|POETIC INTRO|
"This is the ghetto
A place filled with suffering
A place filled with Love
ibi kún pẹlu agbara
Ebe jupụtara na udo
Wurin da gidan yake zaune
Na for here life start
Love Gives
Hate Takes "
GENERAL ABIOLA's MANSION, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS|
SIMI
(She walks into the huge corridor)
Ka a ale Mummy
(She greets in Yoruba)
Dr SHADE
Good Evening my Daughter. Finally, I have you in my arms again!
(She embraces Simi, who had just returned from London)
SIMI
Mummy, that is okay. Besides, you were with me at Tope's wedding. I wasn't gone for that long, na, and I'm here for good now.
I'm not leaving your side again.
Dr SHADE
Thank you, my daughter; words can't even comprehend how I feel right now.
(She smiles at Simi)
SIMI
So how have you been, Mother? How is the Hospital doing?
Dr SHADE
Business is fine; we have opened more hospitals in the south and east, but we will need funding to keep them going.
SIMI
Do not worry besides The Baloguns, promised to help us; that is one of the reasons I came back!
"Within her sanity, she knew she came back for Taiwo"
Dr SHADE
You mean you came back for Taiwo; we both know you've had a crush on him since you were kids. To the rest of the family and me, this is a contract marriage but for you, Simi, this a dream come true!
(She teases Simi)
SIMI
Stop that, Mother; yes, I can't fight the feeling of relief and joy right now; I am marrying the man of my dreams.
(She blushes helplessly)
GENERAL ABIOLA
(He walks into the corridor singing his favourite to run a song"
"🎶Baba mo dupe oh🎶"
SIMI
Daddy!
(Simi screams as she rushed to hug her father)
GEN ABIOLA
My Baby girl, How are you?
Look at you so beautiful; you ain't even as close to the ground as before!
(He complimented)
SIMI
Stop it, Father. I wasn't gone for long; even if I added height, it wouldn't be that obvious.
Dr SHADE
(She noticed her husband was in the best of moods)
Ahh, Oko Mi, you seem to be in a good mood; you are glowing with so much excitement!
GEN ABIOLA
Ahh, why won't I be happy my baby girl is home, I got a call from Ayoola today; The company is about to launch the oil refinery here in Lagos, all we need is to seal that contract with The Baloguns, and for both sons of the Families to win the election.
Dr SHADE
Wow, Congratulations, my Love, meaning everything is in place. Chief Balogun called earlier and said there would be a meeting between both families Concerning Simi and Taiwo's wedding.
SIMI
Wow, Mother, I'm so excited; thank you, Daddy
(She hugs him in excitement)
GEN ABIOLA
I think you should thank your Mother for that. I guess her conversation with Kate got to Chief.
SIMI
Thank you, Mother!
Dr SHADE
It's fine, dear; anything for you!
SIMI
By the way, where are my brothers? I haven't seen them around since I came.
Dr SHADE
Adeola has been transferred to the north; he is now a Major in the Army; Femi is busy with the election; you know he is running alongside Ayo for The Governorship of Lagos.
SIMI
Wow, that's great; very soon, Adeola will be a General like a father; certainly, Femi will be Deputy Governor. The Balogun's are The gods of Nigeria politics!
GEN ABIOLA
Relax, my dear; Adeola still have a long way to go before he gets there.
SIMI
I know, father, but I know he will get there. I also learnt that The Baloguns are making headlines; I think something about Mr Balogun caught on camera with his mistress.
GEN ABIOLA
Yes, my dear, but you shouldn't worry about that; I spoke to Chief Balogun about it; everything will be fine.
SIMI
I'm not worried, father; the Baloguns are powerful people; they always find a way to get what they want.
_____________________________________
MR AYO BALOGUNS MANSION, FESTAC LAGOS|
"Bisola Reacts to Chief's decision concerning the scandal"
Mrs B BALOGUN
No, you can't kick me out; this is my home and my life; I will fight for it!
