Episode 11(Karma)
POETIC INTRO
Guilty, the right to torture oneself.
Dirty, the feeling of the innocent blood in one's hands.
Flirty an irrational erotic behaviour.
Last last e don cast
Omo, she don fuk up
Lagos, go table her matter.
Consequences do not give a damn about her Remorse
It is what it is; she must face what it is
She must pay the price for her actions!
_____________________________________
FLASH BACK (JUNE 14th 2001)
"Lolade knocks at Bisol's door"
BISOLA
Good morning, Lolade. What do you want? (she asked as she opened the door)
LOLADE
Don't tell me you were still sleeping?
(She asked in Surprise as she walked into the room)
BISOLA
Don't start Lolade, Please!
(she offered her a seat)
LOLADE
Are we still going on with our plan?
BISOLA
I don't know, you tell me?
(she asked as she gave Lolade a weird look)
LOLADE
I think we should. This is the only way you can have Ayo to yourself till that woman leave his life; you can never be with Ayo.
BISOLA
Why do you even care? You have nothing to gain in this; why are you helping me?
(LOLADE)
In her head; Bisola can't know this is my revenge against father and Mother for leaving me out of the family business; for a long time, I have been living in Ayo's shadow. I must claim my birthright as father's next of kin."
BISOLA
Lolade, are you here? ( she noticed Lolade was lost in her thoughts)
LOLADE
Yes, I am
BISOLA
I asked you a question why are you helping me? And how do I know this plan will work out?
LOLADE
Because I care about you, you have been through thick and thin with my brother. You still stayed even when he had given you enough reason to leave. Now he is flying his Wife abroad to get her treated. But you are here looking after his kids. You deserve more.
BISOLA
Thank you, Lolade, for always looking out for me; let's do this. Let's get rid of Adebisi.
____________________________________ (TODAY) SEPTEMBER 28th 2021
Mr BALOGUNS MANSION (FESTAC)
LOLADE
I learnt you had taken a second wife,Ayo.
(she picked up her glass of wine)
MR A BALOGUN
It seems you haven't changed a bit; you will jump at every opportunity to make fun of me.
LOLADE
Relax, brother, don't tell me you still haven't gotten used to my silly jokes
(She sighs in mockery)
MR A BALOGUN
Jokes? Do you call sugar-coated taunts jokes?
LOLADE
Whatever, Ayo. Bisola, my dear friend, how have you been?
(she gazed at Bisola)
MRS B BALOGUN
Perfect would be an understatement.
LOLADE
How are you dealing with the recent developments? I believe no woman wants to share her man
(She teased)
MR BALOGUN
Lolade!(He called out her name)
LOLADE
What is it, Ayo? I wasn't talking to you.
MRS BALOGUN
I can deal with the fact that I may have to share my man with another woman, but I definitely can't stand being a single mom who depends on her vibrators to satisfy her sexual fantasies.
LOLADE
What did you say? (She asked angrily)
MRS B BALOGUN
You heard me right, don't tell me I'm getting to you?
(She teased)
LOLADE
Oh no, it will be a disappointment to the universe if I don't sit on my ego because the devil called me a demon.
MRS AISHA
That is enough, you haven't even spent an hour together, and you already want to kill yourselves?
( Ku ba yara ba ne,)
MRS B BALOGUN
She started it, Nanny.
MRS AISHA
I don't care who started it. You are both adults, except you are babies who made babies who are now adults. Behave yourselves!!!!
MR A BALOGUN
Thank you, Nanny; I hope your words didn't just pass through baskets
_____________________________________
(THE BALOGUNS KITCHEN (FESTAC)
ENIOLA
How far, you say you get gist for me?
( she asked walking into the kitchen with Rukky)
RUKKY
Omo, babe nor be small thing. You know that boy Tega were I tell you about?
ENIOLA
That guy were promise you Marriage?
RUKKY
Exactly that idiot, Omo the guy be don marry oh e even get two children with the woman.
ENIOLA
Wait Rukky shey you dey whine me ni?
(she exclaimed in intense laughter).
