Episode 12 (Yoruba Scam)

|POETIC INTRO|

Black is Gold

Black is Bold

Black is Real

We can't be bought

We can't be replaced

We can't be shamed

Damn the so-called saints

Who think they are pure

They called us demons who could never fit in

You fell for one of us

Now you want to be us

You can't be a Yoruba Demon!

We don't want you!

_____________________________________

(FLASHBACK) JUNE 14th 2001

Mr Adebayo finally pulled himself out of the damaged vehicle.

Please help us, Mr Balogun said as he held on to Mrs Adebisi Balogun was already unconscious.

MR ADEBAYO

Sir, the door is damaged. I'm coming. Let me get some help.

(He rushes to the main road to try to get help)

MR A BALOGUN

Hold on, my Love; help is coming.

(He applies pressure to her bleeding wound)

MR ADEBAYO

(He Rushes back to the woods where the accident happened)

Sir, I couldn't find help, but I brought something to help open the door.

(He struggles with the door with a lot of blood on his hands)

MR A BALOGUN

Try and pull her out. Let's save her first

MR ADEBAYO

We should pull you out First; it will be easier since you are still conscious. Then we can both pull her out.

MR A BALOGUN

All right, let's do that

(They struggled for a while before Mr Adebayo could pull Ayo out of the car)

Oya, let's pull her out now.

MR ADEBAYO

Sir, look, there is a laser on your chest

(Mr Adebayo pushes Ayo out of the way.)

MR A BALOGUN

No!

(He holds on to Mr Adebayo, who is bleeding from the bullet wound.)

MR ADEBAYO

Sir, run for your life. I will try and pull Madam out myself. You need to save yourself first

(He struggles in pain)

MR A BALOGUN

No, I can't leave both of you here and save myself. I'm coming. Let me get help

(He dashes into the forest)

"Oh no, I can't end like this. I must save them; he said as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him

Booooooooooooom🔥🔥🔥🔥

No, it can't be, he cries out as he witnessed the vehicle explode."

LOLADE IN HER OFFICE WITH BISOLA

BISOLA

Please, can you find out what your men are up to? We haven't heard a word from them since Ayo left with Adebisi for the airport.

(She appears stressed and worried)

LOLADE

Relax, my dear; I trust my boys to do their work. I'm still struggling with how this GSM works. If not, I would have given them a call already. I think it's the red button

(She attempts to work her way around the new gadget)

BISOLA

It's the green button Lolade!

I thought you were educated. The green bottom is for making calls

( Bisola pretends to know her way around the new gadget)

LOLADE

Oshay, smart ass, I thought you knew how it works.

"The phone rings 📳"

BISOL

That must be them pick up!

LOLADE

Hello, what's the update?

(She appears disappointed as she receives the news that the work is half done)

"Adebisi and the driver are dead, but Mr A Balogun got away, one of her men said."

BISOLA

What's the update? Did it go as planned?

LOLADE

Yes, we did it.

She's gone!

BISOLA

Yes!

Finally, I can have him to myself

(She noticed Lolade's unhealthy facial expression)

Is everything all right? Did anything go wrong? You don't look happy.

LOLADE

I'm good. I'm just dealing with guilt

(She tries to suppress her disappointments as she forces a smile)

BISOLA

Guilt? Come on; you don't expect me to believe you, right? After all, you initiated this plan, and I know you too well.

(Bisola brings out a bottle of wine with two glasses)

Now we are going to drink to this. We have to celebrate this.

_____________________________________

TODAY(SEPTEMBER 29th 2022)

DINNER AT THE BALOGUN'S MANSION (FESTAC, LAGOS)

"Back to the dinner at The Balogun's Mansion."

MR A BALOGUN

What do you want to know about Mr Adebayo?

TAIWO

Everything father seemed to be a close associate with my late mother and our family. But I'm surprised you never mentioned his name.

MRS B BALOGUN

That is because he is not relevant. Trust me; he is of no use to you.

(She tries to kill the conversation)

MR A BALOGUN

Bisola, don't speak of him that way. He is family to Mrs Aisha, Maria and even Adebisi!

LOLADE

In point of correction brother

"He was"

Nanny, I mean no disrespect

(she gazes at Mrs Aisha)

MR A BALOGUN

you mean no disrespect?

That man saved my life! Sometimes I wonder if you think

(He gets up to leave)

ENIOLA

But father, you haven't still told us who he is. You can't just leave us hanging like that. This man was a close associate of Taiwo's mother. Don't you think Taiwo deserves to know what happened?

