she mentioned an important point about your eh…. Eh….eh…. sleep. She said you are a bit disturbed in sleep. This sometimes happen to us. But I believe if you read your Bible and pray for a good night’s rest you will have will have a perfect rest.

MR.MADUKA: (Cuts in, astounded) Unbelievable! (looking in his wife’s direction) why all this reporting about?

REV: Look Mr. Maduka, this is not…

MR. MADUKA: Thanks Rev. I understand all that you said, we shall endeavor to settle things ourselves. I is nice to know you are interested in your parishioners.

REV: Hem,Hem please Mr. Maduka, as I said forgive me for an intrusion and be patient with your family as a Christian father…

MR. MADUKA: (Standing up) I hope we have not taken all your time Rev? There must be others you want to see. We will D.V see you in church on Sunday.

REV: All right then, goodnight Mrs Maduka

MRS MADUKA: (standing) goodnight sir, and thank you very much.

(MR. Maduka sees the Rev. out)

MR MADUKA: (coming back in) Woman, what the hell do ou call yourself? Chief reporter of AIT? you have gone too far. Never you go reporting me to anybody, and especially not to any Reverend gentleman. I think I can offer myself better advice than the one he gave me. Look here, I am not a book to be read and commented upon by everybody. Do you understand me?

MRS. MADUKA: (frightened, moving further and furhter from her husband. Speaks haltingl) But..but.. but have I … I do… do… done anything wrongs b’’’’ by see… see….seeking the reverned’s he..he…help? Is…. Is that no…not part of..of his du…du…duty to us? When ou….you would not li…. Lis…..listen….

MR MADUKA: (ready to strike his wife) I say shut up! I did not marry to make you the chief reporter of the reverend’s newspaper. I cant imagine what drove you to him. Next time you either come to me or you…… (repeated knocking at the door, louder each time).

MRS.MADUKA: Please just cool down a bit. There is someone knocking (goes and opens the door, welcoming Mr. Adewale) Godd evening. How are your wife and children? I hope the are quite well?

MR.ADEWALE: God evening madam. Thank you , the are ver well and my life sends her regards.

Mr.Adewale looks from one to the other obviously guessing the tense atmosphere from the looks on their faces) Ogbeni, how is the gong? Ah-ah; Why all the scowling? I hope everything is fine.

MR .MADUKA: Definitely unappeased b his wife (pervious appeals) Good evening Mr. Adewale. Just leave her, I’ll deal with her yet. Can you imagine your wife turning chief reporter? It still baffles me. (cooling down) Please don’t mind us. Have a seat. The matter is already finished in my heart (turning to his wife) Don’t stand there glaring at us. Get us something cold from the fridge. Mr Adewale, beer, wine or the holy water,, we are at your service.

MR ADEWALE: Beer please, thanks (the houseboy serves him) Mrs. Maduka’s order’s oh! That visiting reverend really dished out stuff and he talked with such authority. I very much want to discuss with him personally., say what did you think of his talk about occultism?

MRS MADUKA: (gets up)m excuse me gentlemen, I can smell something burning in the kitchen. (To Mr. Adewale) in case you leave before I come back, good-night and greetings to your family (exit)

MR ADEWALE: Quite sound. Have you forgotten that he said he had been a member of a cult? Anyway, I have been thinking quite a lot about Christianity and occultism. As I said, I will very likely have a discussion with the reverend.

MR MADUKA: (Shrugging) as you please. Life is a matter of every man for himself and God for us all. I join the group that I wanted whether occultic or not.

MR.ADEWALE: (thoughtfully) the reverend mentioned that Jesus Christ can deliver and bring real peace. (Pause) I need to know more about this: I keep remembering it and I wonder if it is true. May be it is.

MR.MADUKA: Just tread softly. This Jesus-calling reverend is so different from our own. If you want to see him see him, please yourself. I don’t even remember what he looks like not to talk of the words the spoke.

(YAWNS WIDELY: Mr. Adewale gets the joke: his time is up)

MR.ADEWALE: (getting up) Look, man don’t say I’m interfering but deal softly with your wife. You know we cannot do without them. I will see you tomorrow at the club. Good night. May we sleep well.

MR. MADUKA: thank a lot, I have forgotten the whole incident. May we sleep well. (See Mr. Adewale to the door). Goodnight (look at his watch) Good Lord! 11.pm. How time flies. (Hurries out, switching off the lights)

Hospital: Lanre is lying on a bed ill. Helen comes visiting

HELEN: Hello, lanre Dear. (sits near him on the bed) How are you now? Has the Director been here this morning?