RUKKY
Why I go dey throw you Lamba? The boy na just fool. I tell you that time say I nor trust am.
ENIOLA
Omo, you really talk am oh thank God say you nor date am.
MRS AISHA
What are you guys doing here?
(She asked as she walked into the kitchen.)
RUKKY
Nothing, we just want to finish up with the dishes.
ENIOLA
just shut up; English nor just fit you
(she teased)
RUKKY
This one don ment oh, you forget say na me and you go school together for Yanki?
ENIOLA
Abeg rest, you can take Rukky out of the street, but you cannot take the street out of Rukky.
RUKKY
Nanny, e be like say Mumsi them get visitor?
MRS AISHA
Oh, yes, Aunty Lolade is here
ENIOLA
Wow, why didn't you tell me earlier?
(She exclaimed in excitement as she rushed out of the kitchen).
_____________________________________
(THE BALOGUNS SITTINGROOM)
ENIOLA
Auntie Lolade!
(She screamed out as she jumps on her body)
LOLADE
My baby girl, how are you? It's been a while.
(she hugs Eniola.)
ENIOLA
I'm fine. I missed you! ( she exclaims).
LOLADE
I missed you too, my baby; where are your siblings?
ENIOLA
. Temi and Taiwo went to church. They aren't back yet; Bayo stepped out with his friends.
LOLADE
Temi and Taiwo went to church?
(She asked in surprise)
ENIOLA
Yes, Temi was invited by a friend, so Taiwo decided to tag along.
MRS B BALOGUN
Why that face? Don't tell me you still haven't settled your issues with God?
( asked in mockery)
LOLADE
I cannot wrestle that which doesn't exist!
MR A BALOGUN
We both know you were not born an atheist. All these started after your late husband's death..
LOLADE
Do you believe in God?
(She gazed right into her brother's eyes.)
MR A BALOGUN
Yes, I do; there is no reason to question his existence.
LOLADE
Then why didn't you pray your way into the Lagos Governorship position? If you trust in his existence, why do you have to manipulate things in your favour?
MR A BALOGUN
Maybe if you paid attention to those times Mom took us to church, you will be familiar with the scripture "Faith Without works is Death",
LOLADE
Ride on, preacher, you ought to be outside with Taiwo and Temi right now, but no, you are here on Sunday afternoon arguing about the existence of God.
MR A BALOGUN
I said I believe in God; I never said I believe in the system of the church and her strange doctrines.
RUKKY
But you can't believe in God and not believe in the church; the church is the body of Christ.
LOLADE
That is where the problem is. My issue with Religion all started with the story attached to the birth of Christ.
There is nothing realistic about that story.
RUKKY
Everything about the Bible is realistic; prophecies came to pass, Jesus walked on water, and he was doing good everywhere he went.
LOLADE
Oh, please, these are stories people like you and I compiled. If you must argue about the scriptures, do so with real facts and prove.
RUKKY
There are facts that prove Christ walked the earth, time was and is still measured by the birth and death of Christ, Christ was mentioned in the Quran, and the thumb of Jesus is still in Jerusalem; I can keep going if you want me.
ENIOLA
No, don't; that's okay enough of this whole church and Religion of a thing. By the way, you guys are boring me; how are Bisi and Olamide?
( she attempted to change the topic of discussion)
LOLADE
Your cousins are fine, my dear; they are at Chief's place. They will be coming in later in the evening. As you already know, I will be getting married this coming weekend.
ENIOLA
Yes, oh, I'm your Chief Brides Maid
(she exclaimed in joy.)
RUKKY
Auntie Lolade, nor fear you see this wedding, na we get am. By the time me, Eniola, Temi, Simi, Bisi and Maria step out, Lagos go know say Na we they run things.
LOLADE
Rukky, you haven't changed a bit. Always full of energy, Lolade said in between laughter.
RUKKY
Yes, oh me I nor dey dull oh I dey ginger die I be Warri girl oh.
MR A BALOGUN
Please, that's enough, my stomach is about to cut open, but I want to ask. Why the sudden decision to marry a white man?