MRS B BALOGUN

Shut up your mouth, Eniola. Don't act like you are on Taiwo's side.

"Na Aproko Dey worry so. You just won hear gist."

TAIWO

I do not care about her motives for bringing this up, but she's right! I deserve to know what happened. You all have been avoiding this conversation for a long time. I won't let it slide anymore!

(Taiwo said at the top of his voice)

SIMI

Babe, relax, please.

(Simi tries to calm him down)

LOLADE

Why don't we all take a deep breath? I don't like where this is leading. This is an issue we can all resolve. Taiwo, I know you are curious about many things but talking about this isn't easy for your father too. Please try and understand.

TAIWO

I understand you, Auntie, but you and mother know as much as he does. You both are no different from him!

TEMI

Taiwo, please calm down! Father, I know this isn't easy for you, but I think Taiwo deserve to know the truth, please.

(She pleaded with Mr A Balogun)

MRS AISHA

Temi is right; you know this is the right thing to do.

MR A BALOGUN

(He sits down)

Mr Adebayo was your mother's driver for a long time. Long before I even met your mother. I grew fond of him and decided to bring him along when I married your mother.

Two years later, when your mother's health worsened, we decided to fly abroad to get her treated.

(Tears roll down his eyes)

BAYO

Father, that's enough. This isn't easy on you too. You can tell the rest of the story later.

MR A BALOGUN

No!

Your brother deserves to know all of it.

So on our way to the airport, we had an accident. Mr Adebayo managed to get himself out of the car then he pulled me.

We tried to pull your mother out of the car when someone tried to kill me, but Mr Adebayo pushed me away and took the bullet for me. I ran to get help, but after a few minutes on the run, the car exploded, which is how we lost both of them.

(He couldn't stop the liquid from rolling down his cheeks)

TAIWO

Did you run to get help? Or you wanted to save yourself?

(He asked in anger as tears rolled down his eyes)

BAYO

What's that supposed to mean? Are you deaf? He said he went to get help!

What part of that do you not understand?

(Bayo said as he gazed at Taiwo in anger)

TAIWO

Stay out of this, Bayo this has absolutely nothing to do with you!

BAYO

Yes, it does!

We share the same father, remember? I won't let you blame him for something he isn't responsible for! Maybe this is why they kept it from you because you have refused to live up to the worth of your intellect!

OLAMIDE

Guys, that's okay, please! Bayo, stay out of this and Taiwo, please take it easy. I know you are very emotional, but you can't blame your father for something he couldn't control.

TAIWO

You know what?

I'm done here. I need some air

( He walks out of the room in anger)

MRS AISHA

I will go to him now

(she walks out of the room)

TEMI

I will be leaving for work now! Father, please take it easy. Don't think about it too much. Taiwo will be fine. He needs time to process everything. It's not easy for him too.

(She gets up to leave)

LOLADE

Ahh, don't tell me you work night shifts

TEMI

Yes, ma, I do; I'm a doctor remember?

MRS B BALOGUN

But you can always work your way around these night shifts. I will give your uncle a call concerning it later.

TEMI

Mother, I will be fine. Besides, I love the experience. I want to live a normal life and have a career like every other doctor.

MR A BALOGUN

My Little pumpkin, please stay safe. Ask my driver to go with you, please.

TEMI

All right, father, I will if that will make everyone feel better.

(She walks out of the room)

ENIOLA

Guys, our dresses just arrived

(She walks into the room)

BISI

Wow, this is nice; please drop them over there.

(She orders one of the boys who delivered the clothes)

RUKKY

Omo, this one na blast oh!

It's so fine

(She feels the material)

SIMI

I think this one is for Temi

ENIOLA

Yes, Maria, please take it to her room.

This is your own.

MARIA

Wow, thank you, ma.

(never did she imagine that she would be included in the asoebi plans)

RUKKY

Don't thank us, oh.

Go and look for Auntie Lolade. She said you must be included

SIMI

I think she's preparing to go out

So hurry if you want to thank her before she leaves

(She gazes at Maria)

MARIA

Oh, I will drop this at Auntie Temi's room first, then I will go to Auntie Lolade

(She walks out of the room)

BISI

(She noticed Simi was a little bit off colour)

Simi, are you okay? You don't look too happy!

SIMI

I'm good, don't worry about me

(She forced a smile)

RUKKY

Don't even pretend it's too obvious that something is on your mind!

Oya, talk before we change is for you, oh!

SIMI

Seriously, guys, I'm good. I can take care of myself!

