The opening scene of the saga story depicts a rich Nigerian family, the Baloguns, enjoying a Sunday afternoon meal in the luxurious Banana Island, Lagos. Despite being a powerful player in Nigerian politics, Chief Balogun is shown to be just like an...
|POETIC INTRO| I want to tell you a secret I want to spill the truth I want free my soul from this disarray My fate lies in what my ears have heard My heart shrank in paranoia and fear My soul was suffocating in the deep water My subconscious wounded in distress So many things left unsaid But in the end, I said a lot They sat and wondered how come. I sat and laughed; E shock you, abi?
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|CHIEF BALOGUN RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
CHIEF BALOGUN (He turns to Kate) Your daughter has bitten off more than she can chew. I just hope she can handle what is coming next.
MR. A BALOGUN Dad, can you just be straight with us?
BAYO Isn't it obvious? Auntie Lolade is the vice president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (He sits on Chief's couch)
MRS. B BALOGUN Bayo, shut up.
CHIEF BALOGUN Why should he? It is the truth.
MRS. K BALOGUN Are you saying AUG won the election?
CHIEF BALOGUN We had three million votes ahead of them, but we couldn't meet the required twenty-five percent of all four major regions, including the federal capital. (He gets up to leave)
BAYO So what do we do, Grandpa?
"They all gaze at Chief"
CHIEF BALOGUN Nothing.
MR. A BALOGUN Nothing? Dad, stop kidding. Please, this is a serious issue. We all know you won't let it slide.
CHIEF BALOGUN And that is what your sister wants. She wants to see us bury our heads in shame and regret, and then somehow earn her respect. To us, this is a struggle for power, but to Lolade, this is her own way of seeking validation from me.
MRS. K BALOGUN So you will do nothing concerning the results?
CHIEF BALOGUN (He smiles) What can I do? It is what it is. Good night. Do not forget to close my door when leaving. (He walks out of the office)
TAIWO I'm off to bed. (He walks out of the office)
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|LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|
"Lolade congratulations Mr Achebe on the phone "
LOLADE (She laughs as she relaxes on her office chair) Yes, oh my president. Finally, we did it! They thought they could stop us, but little did they know. (She switches her phone to her left ear as she gazes at Robert and Bisi walking into her office) We had our own plans, and we certainly knew what we were doing. Alright, my president, let me call Mrs. Adesoji. (She hangs up)
BISI Congratulations, mummy! (She hugs LOLADE in excitement)
LOLADE Thank you, my love.
ROBERT Congratulations, Mrs. Vice President.
LOLADE You can say that again. Now I can relax. (She turns to Bisi) Where is your brother?
BISI Where else but his room?
LOLADE So he doesn't know he should come and congratulate his mother? Nawa, this boy never seems to amaze me.
BISI Mummy, relax. You know Olamide doesn't care about whether you win or not. And you shouldn't take it personally. It's just OLAMIDE being his usual self.
LOLADE I shouldn't take it personal? Why? Why would a child not be happy for his mother? Even if he is not interested, can't he pretend to care about me this once?
ROBERT Lola, relax. Don't let Olamide's attitude spoil this moment for you. As I said before, give him time, he will come around. You know what? I have an idea to cheer you up. We have to toast to this.
BISI Oh yes, we must. I will get some wine. (She walks out of the office)
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|THE ABIOLA's RESIDENCE|
"Gen Abiola walks into the sitting room"
Dr. SHADE (She sits beside him) I just saw the news. I'm sorry about the election.
GEN ABIOLA It's fine, my love. I believe Chief will do something about it.
AYOOLA How? The results are already official, and I think you guys should just accept defeat and move on. The NNC can't rule forever.
MR. F ABIOLA (He turns to his younger sister) Ayoola!
AYOOLA What? I'm only saying the truth. I know it's hard to accept, but it is what it is. And if we want to be honest, we all know the AUG deserved the win. Those women worked their ass off during the campaign, so it's only right that we give what belongs to Caesar to Caesar.
Dr. SHADE (She snaps) Ayoola Abiola, that's enough! You shouldn't be saying such things to your dad. Do you know all the work they put in to make this work?
AYOOLA I'm just airing my view, mummy.
Dr. SHADE Now is not the time to air your view. Who cares what you think?
AYOOLA Hmm, nawa.
MR. F ABIOLA (He turns to Ayoola) Why do I feel like you are in support of the AUG party?
AYOOLA Bro, we both know say I nor care about these una politics matter. All I care about is business and the company. I have told you before to quit this your politics nonsense and join me at the company.
MR. F ABIOLA Ṣe o ya were? Or do I look like your mate? Watch your tongue, young lady.
AYOOLA Ahh, sorry, Mr. Deputy Governor. (She picks up her glass of wine)
Dr. SHADE That's enough, both of you!
GEN ABIOLA (He gets up to leave) I will be in my chambers. I need to rest.
Dr. SHADE Alright, dear, I will join you soon.
"Gen Abiola walks out of the scene"
AYOOLA Mum, have you heard from Simi?
Dr. SHADE We spoke yesterday. Why?
AYOLLA Ahh, nothing oh. Can't I miss my baby sister again?
Dr. SHADE Then call her!
MR. F ABIOLA: This one they call person? She only cares about the company.
AYOLLA And you only care about politics. When was the last time you called to check up on me?
MR. F ABIOLA Why will I check up on a grown-up woman like you?
AYOLLA Then don't call me a bad sister just because I'm too busy to check up on Simi.
MR. F ABIOLA Then quit complaining about missing her! Cause she's only a call away from you.
