Alaafin: Irunmole

MAIGARMAR

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IT'S MAGNIFICENT. Embroided by the raging gaze of the sun high up, OYO-ILE is a beauty to behold. Surrounded by giant trees and it's sky plagued by KOROKPES...huge birds of prey, the city was vibrant. All around the majestic clay infrastructures, the city was vigorous with merchants and chieftains from all over OYO trouping into the city's square from the gates. In their immaculate well woven "Aso ebi"...the native dressing of the Yorubas, the chieftains were paraded to the city's square by their carriages machined by their guards with "Gangàn" drummers following them, beating it with melody and appraisals of the chieftains to curry their favour in the shape of cowries. The "Egungun", OYO's prestigious masquerades were also at the centre of the square with few on their way to it, dancing and somersaulting to the tones of the "Gangàn" drummers. Colours were all over the capital as bands of both young and old in their colourful attires were seen all over the city, all with their various purposes of trading, singing, dancing and playing. The land was lively but not without a reason, for the wait is over. For years, the throne of OYO has been left vacant with the brother to the former late Aláàfin leading the kingdom. But it shall stay empty for only one more day, for the heir to the throne, Adedayo Obalokun Odede would claim the mark of his Ashe and also his place as the Aláàfin of the OYO Empire.

ADEDAYO

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Far from the noise and lively atmosphere of OYO-ILE, on the large hills in the forest west side of the capital, I sat at the peak of one of them pondering on the weight of the throne I was about to assume. It has been fourteen years since the "Olossi" attacked and claimed the lives of my parents and even with my uncle, The Chief General Of OYO im charge, we haven't managed to strike a heavy blow on the demon army of the sea. They even happened to have dispossessed us of our fishing lands in Shagamu and have taken full control over the islands and coastal regions of Èkó. The people are restless and demand of me a feat even our greatest general couldn't accomplish. Even with the jubilation, some of the chieftains and people across the states of OYO still harbor hard feelings for me as it was of my father's mistakes that led to the demons of the sea attacking our capital and claimed the lives of my parents and some of our people.

And then there is my "Ashe" situation, years now and even I can't predict whose Orisha Ashe mark I would bear at the end of the ritual. Most Yorubas by their mannerisms and by signs the Orishas give, they tend to have an idea of their patron deity before the Ashe ritual. But mine has always been unclear for my uncle describes my behavior as that of the wind but majorly because everytime I give offerings to the each Orisha on their worship day due to the fact I haven't possessed a patron deity, neither of them ever responded.

Inhaling the peaceful atmosphere high up the mountains, all I could do is think. Despite all years of training and listening to repetitive teachings of my responsibilities, my heart still ached for more time till I sat the throne. In the midst of my inner conflict, i felt a sudden change in the air behind me like a force approaching me... A SPEAR! Jumping to my left with the spear nearly piercing my shoulder, i fell to the ground with my knees on the floor while grabbing the rod of the spear while I was mid air. Getting up, a huge figure dashed forward aiming at my chest with another spear at hand. In response using my left leg, i kicked the rod of the spear, forcing it off my attacker's hand . And with my right leg, I hit him on the chest but with not having an effect due to his ironclad body, I adjusted towards backflipping using his chest as a thrust. Grinning, he stepped forward with sunlight bathing his dark muscular body and his blue dansaki attires raved by the winds, he said " Impressive, as expected of the Aláàfiiinnnnn" in a mocking tone. I took the "Gùùn" combat stance, stretching my spear forward towards him. He laughed saying " So no time for small talk ehh" with i replying " it's not like you approached with any words of sort". He grinned and also took on the "Gùùn" stance. With excitement in his eyes, he shouted "Oya! Son of Ajaka Odede.. show me the strength of a king!"