(She stares angrily at Chief Balogunwho seemed to be enjoying watching her rant)
Mrs K BALOGUN
Bisola, it is very simple; it's either you accept Chiefs decision or leave!
Mrs B BALOGUN
Ma, I will advise you to keep your tongue in your mouth on this issue; this is between me, Ayo and Chief.
CHIEF BALOGUN
My decision is final Bisola; the choice is yours!
(He holds firmly to his golden walking stick)
BAYO
But Grandfather, you can't ask Dad to marry this woman; we can't accept her into the family just like that!
TEMI
I agree with Bayo; there must be some other way we can resolve this.
CHIEF BALOGUN
My decision is final; this is the best we can come up with; your father's poor choices affected the election, all eyes are on us; the only way we can make up for this is to make it official.
Mrs B BALOGUN
But Chief, how do you expect me to accept this? This isn't easy for me!
(Tears rolls down her cheeks)
CHIEF BALOGUN
I said what I said, and that is how it's going to be
Mrs B BALOGUN
You know what? Do whatever you all want to do, but Ayo, this isn't over.
(She walks out of the room)
TAIWO
Grandfather, must I tie the knot with Simi? I'm not ready for such commitment.
Mrs K BALOGUN
We have discussed this before, and we've decided that this must happen; you are the future of The Balogun's Legacy this must be done to secure your future!
ENIOLA
But Grandmother, countless times, Taiwo has said he has no feelings for Simi; I think it's unfair to make decisions on a man's future just because it's beneficial to all of us.
HON J BOLA
You have to understand that this must be done; the Abiola family are powerful people with much influence both financially and politically, especially in the military. We have been trying to dominate this region for a long time; we can't lose this opportunity just because of Taiwo's feelings.
TEMI
I understand this, uncle, but I think it's unfair to place political influence and power above the interests of individual family members. You claim this is for our future but what is the essence if our happiness are in chains?
CHIEF BALOGUN
That is okay; this is an issue that cannot be debated.
I have made arrangements with The Abiola's; this weekend, we will all gather to discuss and plan your wedding!
(He gazez at Taiwo, who denied his tongue the liberty to speak of his paranoia at that moment)
ENIOLA
Grandfather, I don't think I'm ready to work for the company, and besides, the company's structure doesn't suit me.
Mrs K BALOGUN
Eniola Balogun, You are a Masters's Degree Holder in Petroleum Engineering; how does this not fit into Festac Oil and Gas?
(She ask angry )
ENIOLA
Grandma, we all know I only did Petroleum because Grandpa said that is the only way I can be useful to the family business, but asking me to practice is something I'm not interested in!
CHIEF BALOGUN
I am certainly not interested in your opinion and your interest. If I were, you wouldn't be on this table; non of you will; You are all here because of me. I gave you power in your names, identity money can't buy, and the best you can find out there; I have sacrificed a lot for this family; so forgive me if I can't patronise your opinions and personal feelings, I believe this meeting is over if you would excuse me, I have somewhere else to be!
(He gets up to leave)
_____________________________________
MRS ADESOJI's MANSION VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS|
Mrs ADESOJI
How are you feeling now?
STELLA
I'm okay, mom; I'm just worried about Daniel, Mother we must save him!
(She appears frightened)
TONY
Leave that to us; worry about yourself.
STELLA
But we have to do something; you and I know this has something to do with The Elections.
Mrs ADESOJI
I will get your brother out safe and sound; I promise you!
(She adjusts Stella's pillow)
TONY
Mother, what did you do? This matter is getting out of hand, And we both know Chief wouldn't go this far if you didn't push him to.
Mrs ADESOJI
I did nothing, son.
(She avoids eye contact with Tony)
TONY
Mother, this is serious I know you; you did something to provoke The Balogun's; I will ask again, what did you do?
Mrs ADESOJI
Fine!
I did something. I threatened The NEC Chairman, Mrs Adesoji confessed. But why Mother, why the chairman of all people? Didn't we agree that you wouldn't do anything too suspicious? Chief wouldn't be happy about that.