LANRE: (turns over) I’m feeling like hell. The man was telling me that he couldn’t see anything medically wrong with me and yet I am hurting all over the body.

HELEN:That’s it. You have been here for 3 day now and yet they are saying there’s nothing wrong with you and yet he has been giving you injections for a sickness he didn’t diagnose.

LANRE: (shrugs) May be I should find some other means of healing myself

HELEN:May be. Even the Doctor may be responsible for our sickness.

LANRE: How? I am hurting all over the body.

HELEN: You’re medical student now. How can a doctor tell you that all is fine? Maybe he has given you the wrong drug or something. Or maybe your Juliet’s boyfriend is the one afflicting you Your know, one has to be careful these days people are using charms on their fellow human even for trivial reasons. May be he got to know about your affair with his girl and decided to deal with both of you.

LANRE: Helen, let me explain what happen at the part to you.

HELEN: Which party?

LANRE: The party I went to last month

HELEN: Oh! That. I have almost forgotten about it

LANRE: I only met the girl casually. I just wanted to have free fun with her. You know, you are the only girl I really care for.

HELEN: I’m sure of it. Anyway forget it. It doesn’t matter anymore.

LANRE: Do you forgive me?

HELEN: Of course there is nothing to forgive. You have a right to enjoy yourself in anyway you feel like anyway we are not even married yet. You can go on sampling.

LANRE: I said it is alright. Let’s forget it Anyway, I have to go now. I want to go and see Alfa that somebody told me about.

LANRE: See for me? (she nods) I see you are a dear. Thank you very much. Please do that quickly. I will be waiting for you.

HELEN: Okay I will come immediately I am through with him. Try and rest (Helen goes out)

LANRE: God, what have I done to deserve this? How can I rest in this condition? How can I rest when every fibre in me is crying out in pain? I have been on this bed for 3 days now without any change and the doctor keeps telling me there’s nothing wrong with me. How can I rest with this?: (He starts mourning a gain 2 Christian come visiting the hospital. They meet Lanre ,mourning)

BOLA: What’s wrong mister? Why are you crying? (lanre open his eyes, see them and turns and nothing).

GBOYEGA: What’s wrong?

LANRE: Even if I t ell you, you can’t help me. Then, what’s the use of telling you?

GBOYEGA: Don’t be too sure of that. It’s trues we ma not be able to help you will allow him.

LANRE: What’s that again. What are you talking about?

BOLA: We are talking about Jesus, He can help you.

LANRE Indeed? I‘m not too sure of that.

BOLA: Just tell us the problem.

LANRE: Well, if you insist. I was sleeping one day and I woke up sweating all over. My whole body was shaken with spasms. It seems as if somebody was beating me with a heavy stick for a very long time. And now, weeks later, my whole body is still aching me.

GBOYEGA: Who brought you here?

LAN RE: My girlfriend, Helen.

BOLA: Did the doctor tell you what is wrong with your?

LANRE:No. That’s the problem. He has been telling me there is nothing physically and medically wrong with me.

BOLA: (Turns to Gboyega) it looks like a case of demonic attack to me. It’s becoming very common nowadays.

GBOYEGA: Look here, what is your names?

LANRE: Lanre Ajibola.

GBOYEGA: Lanre, you may be suffering for the attack of some occult person or group. The have satan as their leader and their delight is in tormenting innocent people like you. They have satan callous. But thanks be to God, you can be delivered now.

LANRE: Do you mean that you can help me/

BOLA: God can, listen to me, if the son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

LANRE: Wait a minute, who is the son of man? What is the truth.?

BOLA: Jesus the answer to put both questions.

LANRE:Oh, not again, tell me another story.

BOLA: No matter what you think, Jesus is the hope you have

LANRE: I’m sorry, please help me if can (Gboyega read colossians 2.15 and explains it)

BOLA: So you see, that place talks about victory over every power of the devil and his cohorts. You can be free now if you will allow Jesus to come into your hear and we will (pray) for you. He died for your sins, yet he lives both and offers you can be free this moment if you want to.

LANRE: I want to be free

BOLA: Then let us pray, Repeat after me, Father…..(Sinner’s prayer, then she prays for his healing. (Lights show Helen waking up to see Lanre’s effigy displaced, tries to replace it and it burns her) LIGHTS

Maduka is meditating and his son enters and called him. He didn’t answer.

NDADI: (shakes him) Daddy, mummy is not feeling fine (Maduka looks back, screams and dies) daddy, daddy (she runs out).