ENIOLA

Only if you know how you look right now you will rephrase your words

Talk to us, Ejor!

We are your friends for a reason. We are all family now! A problem shared is a problem solved

BISI

Exactly!

We care about you, so spill now!

SIMI

All right, guys, I'm just feeling a little bit unfulfilled! I wanted all this for Taiwo and me. I don't feel like his mine yet!

RUKKY

Now I get it! You want a white wedding

BISI

We understand you, my dear walking down the aisle is with the one, is every woman's dream!

ENIOLA

Hmm, except mine though

RUKKY

Don't be a vibe killer!

We know say you nor won Love but let those who want to love, love freely!

It's what she wants!

ENIOLA

Ahh, why you dey attack me na?

I just said I don't share that dream with all of you! Getting married may not even make it to my bucket list ten years from now.

(She rolls her eyes)

BISI

Be careful with what you say, Eniola!

I know it's your life but don't say things you may regret!

ENIOLA

Whatever, by the way, you can still have your white wedding if you want to! All you have to do is get Taiwo to agree to it! I don't see anyone standing in your way

( She sits beside Simi)

RUKKY

That is a good idea!

Tell Taiwo you want a proper church wedding!

BISI

If he agrees, we can even have a dual wedding! You and Taiwo and wed the same day as my Mom's too!

ENIOLA

That is true, don't worry; I will talk to Taiwo about it! I will bring Rukky along too. You know he hardly says no to Rukky. Please cheer up. We don't like your mood at all!

RUKKY

Don't worry. I promise to do my best to get the idea into his head

(She places her left hand on her chest and raises the right above her head)

SIMI

Will you guys do that for me?

(She gets all emotional)

BISI

Ahh, why not? We love and care about you! And if we want to be sincere, that is the right thing to do! I don't understand why you never had a white wedding in the first place!

ENIOLA

Oya cheers up. Let's test our gowns

(Eniola gets up in excitement)

_____________________________________

"LOLADE KNOCKS ON MRS B BALOGUN's DOOR"

Mrs B BALOGUN

Come in!

LOLADE

Good Evening, Bisola

(She wears a smile)

Mrs B BALOGUN

What do you want, Lolade?

I thought you said you had somewhere to be.

LOLADE

Relax, my dear friend, why are you driving me away?

Mrs B BALOGUN

Friends? We are not friends, Lolade!

You deceived me. I knew you never had my interest at heart! You told me Ayo didn't go with Adebisi that day, but you lied. You wanted to eliminate them because Chief chose your brother as his next of kin!

LOLADE

I won't apologize for my actions!

Ayo took my birthright from me even though I came into this world before Ayo; my father stripped me of my rights just because I was born with a virginal!

"Tina is passing by and accidentally overhears their conversation.

She drops her ears on the door's surface to get the information in detail."

Mrs B BALOGUN

You will pay for all you did, I promise you!

LOLADE

We are similar in many ways, my dear; the day you decide to take me down, I promise to bring you along.

(She turns to leave)

TINA

"So they are both responsible for Adebisi's death. Lolade even attempted to get rid of Ayo."

LOLADE

(She opens the door and discovers Tina might have overheard their conversation)

What are you doing here?

TINA

I wanted to see Bisola, but I will come back later

(She turns to leave)

LOLADE

I don't know what you heard, but I trust you know what I'm capable of!

Please be careful if not for your baby's sake, for Ayo!

TINA

Don't threaten me!

I came here to see Bisola. If you think otherwise, that is your business!

You are responsible for your thoughts

(She walks away)

_____________________________________

|FESTAC CENTRAL HOSPITAL (LAGOS NIGERIA) |

"Temi walks into the room to check up on Awelle."

TEMI

Good Evening, Micheal

(She gazes at Awelle, who is fast asleep)

MICHEAL

Good Morning, Dr Temi

(He Notice she is shy)

TEMI

(She stares at her wrist watch)

Oh, I'm sorry it escaped my mind that we are on night duties

MICHAEL

It's fine, dear

I completely understand. Awelle was asking of you earlier.

TEMI

Really? I missed her

Especially her smiles

MICHAEL

She misses you too. You are all she was talking about; before she fell asleep, I felt jealous.

TEMI

Don't be!

She loves you but don't expect her to connect with you like she would with Me, Onyinye and any other woman she is fun of. A man can't replace feminine connection and understanding!

MICHAEL

You are right! It hasn't been easy since her mother left, but I will do my best to ensure she doesn't miss out on anything.