(He scolds her)
Mrs ADESOJI
I'm sorry, son, I just had to do something about the election.
TONY
Mother, you went too far; you touched someone important to Chief. My hunch also tells me there is more to your involvement in Ayo's Scandal please tell me I'm wrong.
Mrs ADESOJI
Yes I planned everything !
(She confessed)
STELLA
But Mother, it would be best if you were careful; you are dealing with The Baloguns remember what they did to father; that family is dangerous.
Mrs ADESOJI
So what do we do? I can't lose your brother.
(She panics)
TONY
You will step down; there is no other way; we have no choice.
STELLA
As much as it pains me, I support Tony on this; Mother, Daniel's safety is important, Stella said. But this isn't over; trust me, the ball will be in our court again.
Mrs ADESOJI
I have heard you; I will step down; my son's life comes first, and I won't let history repeat itself; the Baloguns might have won this time again, but the game won't end here.
_____________________________________
MR AYO BALOGUNS MANSION, FETAC LAGOS|
"Maria walks into Temi's room"
MARIA
Good Morning.
TEMI
Good Morning Maria, how was your night?
MARIA
My night was okay, and yours?
TEMI
Mine was okay
(She pulls out some clothes from her wardrobe)
MARIA
Nanny said you requested my presence
TEMI
Oh yes, I need to ask a favour from you. Do you know exactly where Michael and his family live?
MARIA
Michael? Do you mean my Cousin Michael?
(I'm I right about my suspicions? She asked herself)
TEMI
Yes, dear Michael
MARIA
Yes, ma, I do; it's not far from that Club we picked Eniola from the other day; why do you ask, ma?
TEMI
Awelle was discharged from the hospital for some reason, so I was hoping I could convince them to bring her back.
MARIA
Oh, but why? Is she not okay now?
TEMI
Not at all, my dear; that child needs serious medical care; I haven't been able to get my mind off her ever since.
MARIA
(Is it just her you can't get off your mind? She teased Temi in her mind)
Oh, I hope it's not serious. Can I come with you?
TEMI
You are coming with me, dear; go and get ready. We leave in forty minutes.
MARIA
But shouldn't you be leaving for work in an hour?
TEMI
I'm on night duties, so I have the whole day to myself
MARIA
But wouldn't Michael be at work? How do you plan on seeing him?
TEMI
Michael is on night duties too; you ask too many questions, go and get ready and meet me downstairs in Forty Minutes!
MARIA
All right, ma, let me help you with your clothes.
(She requested to join Temi in picking out her outfit for the day)
TEMI
Oh no, it's fine, dear; I will do this myself.
MARIA
Are you sure?
TEMI
Yes, dear, go and get ready
"Mrs B Balogun walks into the room"
Mrs B BALOGUN
What are you doing, Temilade Balogun?
TEMI
Nothing, Mother, I am getting ready for work
(She avoids eye contact with her Mother)
"It wasn't in her nature to lie especially to her Mother; she couldn't even explain why she lied."
Mrs B BALOGUN
All right, join us for breakfast before you leave. Maria join us too!
(She walks out of the room)
MARIA
Why did you lie?
(She couldn't help but wonder why Temi, of all people, would lie)
TEMI
I don't know Maria; I couldn't bring myself to tell her where I was going or what I was trying to do. By the way, hurry and get ready so we can have breakfast with the others before leaving.
MARIA
All right, ma, I will be going now.
(She walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
MR AYO BALOGUN HAS BREAKFAST WITH HIS FAMILY|
"Tina walks into the dining room"
TINA
Good Morning!
BAYO
(He drops his adultery)
Father, does she has to be here?
TAIWO
Bayo that is not nice. Just eat your food!
BAYO
Of Course, why wouldn't you come to her rescue? You both belong in the same box, outsiders who shouldn't be here!
Mrs AISHA
That is enough; what the hell is wrong with both of you this Morning? I didn't spend time raising you to fight all the time; you are brothers, for God's sake!