. LOLADE
I believe that is none of your business. Mother has been on my neck concerning finding a husband, so don't question my decisions on who I decide to marry. After my long stay overseas, I came to find out black men are not romantic, and polygamy won't let them sit in one place.
MRS B BALOGUN
He is a white man; he knows nothing concerning our culture or background. He is of no benefit to you. I am sure Chief has said this already, except you have both decided to prolong your malice.
LOLADE
White or Black, I'm marrying for love, unlike someone who chose to be a slave to perks and incentives
( she gazes at Bisola)
MR A BALOGUN
Enough already; your life is your choice. By the way, when is he coming?
LOLADE
Most likely Tuesday or Wednesday, he wasn't able to join us.
ENIOLA
Omo, has anyone heard from Taiwo and Temi?
(She askedin an attempt to change the topic of discussion, which was already getting on her nerves)
"Eniola believed men are not worth spending the rest of her life with. Marriage is a form of slavery that has been sugar-coated with children, the idea of a perfect family, validation/approval from the society, the feeling of fulfilment and the kind of love that only exists on Mars."
MRS AISHA
I just spoke to Temi; she said they are on their way, Mrs Aisha said as she walked into the room with a huge plate of catfish pepper soup.
LOLADE
Aww,Nanny prepared my favourite; This reminds me of our days with Mom and Dad.
MRS AISHA
I know you don't get much of this overseas. Please enjoy
_____________________________________
|MRS ADEBAYO's MANSION. FESTAC, LAGOS|
MICHAEL
Hey, I want to apologize for Bimpe's attitude earlier. She shouldn't have said those things.
(He approached Temi, who was going through some of Michael's old pictures with Mrs Adebayo.)
TEMI
Oh, you don't have to do that, it's fine, we all have different opinions, and she's responsible for her actions
(she picked up one of Michaels's childhood pictures)
MICHAEL
Oh, that was my fifteenth birthday party. Mama couldn't stop me from eating those cakes.
Wow, you look so fat here, and it seems you loved food, Temi teased.
ONYINYE
Yes, he did; he could eat seven times a day at that time; he had the stomach of a pregnant woman.
MICHAEL
Shut up your mouth. How would you know that? You were barely six at that time.
(He wrapped his hands around Onyinye's shoulders(
ONYINYE
I was six, not stupid!!!
TAIWO
He picks up some of the pictures.
"This face looks familiar; whom could he be? Where have I seen this person? This was taken a long time ago. There is no way I met this person outside my parent's circle."
MRS ADEBAYO
That is my husband, Late Mr Maxwell Adebayo
(she noticed Taiwo was curious)
TAIWO
He looks so familiar I haven't been able to take my eyes off this picture.
MRS ADEBAYO
Of course, you might know him. He walked for your family for a long time.
ONYINYE
Papa worked for The Baloguns? How come I never knew?
MRS ADEBAYO
Because you never asked, and you were still in the walls of my stomach when we lost him.
TEMI
What service did he offer to our family?
MRS ADEBAYO
He was the Late Mrs Adebisi Balogun's driver
TAIWO
Really? She's my Mother; wow, this is great. I remember there was a man who worked for Father back then. I can't forget the day he drove me to the hospital to see my Mom. I guess he is the one. That was the last time I saw her,
(Taiwo tries to sit on his tears)
MICHAEL
Are you okay?
TAIWO
Yes, I am just a bit emotional, but I'm fine.
TEMI
Taiwo, I think we should leave now; Nanny called earlier. Everyone is asking after us.
Mrs ADEBAYO
We will join you guys so that you can drop us at the hospital on your way home.
TAIWO
Oh, no problem, we will be glad to help. And thank you for today,
(He bows in appreciation)
MRS ADEBAYO
You are welcome, my son. Feel free to visit anytime, Mrs A
_____________________________________
"ONYINYE's ROOM"
MARIA
Finally, we are going to school together
ONYINYE
Omo, I'm so happy; Uncle Taiwo is nice; I'm glad I met him.
MARIA
I'm happy for you cousin so when do you intend to leave for school?
