Guest Post From Ak Kingsley
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| Photo Source: Can Stock Photo |
Afe Idung (village square) was quite a large space, which could contain the entire inhabitants of the village. Public meetings, wrestling contests, local treaties and festivals took place there. At a far corner, was a large Ukim (Mahogany tree) whose foot served as a point of sacrifices to Ikaan (spirits of the ancestors).
My eyes took a quick scan of the square. Kids were running around, teens were playing and there was general excitement under the moon light. We joined the company of Mkpongonyong, Akube and Isemin who were engrossed in an argument whether or not Prince Mkpang, first son of our Edidem (King), had the right to freely handpick a girl as his wife without consent from the girl.
"That is not our tradition. Edidem only copied it from Arochukwu and wants to impose on us," Isemin argued.
"Akparawa, let Mkpang pick his wife anyhow. He is the prince and deserves even more. It doesn't matter where Edidem (king) brought the idea from," Mkpongonyong disputed, as he poured the palm wine we brought into a small Ukpok (local palm wine cup).
Although Isemin and Mkpongonyong were somehow right, I nodded in support of the former, but uttered no word. It was a sacrilege to challenge Edidem's decision and deemed a crime against Atakpo (our local deity). Therefore, the culprit would be beheaded by Ekpe (a cult) and buried in the evil forest.
As this flashed in my mind, I stylishly withdrew myself and left the ensemble without their notice to avoid being counted among them, just in case the argument got to Edidem's ears. Foolish of me though, I was already waist deep into the taboo, having spent a while and even drank palm wine with the threesome.
I quickly waved the fear aside and fed my mind on what brought me to Afe Idung. As I wandered about curiously, strolling around the area of the square where the girls were playing, my eyes carefully checked everyone present.
Adiaha, Ikpong-Mma, Affiong, Nko, Arit, Mmafiong, Mkpoikanna, Utipime, Enomfon, Uyai, Eno, Ekanem-Anwan... I practically took a 'voiceless role call' and someone was missing. Mixed feelings struck me and I became restless.
Where could she be? Did she deceive me? Was she in danger? Many questions stormed my mind. A strange fear gripped me. I couldn't get angry, but scared and worried about her whereabouts.
In no time, I noticed that apart from the children who were playing, the older peers were in pairs. Even the spot where Isemin and co. sat was transformed to a meeting of two. The girls paired up with male folks at different spots, getting engrossed in intimacy.
As I was about to head home in disappointment, I heard a faint voice calling me from the direction of the Ukim. I looked closely and saw no one, then I began to retreat.
Rumours claimed that Ikaan would strike dead anyone who defiled the sanctity of the great Ukim. Another had it that evil spirits roamed about at night; sometimes in the form of a young man or girl, then harmed people especially at the square.
These stories came alive in my mind as I went numb. The voice was hers, but I wasn't sure if she was the one. Why would she choose this sacred Ukim of all the spots in the square?
Could it be an evil spirit? But, Ikaan should protect an innocent person like me. I summoned courage and decided to oblige the call; after all, I had sworn not to let anything stop my fun.
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About The Author
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| AK Kingsley |
Ak Kingsley is a young Nigerian broadcaster and writer, passionate about social and political literature. He also has special interest in black history. With a mic and a pen, he is inexhaustible.