(She appears furious)
ENIOLA
Nanny, please calm down. It would be best if you weren't stressing yourself. You know this isn't good for your health.
TINA
Excuse me; I will be in my room.
(She turns to leave the room)
MR A BALOGUN
Sit down; in this house, we all have breakfast together, so please sit down.
(He points at one of the empty chairs)
TINA
Yes, sir!
(She pulls the empty seat towards her)
MR A BALOGUN
(He noticed Bisola hasn't said a word to him since the family meeting)
Bisola, how was your night?
BISOLA
(She avoids Ayos direction)
Sleepless, but I'm okay!
MR A BALOGUN
How about you, Tina? Did you sleep well?
TINA
Yes, Ayo, I did!
MR A BALOGUN
Hope you like the food?
TINA
Yes, it's nice!
Mrs B BALOGUN
(She couldn't pretend to be okay with Tina's presence)
You know what?
I thought I could put up with her being here, but I can't bring myself to come to terms with this!
(She walks out of the room)
MR A BALOGUN
Bisola!
ENIOLA
Dad, I think you should let her be!
BAYO
Breakfast is ruined. I hope you are happy now!
(He gets up to leave)
MR A BALOGUN
Sit down!
ṣe o ya were? Never walk out on me; you are not the only one on this table. Grow up!
( He walks out of the room)
BAYO
As you know, your days in this house are numbered.
(He gazed angrily at Tina)
ENIOLA
Let this girl breathe, na belle she get she nor kill person
BAYO
I don't know what is more annoying, the fact that Taiwo defended her earlier or your ignorance!
(He walks out of the room)
ENIOLA
I feel guilty for saying this because I should be on my mom's side, but my brother shouldn't have spoken to you that way. I do not want you here too, but I do not care that you are here.
(She walks out of the room)
TEMI
I apologize for my brother's behaviour. He shouldn't have spoken to you in that manner, I wish I could sit and talk, but I have somewhere to be.
(She gets up to leave)
TINA
I understand, I know I'm not welcome here, but I have nowhere to go; my mom won't let me come back home.
TEMI
It's fine, Tina; just stay out of my Mother's sight and know your place!
(She emphasised)
MARIA
Ma, the car is ready. We can go now.
TEMI
All right, let's go.
(She walks out of the room)
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN INTERACTS WITH HIS VICTIMS AT A HIDDEN WELLHOUSE|
CHIEF BALOGUN
Do you know why you are here?
(He asked Daniel, who had several bruises on his face)
DANIEL
I do not care; I know my Mother won't let you get away with this!
(He struggles to keep his swollen eyes open)
CHIEF BALOGUN
Your Mother is certainly not worth half the dust on my shoes. If she were, you wouldn't be here kneeling before my feet
(He wears a devious smile)
DANIEL
Your words mean nothing to me; they melt off before they get to my eardrums; I certainly do not fear The Almighty Chief Balogun.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Relax; you will be fine if your Mother does the right thing.
MR ADETOLA
Chief, I'm sorry; please spare my life; I will make sure your son wins the elections!
CHIEF BALOGUN
Yes, you will, you have no choice, or I will do worse things to you, trust me losing your daughter cannot be the worse that can happen to you!
Mr ADETOLA
How did you know about that, Chief?
CHIEF BALOGUN
There is nothing that can be hidden from me, Mr Chairman; I am the king of Lagos.
Mr ADETOLA
I'm sorry, Chief, she killed one of my daughters, and I was scared she would finish off my remaining family.
(He knees before Chief)
CHIEF BALOGUN
Your life and that of your daughter and wife are in my hands; if you want them alive, you know what to do!
Mr ADETOLA
But Chief, Mrs Adesoji could kill them before then. Please, you must save them now
(He pleaded in tears)
CHIEF BALOGUN
No, she won't; she is too distracted to give a damn about your family; that is her son over there!
(He points at Daniel)
Mr ADETOLA
All right, Chief, I will do my best to make sure your son is announced the winner.
CHIEF BALOGUN
Untie him!