ONYINYE
Anytime you decide, oh. I can't go there alone. Oh, you know how scared I can sometimes be.
MARIA
All right, Uncle Taiwo promised Granny he would take me, so I guess you would join us
( Shs picked up her glass of water)
ONYINYE
First of all, we will have to begin our screening exercises, right?
MARIA
Yes, I hope you have all your documents ready?
ONYINYE
Yes, I do; I started preparing when I saw my admission letter, Onyinye said excitedly
(Temi walks into the room)
TEMI
Hey, what are you guys talking about?
ONYINYE
Oh, just school stuff. We were talking about documents we will need for our screening exercise.
TEMI
Wow, that's nice; we are leaving now; Granny is already asking about our where about.
MARIA
Oh, all right, I'm ready, ma. We can go now; Maria said as she got up from the bed.
_____________________________________
MRS ADESOJIS HOUSE( VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS)
MRS ADESOJI
What! No, this can't be happening, not now
(she hung up the phone)
DANIEL
What is the problem? Mother.
MRS ADESOJI
My assistant informed me that many party members are leaving the Party,
TONY
(He walks into the room)
That isn't good at all. Did you get to find out why they are leaving?
MRS ADESOJI
Nobody knows, my dear. How do I fix this? This will affect us a lot, especially in finance and power.
TONY
Relax; first, we must find out why they are leaving and where they are going.
DANIEL
I agree with Tony; they must be a reason why they are leaving.
MRS ADESOJI
I have a feeling The table has something to do with this, Mrs Adesoji said.
DANIEL
Chief Balogun, to be more specific.
STELLA
We shouldn't conclude yet. First, we need to find out why they are leaving. From there, we can figure out the cause of this whole issue.
. MRS ADDSOJI
Tell Musa to get the car ready.
STELLA
Alright!
(She walks out of the room.)
TONY
Why, where are you going?
MRS ADESOJI
I need to fix this!!!
TONY
How Mom? Please don't do anything stupid!
MRS ADEAOJI
Relax, son, I'm just attending a call to action meeting with other party members; you can tag along if you are so worried.
TONY
I will pass; I have some things to take care of at the company.
(He walks out of the room)
STELLA
(She walks back to the room)
Musa is ready to leave,
_____________________________________
|THE TABLE SECRET MEETING|
CHIEF BALOGUN
I called This Table meeting to appreciate everyone for their support and cooperation during the election. We all know Ayo and Femi won because you all invested time and resources in the election.
BISHOP SARKI
We trust your judgments Chief; I must confess we were all scared because our opponents are very influential people, but once again, you have Kept to your words and promises.
MR BALOGUN
Thank you, pastor Sarki; I would also like to thank you for representing us in Christendom. Through your large congregation and cross-boundary influence across all other denominations, many of our supporters came from the church.
BISHOP SARKI
You are welcome, Mr Governor. Your father is a major contributor to how I got to own and control Nigeria's largest congregation of Christians. What I did is nothing compared to the least Tight I receive monthly from the members of This Table.
MR F ABIOLA
On behalf of The Governor and Me, we also want to appreciate The Chief Imam. Alhaji Abacha Abubakar for his contributions to the Election, Na Gode Sir.
ALHAJI A ABUBAKAR
You are welcome, my son; as you all know, some of us on this table is not getting any younger. A hankali zamaninmu yana zuwa ƙarshe. So we have to prepare you younger ones to take over from us. This secret Organization is the core of Nigeria's politics and the most influential in west Africa, if not in Africa. It took us a lot to get here, so we must ensure that we leave our future in the hands of people like you and Mr Ayo Balogun, who are ready to do anything to make sure we Flourish in power.
MRS AJAYI
In the spirit of gratitude and celebration, I also want to mention that finally, we are slowly breaking the wings of our greatest threat.
MR OBI
That is very true; I saw in the news today that many AUG members are decamping to our Party. Finally, we are slowly destroying them.
CHIEF BALOGUN
(He appears displeased and unsatisfied)
This is a big win for us, but we must be very careful. As much as this was naturally bound to happen, these are still politicians who were once members of the AUG party. They cannot be completely trusted, and Mrs Adesoji can use this to get us from the inside.