TEMI

You are the best father this girl could ever ask for. And she has Onyinye, Mama and, of course, me! Trust me; she isn't missing out on anything.

(She smiles at Micheal)

MICHAEL

Wow, you are too real to be true. You are just so different. And I keep wondering how you grew up in luxury and still ended up this natural.

(He walks closer to her)

TEMI

(She notices he is coming closer)

"The Will Power" is one of God's tremendous gifts to humanity!

I decided to utilize mine and become what I know is right and good.

"Her purse falls off her hands as she slowly gets blown away by Michael's looks." 

MICHAEL

Oh sorry

(He rushes to pick up the purse. Only for his hand to collide with hers and her eyes locked in his)

"They slowly get carried away by the wind, and for a moment, Temi finds her lips on his. Michael slowly places both his hands on her cheeks.

Temi slowly opens her eyes. She realizes she's in the arms of the one who never left her dreams since her eyes got a hold of his aural."   

TEMI

(She Slowly steps back )

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. I got carried away.

(She covers her face with her hands)

MICHAEL

It's fine; please don't be shy. I  have been dying to do that.

(He pulls her to himself)

TEMI

Michael, what have you done to me? I have never felt this way before.

(She trembles. She could feel herself helplessly dripping down there)

AWELLE

Auntie Temi!

"Micheal and Temi immediately create distance between themselves"

TEMI

My Love, how are you?

(She sits beside Awelle)

AWELLE

I'm fine. Where have you been?

TEMI

I'm sorry, my dear, I have been busy with other patients, but I promise to make it up to you!

Dr MABEL

(She rushes into the room)

Dr Temi, you are needed. An accident occurred nine people were seriously injured. Dr Yemi is requesting everyone's presence.

TEMI

Ahh, this is serious. I'm sorry, Awelle, I have to go.

(She rushes out of the room with Dr Mabel)

MICHAEL

(He noticed Awelle was unusually gazing at him with a suspicious smile on her face)

What is it, Madam?

AWELLE

I saw both of you. She kissed you; then you kissed her too.

(She smiles and teases him with her eyebrows)

MICHAEL

She didn't kiss me! She was taking something out of my mouth.

(He tries to sound convincing)

AWELLE

So you were both taking something out of each other's mouths?

Wow, I'm Seven! Not stupid!

MICHAEL

You saw it all wrong, my dear!

AWELLE

I know what I saw! Let's see if Mama or Onyinye will fall for a lie your seven years old daughter couldn't fall for!

MICHAEL

Fine, We kissed but keep it to yourself, please!

AWELLE

That will cost you

(She opens her right palm and stretches it towards him)

MICHAEL

Where did you learn to take a bribe?

How do you know that it exists in the first place?

(He appears surprised)

AWELLE

Like I said, father, I'm seven, not stupid! I want a thousand Naira, or the whole hospital, including the patients, will know you kissed Auntie Temi.

MICHAEL

(He appears frustrated)

Fine! You can have it. But this isn't over.

(He drops a Thousand Naira note on her palm)

AWELLE

Wow, I will add this to my savings. Don't worry; your secret is safe with me!

_____________________________________

|CHIEF BALOGUNS MANSION(BANANA ISLAND, LAGOS)|

"Lolade organize a family dinner to introduce her Oyibo Husband."

Mrs K BALOGUN

Finally, my baby girl is home. I thought she was yet to let go of the past

(She smiles at Lolade)

LOLADE

Mom, I hold nothing against you. You are the woman who brought me into the world, and I love you more than you think.

CHIEF BALOGUN

Love? You should be the last person talking about Love in this room. You do not abandon the people you love.

LOLADE

You stripped me of my birthright. You would have let me have what I deserve if you did love me. You should be the last person talking about Love. For all I know, you picked power over your loyalty to your family.

MR A BALOGUN

Lolade, that's okay. We all didn't gather here to watch you and father fight over something that happened in the past.

LOLADE

Ayomide Balogun

Predictable and shallow, as always. Of course, it all turned in your favour, so I wouldn't expect you to be on my side. You have tried where you didn't sow, and it will catch up with you in no time.

MR A BALOGUN

I have tried where I didn't sow.

(Laughing out loud)

How? The only thing you have contributed to the family business is your name and birthright as a Balogun! Even if I am not actively involved in the family business, I worked and gave it my all. Now my Children will do the rest!

LOLADE

Did you work? Or you corrupted your way into Nigerian politics? If only you know how you look outside your father's shadow!

You have done nothing but ride on Father's back.