(Chief instructed one of his boys)
Mr ADETOLA
Thank you, Chief; I promise I won't fail you this time.
DANIEL
You and I know The Baloguns do not give a damn about anyone but themselves; my Mother will not give up so easily; if she killed one of your daughters, I assure you the other will follow.
"Shut up your mouth, one of Chief Balogun's men shouted as he drops a punch on Daniels's face"
CHIEF BALOGUN
I will tell you what to do with him when the time comes.
_____________________________________
TEMI AND MARIA FINALLY GETS TO MICHAEL's PLACE|
MARIA
This is the place; you can park over there.
TEMI
Michael and his family live here?
(She wondered why the place was so unkept and Razy)
MARIA
Mama Pecu, Good Afternoon ma.
MAMA PECU
Ahh, Maria my pikin how you dey? E don tay I see you oh.
(She hugs Maria)
MARIA
I'm fine. Oh, how is Peculiar?
MAMA PECU
Peculiar dey fine she don go school, you know say she Dey prepare for her primary six exam.
MARIA
Oh, that is good; Peculiar were you born which day here, she don big finish.
MAMA PECU
Yes, oh, I just Dey Thank my God every day. Ehen who be that girl were you follow come? That her car fine oh!
(She whispers to Maria as she watched Temi working towards her restaurant)
TEMI
Good Morning ma.
Good morning my dear
MARIA
Mama Pecu this na my Madam, na her family house I dey work
MAMA PECU
Wow, welcome ma, Maria don tell us all the good things you Dey do for her and Auntie Aisha.
TEMI
Oh, ma, it's fine; Maria is very hard-working and loyal; she is family to me.
MARIA
Mama Pecu, you know if Michael Dey around?
MAMA PECU
Yes, e never tay he commot from here
MARIA
All right, thank you, we Dey come we won see Michael.
MAMA PECU
Oh, okay, no Walhalla, make una Dey careful oh hold Madam well well oh you know as this area be
"Maria and Temi walked into The compound The Adebayo are staying"
ONYINYE
Maria
(She screams in excitement as she rushed to hug her)
MARIA
How have you been?
ONYINYE
Very fine, oh, ahh, Doctor, what are you doing here? (She asked in surprise)
TEMI
I came to see you guys, especially Awelle!
ONYINYE
Wow, welcome please come in. Mama will be so happy to see you.
(They all walked into the house)
MARIA
Where are Michael and Awelle?
(She sits on one on the chairs)
ONYINYE
Oh, they are inside. Let me call them.
(She walks into one of the rooms)
MARIA
I know you are not familiar with places like this, (She noticed Temi who was struggling with the sagging chair)
TEMI
Oh no, I'm fine.
(She scans the room; she noticed most of the furniture were old, the curtains were torn, and the refrigerator in the dining room looked too old to function)
"Micheal walks into Sittingroom"
MICHAEL
Ahh, Dr Temi, what are you doing here?
(He asked in Surprise)
TEMI
Good Morning, Michael; I am here to see my patient
(She trembles at the sight of Michael's half-bareness)
MARIA
(She decided to use this opportunity to tease Temi a little)
Ahh, but I thought you said you came to see Michael?
TEMI
No, I didn't; I said I want to see Awelle, my patient.
"Awelle walks into the sitting room"
AWELLE
Auntie Temi!
(She hugs Temi)
TEMI
My Love, how are You?
(She carries her on her lap)
AWELLE
I'm fine; you are looking beautiful today!
TEMJ
Aww, Thank you, my Love!
"Mrs Adebayo walks into the sitting room"
MRS ADEBAYO
Where is Maria?
MARIA
Auntie,Good Morning, Ma
Mrs ADEBAYO
Good Morning my dear; how are you?
MARIA
I'm fine ma, how is everything?
Mrs ADEBAYO
We Dey fine my pikin, na just Awelle Dey sick.
TEMI
Mummy, Good Morning ma.
Mrs ADEBAYO
Good Morning, my dear; this face looks familiar.