Dr AKANDE
You are right, brother. We must properly screen this person and put them on probation for the main time. Our Party is what represents The table in public. It is the fastest way to get to us.
_____________________________________
|MONDAY EVENING AT THE BALOGUNS MANSION (FESTAC LAGOS)|
TAIWO
(He walks into the room)
Good evening Simi.
SIMI
Are you avoiding me, Taiwo?
(She could no longer hide the fact that she may be overthinking things.)
TAIWO
( He appears perplexed. Wondering why she asked a strange question)
Where is all that coming from? I have no reason to avoid you.
SIMI
How come the day I decided to move in with you, that was when you decided to go to church with Temi? Last night was our first night on the same bed. I didn't even get to feel your skin once.
TAIWO
My decision to attend church yesterday had nothing to do with you coming. And last night I came in late, you know I went drinking with the boys. Olamide came in yesterday, so we all went out with Bayo and his friends.
SIMI
But you hardly drink Taiwo. How come last night was the night you decided to do so.
TAIWO
(He walks up to Simi)
Relax, Simi, don't overthink things, please. Olamide is my favourite cousin; Bayo was casual with me for the first time in a long time. Ken and Chike are a bunch of idiots that will get you laughing all night. Don't you think it would be hard for me to turn them down?
SIMI
I'm sorry, Taiwo; I never meant to speak to you this way. I was feeling unwanted and stressed out by the thoughts of you ignoring me.
TAIWO
It's fine, my dear, and I'm sorry too. I promise to make it up to you.
(He hugs her)
MARIA
(She walks into the room)
Good Evening, sir; dinner is ready; your Mom and everyone are waiting for both of you.
TAIWO
Oh, all right, we will join them now!
_____________________________________
|DINNER AT THE BALOGUNS MANSION (FESTAC, LAGOS)|
BISI
This is delicious; the white man's food tastes nothing like this.
TEMI
God knows I miss nothing about the western food.
OLAMIDE
Omo, I doubt if I'm going back with Mom, Nigeria may be unfriendly to my skin, but my stomach is open to all that she offers.
TAIWO
(He joins others in laughing out loud)
Guy, take it easy, na; you are eating like you are dying today.
MRS B BALOGUN
Let him eat to his satisfaction; it seems Lolade has been trying to turn him into a white man.
ENIOLA
Ahh, Mom, why would you say that?
MR BALOGUN
But where is the lie? Just look at Bisi; she could chew that plate if she could!
BISI
Ahh, uncle, you are looking for my trouble, oh, Bisi said.
MR BALOGUN
Oya sorry nor vex, Mr Balogun said.
BAYO
So Auntie Lolade, when do we get to meet your white Fiancee?
LOLADE
The day you get over Simi!
( Others filled the room with Laughter)
RUKKY
Ahh, Bayo if na me dey reply like this ehh na to find somewhere hide my face, oh.
BAYO
Rukky, if my hand touch you, eh? Why you even still dey here? You nor go do make you dey go your house?
ENIOLA
Ehh, hold it there; this is her house. Don't talk to my partner in crime like that
(she "High Fives🙏" Rukky.)
BAYO
So you think that because you are familiar with us, now that means you are part of us? You won't last long here; I promised you.
MR BALOGUN
Even if she leaves this night, at least she has lasted longer than any of your relationships.
(others laugh out loud!!!😂)
TEMI
Awo, Daddy, take it easy. Somebody will cry, oh.
BAYO
(He gets up to leave)
You know what? Goodnight, it's a waste of time dining with you people.
TAIWO
Ehen before I forget, I want to ask. Who was Mr Adebayo? What was his relationship with my Mother? (He gazes at Mr Balogun)
MRS B BALOGUN
(She gets caught off guard. She appears nervous)
Why do you want to know about that all of a sudden? And how did you know he was a close associate of your Mom?
LOLADE
(She wears a smile)
Wow, this Evening is getting so interesting, Lolade said as she stared at Mrs B Balogun.