(Maduka’s house mourning scene. Pastor enters with Adewale and comforts. Mrs. Maduka, occult members enter)

PRIEST: Everybody should leave now.

MRS MADUKA: But ,Mr Maduka was a member ofour church council. He even donated a glass pulpit to the church. (people are leaving, scared by the cult)

ADEWALE: Pastor, Maduka was a cult member. I was once in the same cult and so I know.Hmm…after death comes judgment not a fight overt over dead nbodies. Whether we take Maduka’s body or not we’ll not revert the choice Maduka himself made while he was alive. So, let he dead bury their dead.

PASTOR: (Leaving) Alright, gentlemen, For the sake of peace, we allow you to do your ceremony firs, but for the sake of his wife and children, you must hand over to us for proper burial after. (Pastor leaves)

PRIEST: Don’t go, wait and see. Cowards, men with no proper knowledge of either their religion or their membership. Remove his altar and let us begin.(they start)

LIGHTS OFF AND ON AGAIN

(Rituals still go on. Helen enters from school and tries to reach her father, but is stopped. The ritual involves cutting a part of Maduka’s body. As the cult head raises his knife to cut, she screams… Daddy! LIGHTS OFF

(Lights on to show her awaken with the scream. Her parents rush to her alarmed)

PARENTS: Helen, what is it? Calm down…(they try to calm her down. She see her dad and grabs his arm)

HELEN: Daddy! Please don’t agree (Maduka is puzzled) don’t join us… Don’t us…don’t….

MADUKA: Who or what are you talking about?

HELEN: Emm…just don’t agree to join us… them…we.. there is a better way

.THE END

Stage is unlit . Sound of Iku being hailed is heard in the background (like an Oriki). A Yoruba song on Iku with Bata drums accompanying it starts. Lights come on stage (red lights) and Iku dances in. Until the drum stops. He laughs abruptly and fiercy and begins to speak.

Iku: They call me a robber but I only do that which I am commissioned to do. I lurk in the shadows watching the sons of men. The squander time living their lives as it the do not have a date with me, as if I do not exist …. But, I am inevitable (laughs) my day will come.

Men are fools. Every man knows that as individuals each one of then must die but when it becomes a matter of his death, no one really believes in his own death.I alone can enter uninvited into the most secured of housed I enter soundlessly like a mist, strike swiftly (sharp drums) like lightening, leaving a trail of anguish, pain and sorrow behind me (laughs) I am the dread of all.I, Death am merciless (pause) …….. no sacrifice can appease me, and your money (points to audience) has no place with me Kings, subjects, young and old, male, female, short and tall I, without discriminating come to them all. Men fear me and prefer not to speak of me at all…. No man dares to look me in the face.I delight in my toil, obituaries, coffins and wreaths are the evidences of my labour. I (beats his chest) determine when your life expires. Many things in life are uncertain but I, Death, am certain. M coming is sure for life is temporary and, (speaking with disgust and despite) all men are mere mortals.

/Drums starts again and Iku dances. The drums suddenly stop abruptly. Iku too stops abruptly and pauses then lets out a terrible shriek and darts off stage swiftly7.

ACT I SCENE 1. Home Scene.

Lecturers sitting room. Well furnished. Light meets lecturer’s wife on stage doing some sewing. Daughter comes in from room.

Mother:Toyin, our father is not back yet, wonder what could be keeping him.

Toyin: I wonder too. I hope he has not forgotten that I’Il be going back to school tomorrow.

Mother : Has he given you your money yet?

Toyin: No he hasn’t. Mummy, I just hope that Daddy will give me enough money this time.

Mother: He doesn’t give anybody enough money these days. House-keeping allowance is not regular and when he giveS, it is never sufficient, and he is earning well. I just don’t know what he does with his money. Anyway, Toyin, I will see what I can do. (Father comes in)

Mother :You are welcome (Father grunts in reply). What kept you?

Toyin: Welcome Daddy (Father nods)

Father: Toyin, take these things to my room (Gives her his briefcase and then sits down to take his shoes off and then answers his wife) I’ve had a very busy day. I had some practicals with one of my research students and then I had an appointment that extended till quite late.

Mother: What happens to our visit to the Onalajas?

Father: We’ll go some other time. I’m tired. Please get me some water. (She goes)

Father: (Sternly) Yes? You are looking for ………?

Visitor: Good evening sir. Please I’m asking for Toyin.

Father: (Shouting) Toyin.

Toyin: (Toyin rushes in and father points to the visitor. She goes to meet him.)

Visitor:(Greets the mother and then turns to Toyin) Toyin. I was just passing by and stopped over to say hello.