Dr. SHADE Enough!!! What has come over both of you this evening? Must you find every opportunity to be on each other's throats? You are grown-ups, for God's sake, act like one (She walks out of the sitting room)
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|CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Mrs Aisha knocks on Chief Balogun's office door"
CHIEF BALOGUN Come in (He picks up his glass of coffee in front of him)
Mrs. AISHA Good morning, Chief. Breakfast is ready.
CHIEF BALOGUN There would be no need for that. I will be leaving for the company in a few minutes. Nanny, you know the other maids can do all of this. You shouldn't be stressing yourself at all Ayo should have retired you a long time ago.
Mrs. AISHA (She smiles) I cannot quit my job, Chief. Especially now that they are still trying to cope with Eniola's absence. They need me now more than ever.
CHIEF BALOGUN They cannot hold on to you forever, and you are not getting any younger. Your body needs rest.
Mrs. AISHA I'm fine, Chief. I was hoping we could talk?
CHIEF BALOGUN Of course, please sit.
Mrs. AISHA Thank you (She sits opposite Chief)
CHIEF BALOGUN So, what is it that you want to talk about?
Mrs. AISHA (Clears throat) This is very personal to me, and I know you have your reasons for doing the things you do, but I cannot stay quiet anymore. Your actions have caused the Adebayos a lot of pain, and I can't watch them go through all of this when I know I can talk to you about it.
CHIEF BALOGUN The Adebayos are responsible for all that has happened to them, and I see no reason why you should care about your stepdaughter and her family . She is a product of your husband's shortcomings.
Mrs. AISHA They are my family, Chief. If you hurt them, you hurt me.
CHIEF BALOGUN As long as they don't get in my way, they will be fine. Tell your grandson to bring my granddaughter home and stay away from my family.
Mrs. AISHA Hmm, why do you disapprove of Michael so much?
CHIEF BALOGUN Because Temilade deserves better, and you know it, Nanny. I care about you, and I don't think we should let this come between the strong relationship you have established with me and my family over the years.
Mrs. AISHA I will do all I can to make sure they stay out of your way as long as you promise to let them be. (She gets up to leave)
CHIEF BALOGUN I am a man of my words. Do you know where they are?
Mrs. AISHA Pardon?
CHIEF BALOGUN Your grandson and Temilade?
Mrs. AISHA: I don't, Chief. I haven't heard from them since the demolition at Festac.
CHIEF BALOGUN Hmm, alright. You can go.
Mrs. AISHA Thank you, Chief. (She walks out of the room)
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"Ayo walks into the dining room"
TAIWO E kaaro, sir (He picks up his cutlery)
Mr. A BALOGUN Where is your brother?
TAIWO He left for work already. How about your wife?
Mr. A BALOGUN You mean your mother?
TAIWO Dad, we both know she never saw me as a son.
Mr. A BALOGUN Don't talk about her that way.
TAIWO It is what it is, Dad.
Mr. A BALOGUN Any news from Temi? (He gazes at Taiwo)
TAIWO No, sir. Can we eat now?
Mr. A BALOGUN I know you and your brother know where she is. And I understand why you must keep it from us.
TAIWO Dad, I don't know where she is. I thought we have had this conversation before?
Mr. A BALOGUN No, we haven't. You had a conversation with your grandfather, now I'm talking to you man to man. I'm asking you to trust me. Have I ever let you down before? I just want to know if she is fine, please.
TAIWO She is fine!
Mr. A BALOGUN Meaning you know where she is?
TAIWO Maybe.
Mr. A BALOGUN Taiwo, tell...
"Bisola walks into the dining"
Mrs. B BALOGUN What are you guys talking about?
Mr. A BALOGUN It's nothing, my love. Come sit beside me.
Mrs. B BALOGUN It didn't look like nothing. (She turns to Taiwo) Taiwo?
TAIWO You don't have to know.
Mrs. B BALOGUN Of course, I do. He is my husband.
TAIWO And he is my father.
"Simi walks into the dining"
SIMI E kaaro, sir. E kaaro, Ma. (She sits beside Taiwo)
Mr. A BALOGUN (He changes the subject of conversation) Simi, how are you? You look so beautiful this morning. What is the occasion?
SIMI Thank you, sir. I will be spending some time with my sister today. She will be coming over.
Mr. A BALOGUN Wow, that is nice. You seemed so excited about it.
SIMI: Oh yes, I am. I miss her a lot, even though she can be bossy at times.
TAIWO I will be leaving for work now. (He gets up to leave)
Mrs. B BALOGUN Of course, you should. Your brother left so early today.
Mr. A BALOGUN Bisola!
TAIWO See you later, Dad. (He turns to Simi and kisses her) I will call you later in the day. (He walks out of the scene)
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|Mrs ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS|
"Stella walks into Mrs. Adesoji's Office"
STELLA Good morning, Mummy. Congratulations. (She hugs Mrs. Adesoji)
Mrs. ADESOJI Thank you, my love. How was your night?
STELLA Very fine. I dreamt of UNILAG.
Mrs. ADESOJI Wow, are you serious? (She plays along with her manipulation)
STELLA Yes, oh.
Mrs. ADESOJI Why do you love that school?
STELLA It's close to home, and I get to be around an environment that I can relate to. Overseas can be very lonely. I have no social life over there.
"Tony walks into the office"
TONY You do not need a social life to pass with good grades.
STELLA (She turns to Tony) Really, bro? I thought you were on my side?
TONY I am. That is why I have convinced Mom to let you transfer to UNILAG.
STELLA (She turns to Mrs. Adesoji) Mum, is that true?
Mrs. ADESOJI Yes, dear, but there are some rules which you must follow. We will talk about them when I'm back later today.
STELLA I love you, Mum. Thank you. (She hugs Mrs. Adesoji in excitement)
