Chapter 4: Settling the Throne

After many days of argument, dem finally settle:

The sixth Oba of Umuola, Ifedike, rule for thirty years, bring peace and better life. Burial title: Oba Olumide.

Normal. No too good, no too bad.

Chief still wan fight for better title for me, but I stop am.

“I dream see the late Oba yesterday. He say he like this title.”

Na just title. No need stress.

As I mention late Oba, Auwalu burst into tears. “Your Majesty, the late Oba suffer o.”

Na so e dey repeat am everyday now.

I look sky. Me, I no feel say my life too hard—just say I die young.

This old Auwalu dey get soft as he dey old? Where that sharp mouth wey dey argue with me before?

“The late Oba talk say he no suffer.”

As I see say he still dey wipe tears, I frown.

“If you continue like this, Chief, you no go get time for council work o.”

As he hear my tone change, Auwalu come back to himself.

“Old man don lose guard. Abeg forgive me, Your Majesty. I no go fail the late Oba trust.”

As I dey look Auwalu wey dey waka slow, I soft small, decide give am some days off.

Hmm, three days, no pass that.

Old man, try hold yourself. Umuola need you.

For this kind kingdom, if pillar bend, roof fit fall. I send one small messenger make he buy fresh bitterleaf soup and palm wine for the chief, make the man relax well.