Toyin: Oh, okay, thank you.

Visitor I think I want to start going. (to the father) Goodnight sir. (Toyin closes the door)

Father: Ehen, who was that? Where did you meet him?

Toyin: He’s just a friend of a friend

Father: Hmph, I’ve told you you’d better be careful. (Phone rings. Father picks it).

Father: Hello. Yes who is speaking? You want to speak to Toyin? She’s busy: (He slams the phone and turns to Toyin) Young woman, if you just go and allow some boys to mess up your life……. I’ll be sorry for you. Never you again give my phone no. or my residential address to any of your male friends. Is that clear? (Snaps at her). Now get out of my sight. LIGHTS

Light meets Cynthia sitting on the arm of the lecturer’s armchair. They whisper for a few seconds and then she straightens up to go.

Cynthia:Dapo, I hace to go now.

Dr. Ogunbode: Okay my dear, so when is our next appointment, when do we get to see again?

Cynthia:How about Tuesday?

Dr. Ogunbode: Hum ….. well….. okay, Tuesday (Gets his wallet out and counts out some twenty naira notes and gives her) Here, have this.

Cynthia: (taking it) Thanks, I’II see you.

Dr. Ogunbode: Okay. Take good care of yourself. (Cynthia moves towards the door & there is a knock. A female student comes in and Cynthia eyes her as she goes out)

F. Student: Good afternoon sir.

Dr. Ogunbode: Yes? What can I do for you?

F. Students:Sir, please I have a problem with your course. I checked my results and saw 38F. And sir please you know that it’s a 4-unit course and this is my second time of offering it.

Dr. Ogunbode: Yes? So what do you want me to do about it?

F. Student :Sir, I was hoping if you could look through my scripts again. I don’t think I did that badly.

Dr. Ogunbode: Enh ehn: So you want me to have a look at your script? (She nods) That can be arranged but em …… you would have to be ready to co-operate. (He gets up and moves towards her) That’s a nice hairstyle you have on ……. So what are you doing tomorrow, so that we can discuss into full detials?

F. Student: 7 p.m.?

Dr. Ogunbode: Ye…. sss

F. Students: (quietly) 7 p.m. (sighs deeply, pauses and then answers with resignation) It’s okay sir. LIGHTS.

(Light comes on to travel girl’s room. There are 3 beds in the room. Toyin is tidying her bed. Bimbo is dressing up).

Bimbo: Toyin, please come and help me to put this on. (Hands Toyin a chain).

Toyin: (moves there to help her addmires the chain)

Bimbo, now this is lovely. I’m sure it must have cost a small fortune’.

Bimbo: (smiling) Thank you. It’s gold.

Toyin: (in awe). How could you afford it?

Bimbo: (laughs) well, actually I didn’t buy it. One of those guys just wanted to spend his money and I helped myself.

Toyin: Hmm. Na wa oh …….. Bimbo, I envy you oh. You are so free. Doesn’t your father talk. You know, my father doesn’t allow me to have visitors at home not to talk of going out. You know, sometimes I don’t know want to go home. (Sighs) ‘’m just tired of the whole thing.

Bimbo: Iwo lo gba fun won. It was you that allowed it.

Toyin: But he’s my father. I love him and respect him but you see, it’s just that side of him that upsets me.

Bimbo: Ehn ehn your father. Shebi your father is Dr. Ogunbode? (Toyin nods, Bimbo smiles?) Toyin, you’re a small girl, you don’t know much about life. You surprise me. Look this is my 3^rd year on this campus and you are just in part one, life is meant to be enjoyed, you don’t have to allow anybody to restrict you.

Toyin: Yes, come in. (Richard and Kunle come in. Richard is holding shopping bag)

Richard: Bimbo, you re looking nice. Actually were still putting things together for tonight’s party. I just wanted to give you these bottles of wine to chill fir the two of us

Kunle: Bimbo, aren’t you going to introduce your roommate to me.

Bimbo: Oh sorry, Kunle meet Toyin my room mate, Toyin: Kunle.

Kunle: I’m delighted (takes her hand and bows)

Richard: C’mon Kunle, don’t start that now. Let’s go! (To Bi&To) 10 pm okay?.

Bimbo: Okay. See ya

Kunle: Catch ya. Toyin: Bye (Kunle and Richard leave)

Bimbo: Can you see what I’m talking about. Life is only what you make of it. By 2^nd semester in my part I had a boy to myself and many others that wanted to go out with me. I had all the attention, I had fun. Look at Richard now, he’s fun to be with, he’s fun to be with, he’s intelligent, he’s in computer law science and I’m having a wonder time him. His parents are loaded and something tells me that this night even be it.