MARIA
Oh yes, mama, she's Mr Ayo Balogun's second daughter; she was in the car that day we dropped you and Micheal at the hospital; she's also The Doctor that attended to Awelle at the hospital.
Mrs ADEBAYO
I remember her; Michael mentioned her name to me earlier.
MICHAEL
Mama!!!
TEMI
Wow, he did? What did he say, mama?
ONYINYE
(This is the perfect moment to tease Michael)
He said you are different from all the other Doctors, that you were the only one who cared enough to ask after Awelle when she was discharged.
MICHAEL
You know you have a big mouth, right?
(He walks towards Onyinye)
TEMI
Let the girl be; she's just speaking the truth!
AWELLE
My Daddy said you are a beautiful and good woman.
(She dangles Temi's earrings)
MICHAEL
So Dr Temi, what can we offer you?
(He attempted to alter the topic of the conversation)
TEMI
Oh no, I am fine, don't worry.
ONYINYE
No, that is not possible. You are our guest; courtesy demands that we offer you something.
MARIA
Ahh, what about me? You didn't ask me what I want oh!
MICHAEL
Why will I ask you? You are not a visitor here.
TEMI
I'm fine, really don't bother.
Mrs ADEBAYO
No, we insist; Onyinye come collect money make you buy them malt.
(She untitles her wrapper to give Onyinye money)
TEMI
I came here to see how Awelle was doing, but I must confess I am also here for something else; I am requesting that Awelle comes back to the hospital and do the surgery.
Mrs ADEBAYO
We want that too, Doctor.
But we Dey very rich this period.
MICHAEL
We talked about this before; we all want her to get treated, but as mama said, we can't do that now; I will have to save up at least enough to start the treatment.
TEMI
I am aware of this, but I insist that she return to the hospital; I will take care of the bills.
"Onyinye walks into the room with two cans of malt in her hands"
ONYINYE
Ahh, Dr Temi, are you serious?
Mrs ADEBAYO
Dr Temi, that will be too much on you. Are you sure you can do that?
TEMI
Yes, ma, I can, and I want to!
MICHEAL
Don't stress yourself, Dr Temi; I will come up with something before the month runs out.
TEMI
That may be too late, I hate to say this, but her case is complicated and needs immediate attention; please do not deny me of my ability to help her and do not deprive her of this opportunity. It's not about us it's about her wellbeing.
MARIA
Michael, this will be best for her; please think about it; Temi drove down here because of this; please accept her offer.
MICHAEL
I will accept, but you are lending us, and I promise we will pay you back in full.
ONYINYE
Thank you, ma.
TEMI
It's fine. The most important thing is that she gets better
Mrs ADEBAYO
Thank you, Doctor, may my God in heaven reward you
TEMK
Amen, Mama, thank you too for accepting my help.
(She gets up to leave)
MICHAEL
Ahh, are you leaving now?
TEMI
Yes, but I will visit from time to time; I will be expecting you to bring her to the hospital tomorrow!
MICHAEL
All right, let me see you off!
_____________________________________
"Micheal Accompany's Temi to her car. Maria, Onyinye and Awelle walks behind them"
TEMI
Is it always this noisy over here?
MICHAEL
Yes, na the ghetto be this na, na for here hustling and struggle start oh
(He attempted to sound street)
TEMI
Wow, I must confess I have never seen anything like this before, but I love that it's all-natural.
MICHAEL
Thank you, Dr Temi, for appreciating us and offering to help I and my family.
TEMI
It's fine, Michael; I have to go now; see you later this evening.
(She steps into her Range Rover. Maria says her goodbye to her cousins)
MICHAEL
Alright take care, Maria greeted Granny for me.
(He waves at them)
_____________________________________
MR AYO BALOGUNS MANSION FESTAC LAGOS|
TAIWO
Father, have you seen this?
(He reads out the Headline)
"Mrs Adesoji a governorship aspirant has pulled out from the Election"
MR A BALOGUN
Give that to me!
(He takes the Tablet from him)
_____________________________________