(She picks up a glass of wine)

BAYO

I thought we were here for a formal introduction of Auntie Lolade's Husband to be?

TAIWO

I thought the same too!

ENIOLA

At least they don't have a gun pointed at each other this time.

RUKKY

Eniola!

(She tries to stop Eniola from getting involved)

Mrs K BALOGUN

So my daughter, what is his name?

(She tries to kill the whole drama)

LOLADE

Everyone, this is Robert, my husband-to-be.

(She wraps her right hand around his left arm)

ROBERT

"Ka a ale" Sir, "Ka a ale" ma,

(He attempted to greet in Yoruba)

ENIOLA

Omo, watin be this? That guy nor know how that word sound for e mouth?

(She whispers to Rukky)

"They bought laugh softly."

RUKKY

I swear, Which kind Yoruba scam be this?

He should have just greeted in English

(She whispers to Eniola)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Nice to meet you, Robert; I'm Chief Williams Balogun, but you can call me Chief. What do you do for a living?

LOLADE

Father!

Does that matter?

CHIEF BALOGUN

Ahh, can't I get to know my inlaw to be? Why do you always have to sound defensive and insecure? My dear, tell us more about yourself and what you do for a living.

ROBERT

I'm from England; I was born and brought up in London. I'm a businessman. I own an airline.

RUKKY

How far? E be like this white guy nor know how he be for inside Buba

(She whispers to Eniola)

ENIOLA

I can't even remember when last I was in native attire. The guy, too, overdo abeg!

(She whispers to Rukky)

BISI

(She noticed Temi was a little different and absent-minded)

Temilade, are you okay?

TEMI

Yeah, I'm good.

(She couldn't get Micheal off her mind. She could still feel his lips on hers even though it's been almost twenty-four hours since it all happened)

CHIEF BALOGUN

Wow! That is nice. I love people in the business. I find them useful and valuable, so how much does your airline make yearly?

(Gazes at Robert)

Mrs K BALOGUN

Chief, Let this man be!

Let's enjoy this evening as a family. You don't have to interrogate him like that!

He said he owns an airline. I think that is enough proof that he is hard-working!

MR A BALOGUN

I agree with mother on this! Even though I had scepticism about my sister bringing an outcast into our family, I must confess I am impressed

(He offers Robert a friendly handshake)

ROBERT

(Accepts the open request for a handshake)

Thank you

Mrs B BALOGUN

I like your attire. You came prepared!

You could almost pass for a Yoruba man!

ENIOLA

Nearly!

Mrs B BALOGUN

What did you say?

(Gaze at Eniola)

ENIOLA

Ahh, nothing oo. I was telling Rukky something!

OLAMIDE

All right, since uncle Robert has introduced himself, can we eat now?

TAIWO

I thought nobody would say that

CHIEF BALOGUN

All right, let's eat!

_____________________________________

|Mrs ADESOJI SUMMONS A MEETING WITH HER PARTY MEMBERS|

Mrs ADESOJI

I have noticed that many potential members are decamping to the NNC party. This has raised a lot of eyebrows, and if this continues, we may lose the only thing we have above the NNC party.

MISS CHIAMAKA

We believe The table is responsible for this

We must find a solution before tho gets out of hand!

Mrs OKOYE

I strongly of the opinion that The table may not be responsible for this! I believe people like where the power is! The table controls the presidency, most of the northern states, the west and many of the southern states and Now Lagos! The commercial capital of Nigeria if not in Africa!

Mrs ADESOJI

You have a point. That is why we must do everything to make sure our party do not lose the forthcoming elections in the Naija Delta! Especially Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states! We have been in control of Delta for the past eight years and Bayesa for the past twelve years but this time, we have to take over all of it!

MISS UGO

I concur with you ma! But I also think our major focus should be the presidency! The National Election is just around the corner! We can't lose out too! I know the aim of this party is to set up a firm structure for Nigerian women! We exist to create more room for dominance! I think it's about time we go for the presidency! It's risky but I think it's worth it!

MISS CHIAMAKA

I agree with Miss Chiamaka! We might have lost Lagos to the NNC party but I think we stand a chance with the presidency if we act smart!

Mrs ADESOJI

You have all spoken well and I agree with all you have said! Actually, I had this in mind I came with someone very resourceful and influential I believe she can help strengthen our party and dominance.

(She ask one her boys to bring her in)

LOLADE

"She walks into the room"

Mrs Adesoji, it's been a while!

Mrs ADESOJI

Lolade Balogun, my friend we have a lot to talk about!

(They hug each other)

_____________________________________