Toyin: W----------------------e---------------------l------------------------------------l

Bimbo: You can even come for the party tonight, abi?

Toyin: It ‘s true o

Bimbo: And if you ask me, I think Kunle is interested (They both laugh)

Toyin: Bimboooo ………

Bimbo Join me and I’ll introduce you to life.

Boys room. There are 3 beds. Bro Tayo is sitting on one of the beds shining his shoes, about to go out. Richard is propped up in bad with headphones and walkman and flipping through an Ebon magazine. Akin walks in and slams his books down on the table abruptly.

Akin: I don’t know what is going on this campus. How can people be so wicked, so heartless for God’s sake? (Richard takes off his headphone to listen)

Tayo: What happened?]

Richard: What happened] (together)

Akin: Hmm. I went to collect m note from my coursemate’s room when suddenly there was this uproar and the whole place was thrown into confusion. I ran to the next block to see what was happening, and (shakes his head) Come and see’ It was terrible, blood everywhere, he could hardly stand, I mean how can people be so wicked, so inhuman…

Tayo: What are you talking about, what happened now? (Meanwhile Richard picks up his magazine and takes his attention off Akin)

Akin: The sight that I saw tonight! This boy had been beaten mercilessly, his back was bleeding all over, his body bruised and swollen. It was as if somebody had used a razor to make patterns on his back, I don’t know but they said it was those cult boys that did it.

Holes were drilled into his backside and hot candle wax had been poured into the holes. He was in agony. The whole thing was a daylight horror. God!

Tayo: Ah…. (shakes his head in pity). How can somebody be so heartless as to do such things to a fellow human being. What could he have even done to deserve such treatment?

Richards: Ah ah, you can’t just talk like that. You don’t know what he did to warrant such a beating. Remember, to every action there’s a reason. He must have offended somebody definitely.

Akin: I still believe that was too much punishment

Tayo: No matter what he did, it’s still no basis for brutalising him that way there is the love for our fellow human being?. Ours is a wicked generation, but the judgement of God upon the wicked stands sure. Isaiah 13:11 says "And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity: and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible"

Richard: Ah ah Pastor, before you start calling down the judgement of God, do you care for what reasons these guys form their associations? Nobody can be an Island. You need to be connected to the right people. After all you have your own fellowship and I’m sure that none of your so-called Bros would come to you for help and you would refuse him. Everyone has the right to associate with whichever group would satisfy his needs and interest.

Tayo: Most people that join such groups do so out of a desire for power, a passion to dominate. The spirit that works in these groups is obviously not the spirits of God because the bible says that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind.

Richard: What makes you think you are right? These people have power, and as for love, you think it’s only some of you Christians that have love?

Tayo: They may say they have power to oppress people like the have done to this guy this evening, but obviously, we see the lack of the God-kind of love which days ‘forgive’ even when you are wronged 490 tomes a day. (He goes to put on his shoes) Hmm, man forget that he has an appointment with his maker. (stands up and pack his books) I’m going to t he library. See you later.

Chinwe: ah, I’m feeling cold (rubs her palms together and blows on them) thank God for harmattan. When I get to the room I’ll take some hot tea.

Bisi: I’m glad we came. If we were in the room I’m sure I would have slept off longest time, but tonight I know we had a breakthrough.

Chinwe: Sports centre is a good place for good spiritual warfare. Bisi, when we were praying the Lord laid a burden on my heart for my roommate.

Bisi: Which one of them, Toyin or Bimbo?

Chinwe: It’s Toyin, I just desire that Jesus will touch her.

Bisi: Chinwe, I thank God for the burden that God has given you, but I want you to realize that heaven is trusting you with a life. Reach out to h er with the whole of your person. Remember Ezekiel 3:18 makes us to understand that if you don’t warn a wicked man from his was and the he dies in his sin, God will require his blood at your hand. (They meet emi).

Yemi: Si…isters! Ah, ah what is it that you are so engrossed in? You would have passed me by if I had not called you.

Bisi: Bro. Yemi this is your face!

Chinwe: How are you?

Yemi: Praise God o, I’m fine

Bisi: Where have you been, we’re not been seeing you.

Chinwe: Even in fellowship your face is scarce. I hope there’s nothing wrong?.

Yemi: Well… I’ve just been busy sha but all the same there’s no problem God is good

Chinwe: I hope we’ll see you at the next meeting.

Yemi: Ah, that will be difficult, I don’t know o……

Bisi: Ha, Bro. Yemi please o, whatever our reason for not coming, remember that these are days when one cannot afford to play Christianity. Remember we are in perilous times and iniquity is abounding with the love of man waxing cold. You have to be watchful o.

Yemi: Thank you. Thank god o. I have to go

Chinew: In fact I was about to say that we should go, this cold is really getting to me now. Bro Yemi goodnight.

Yemi: Okay now

Bisi: Goodnight. (Yemi leaves. Bisi and Chinwe leave in the opposite direction chatting)

Lights meet Chinwe set to go out, Toyin and Bimbo sitting on Toyin’s bed discussing.

Toyin: I don’t ;like what Ahmed did that day

Bimbo but I thought he apologized and even sent you a card.:

Toyin (hisses) don’t mind him jare.

Chinwe: (packs her books) Bimbo, Toyin, I’m off the discussion I told you I’d be having. Please tell anyone that asks for me to drop a note (She leaves).

Bimbo: okay bye

Toyin: see you

Bimbo: take it easy with Ahmed o. But come o, Toyin you’re gone far. Ah ah Ahmed is on one side, Kunle on the other side, and now what is this you are saying about Chief?

Toyin: Chief? Hmm, I don’t want to get involved with chief. As it is, I fear I’m going too far already, considering that daddy is a lecturer on this campus and being a strict disciplined man he must not get to know about my affairs so far. I think it is just good as it is and nothing more. (A shout is heard from outside)

Cynthia: Useless girl, where is she? (Cynthia enters slamming the door open) where is that Toyin Ogunbode of a girl or what does she call herself? (Toyin stands up in surprise Cynthia moves close to Toyin and points her finger at Toyin’s face) You husband snatcher let me warn you, if you don’t play your game right to get our own man, make sure ou sta of other people’s men.

Toyin: Hey-ey, see me see trouble o! (clapping her hands)

Bimbo: (standing up) Ah ah Cynthia what’s the matter calm down now.

Cynthia: Wo, you’d better warn this good-for-nothing dog to leave Ahmed alone, or else…. I’ll show her what stuff I’m made of.

Toyin: Look here Cynthia, if Ahmed has finally opened his eyes to see that you are not the kind of girl that he should move with and he has found that stuff in me, must I be blamed.

Cynthia: Look at this shameless first. What stuff do you think you are made of? Is our father not Dapo Ogunbode that shameless old man that begs me for a night out every now and then? He can sleep with anything in skirt. And here you are, dancing round my boyfriend. Like father trait. Go back home and get the right initiation from your father.

Toyin: (dazed) my father….? My father ……?

Bimbo: Cynthia, keep your cool, will you:?

Cynthia: for the last time, don’t let me ever get you a anywhere near Ahmed again. He'’ mine and I know how to take care of him. Toyin is still dazed rooted to the spot, he hand over her eyes, sobbing gently and sniffing. Bimbo goes to put her arm rpound her and leads her to sit down on the bed).

Toyin: (face still down) it’s not true, it’s not true. But can it be true? (looks up to Bimbo) or do you know something about it? (Bimbo doesn’t answer) Answer me now, bimbo.

Bimbo: (sights deeply again) Hmm. Toyin, this life is a puzzle and the solution to this puzzle is for you to live your life accountable to yourself alone. I’ve know about your father since self alone. I’ve known about your father since I came to this campus and I know that what Cynthia said is true and that was why I felt it was unjust for him to prevent you from enjoying your own life. At least if he chooses to spend his own life the way he is doing, what right has he got to stop you from spending yours the way want to?

Toyin: And I respected him. I feared him., his word was law. No wonder there was never enough money to give me to school.

Bimbo: Wo, we all have them. They’ve done their job in raising us. It’s time for us to lives too. Let us make the best of it. LIGHTS

Chief: Aboru boye o

Baba: Aboru bo sise (Chief sits down). You are the son of your father. It was just last night that Ifa was reminding me that it is another 2 years and its time you come dto pay your dues. Pele ono mi, pele ka’ abo.

Chief: Ah, Baba, how can I forget? Ka ma ribi. I dare not forget the wish of the gods.

Baba: Do you have our idakoja now?

Chief: I have done my work. I dare not come to meet Ifa without doing my own paart (smiling)

Baba: Bi ise o ba peni, eni kan ipese. Let ma go inside and bring in the materials.

Chief: Ki e pe o Baba. (Babalawo goes in. LIGHTS)

Akin and Richard are playing chess. Bro. Tayo is dressed ready to go out.

Tayo: Aren’t you boys coming for the programme I invited you to? It’s starting at 7 and it’s 6.30p.m already.

Richard: Did you move your knight to this place? (points to the chess board)

Akin: Yes, that was the last move I made. I’ll see how you’ ll get out of this (looks up at Bro Tayo) Pastor, this game is so engrossing and I have to beat this guy once and for all to show my superiority. Maybe we’’ll come with you another time.

Toyin: You can always play this game another time. This programme will do you good. Good has a plan for your life and he wants to actualizes it as soon as possible.

Richard: (irritated) Why are you disturbing us now? Go and invite that your Brother emi in the next block. I’m sure he needs it more than we do. Abi, akin what do you think?

Akin: Ah, Yemi? Was he not the one that was carrying micro chips during the last exams? He was so perfect you would thing he was a computer (Akin and Richard laugh) I understand he even bought some exam expos and he is a Brother o;

Richard: Look, all this Jesus stuff, it’s all a game of hypocrisy. It is the foolish and naïve ones like you, Tayo, who carry the thing on their heads; the smart ones enjoy themselves.

Tayo: The hypocrisy of others is not an excuse for you not to serve God the way He wants you to. Anyway, I’m off (He leaves. Akin and Richard continue the game)

Richard: Men, you don’t need these things to get on in life.

Akin: I don’t know sha…. But, come Richard you self you no easy at all o, I just like your kind of guy, you move with awon boys gan gan, girls are not your problem, you sabi baff. Life for you, e be like day no stress. Things just work out for you. I wish I could have things as easy as you.

Richard: Ehn enh! (,moves a piece) yes mo get e. Anyway there’s nothing much to me. If you just know how to play your cards and do the right things, definitely you’ll have thing easy.

Akin: What do you mean play your cards right?

Richard: Are you sure you really want to know?

Akin: Ah ah why not?

Richard: Akin, do you know you can have anything you wan to this campus: girls, grades, guys, respect, connection: I mean you can have thing real easy. You know me now but there’s a thing to it.

Akin: What now? Tell me, I’m curious

Richard: Cool down. Are you serious about the fact that you fact that you want to have things easy for you? (Pause Akin nods) The reason why I have my way is because I belong to a circle of friend, a brotherhood of progressive people who believe in certain goals. But before I tell you more, I want to know if ou willing to be a part of us?

Akin: (sighs deeply) Hmm is the circle what I think it is? (Richard looks him straight in the eye and nods slowly and deliberately. Akin sighs again and pauses) Hmm. Let me think about it. LIGHTS

Lights come on to reveal Toyin dressed up ready to go out but sitting on her bed in deep though. Chinwe is holding a jar of spices.

Chinwe: (Without looking at Toyin) Toyin, have you ever used this kind of spice before….. I wonder how good it is. Maybe I should just put in a little (looks at Toyin) I think I’ll just add a little (goes to adde it)That should be okay. (Turns to Toyin) Toyin! What tim e did you say you’re going out (No answer, Chinwe goes and taps her)Toyin:!

Toyin: (surprised) oh Chinwe did you call me?

Chinwe: I’ve been talking to you for the past 5 minutes what’s on your mind?

Toyin: Nothing……….. there’s nothing really.

Chinwe: (with conv=cern) Toyin, what’s the matter? We’ve been in the same room now for a semester and I know when something is wrong.

Toyin: (sighs deepl) You know, I was just wondering what life is all about……..A few months back I was like a caged bird, not free, restrained but I broke my cage because I was held unjustly. Now I am free to fly, to soar……………….but yet the height I desire I can’t reach. My many so-called friends act so near and yet are so far. I don’t even know whom I am trust. Isn’t there more to life than this?

Chinwe: Toyin dear, I understand how you fell, I may not have the whole picture of what you are going through but to a large extent I know. This life is not fair to anybody, it is full of trials and uncertainties. Even those you trust and love disappoint you and there is nobody to turn to ……..But there is somebody that I’ve fond to be always there, a friend that sticks closer than a brother. His name is Jesus, his love is ever true, he is the shelter from the storms of life and he never disappointments.

Toyin: Chinwe, I don’t know, I’ve gone too far, imagine the trauma, the ……..(hisses) for you it ma be so easy, may be you never went this for but me, Jesus can’t possibly love me.

Chinwe: No, Toyin, no one is good enough, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Even if you had lived all your life without sin, you still need Jesus.

Toyin: (Sighs) This sounds so goo, you mean I could have all you have, the peace of mind, the freedom, just by asking… (knock) Ha! My appointment, Oh my God,. Come in.

Chief: (enters with a gift of some sort which he presents to her)

Toyin: Oh Chief, (hugs him) Thanks

Chief: It’s my pleasure

Toyin: Wao! This is lovely, I’m sue my friends will go greeen with envy when they see this (puts the gift away). Meanwhile, you’ve not told me where we are going tonight.

Chief: My dear, don’t bother your pretty head about that, it si a surpirse.

Toyin: Well, I trust ou sha. I’m ready (she twirls round) do I look okay?

Chief: Lovely

Toyin So, Chinwe I’m on m way

Chinwe: Toyin, please don’t forget what we discussed.

Toyin: It’s okay, I’ve not forgotten, we’ll talk when I come back.

Chief and Toyin move to the door) Bye then.

Chinwe: Bye. (The leave, Sis Chinwe stands in thought and then shakes her head)

Lights come on to meet Wole in the room, a 2 bedded medical room. He is listening to music and studying using some bones and a manual. Wole sighs and puts the bone down on the table and leans back in his chair. Then suddenly, he sits up, holds up the bone with one hand, points to it with the other hand and speaks to it with determination.

Wole: Iwo yi, o ma fumble gan ni. A bone can not be wiser than me. Nkan ti o lenu ko le gbon ju eniyan lo. All this origin and insertion of muscles I must know it today.

(There is a knock on the door. Yemi enters carrying a travelling bag. He is very well dressed in a good shirt and tie, well-cut trousers and new shoes)

Wole: Yemooo………! (looks him up and down) Iwo lo ugbadun o. Launching –launching. How was home?

Yemi: (puts his bag down) very fine (Notices the books) You de o read o

Wole: E no easy to become at Dr. (Goes to Yemi and lifets Yemi’s leg with his foot and pulls Yemi’s tie). You dey baff o, How much did you spend for all this?

Yemi: (laughs) Up sa baba en sha’

Wole: (musically) Born-again, born again!

Yemi: My own tpe de easy you know.

Wole: hen, Yemi. I don check the results of the last test we did it came out yesterday

Yemi: Did I pass?

Wole: How won’t you pass with all your microchips

Yemi: Wetin ma for do now?

Wole: I like this your own born-again. You de enjoy o (There is a knock on the door)

Wole: Yeah, come in! (Tayo enters and is greeted. Wole resumes his reading)

Yemi: Fine, thank God, Bro, have a seat.

Tayo: (sits down) Thanks. I heard some unpleasant things about you so I came to find out. Did you cheat during the last exam?

Yemi: me? No oh. A whole me? God forbid

Tayo: Bro Yemi, are you sure that this is the truth? Remember that he eyes of the lord are in every place, beholding the good and the evil. Whatever a man sows, he will reap. II Tim. 2:19 says. Nevertheless the foundation of God stand sure, having this seal. The Lord knows them that are His. And, let everyone that names the name of Christ depart form iniquity. Please, don’t lose sight of your focus which is Jesus.

Yemi: Bro. Tayo, I appreciate your concern. Really there’s no problem, I’m quite fine.

Tayo: Well, that’s all I wanted to see you for. I have to go now. I’ll check after my lectures tomorrow. Thanks.

(Wole looks up. He had been glancing at them from time to time while the were talking. Bro. Tayo looks at him) Bye( Wole nods. They leave, then he stands checks Yemi’s bag and starts devouring his biscuits).

Yemi: (Amused) wole! You couldn’t even wait for me before descending on my biscuits.

Wole: (Talks with his mouth full) Hunger no get manners o

Bimbo: Richie, It’s so cold tonight (they sit)

Richard: We can’t afford to have you catch a cold , can we? (Takes his jacket off) Here (drapes it round Bimbo’;s shoulders)…(pause., he takes her hand) B, what’s he matter, you’re unusually quiet tonight.

Bimbo: Oh Richie, I… I don’t know how to sa this.

Richard: Come on B, you can trust me

Bimbo: Richie, you remember that night we were at the park together? (He nod) You made a promise to me….(looks him in the eyes searchingly) Honey, I want to be sure of our future together, I want to sure you meant your promise.

Richard: (Chuckles) B, you’re a wonder! Of course I meant it. Is that what you didn’t know how to say?

Bimbo: Well, actually there’s something else (looks down) I… I was at the Doctor’s today and……….. and……… Richie I’m pregnant.

Richard: (Withdraws his arm from her shoulder and speaks sarcastically) Hmm, pregnant……. (long pause) anyway, you should know what to do.

Bimbo: Richie, I can’t scared.

Richard: But, Bimbo, abortions are simple preocedures.