Chereads / Festac / Chapter 31 - Episode 30 (Iku ti de)

Chapter 31 - Episode 30 (Iku ti de)

|POETIC INTRO|

Like a thief who cometh at night,

I shall dine with you when you least expect

As you awake to sunrise,

I shall lay in joy knowing your time is near

It's inevitable

At the sound of the trumpet,

A star shall rise

A star shall fall

Mo n bọ fun ohun ti o jẹ temi

lati ẹnu-ọna de ẹnu-ọna Emi yoo jẹ

Emi ni iku, emi ni iye

_____________________________________

Mr. AYO BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, FESTAC.|

"Eniola appears frustrated as she pulls out all the drawers in her chambers in search of her hidden Marijuana"

ENIOLA

Oh God where the hell is it?

(She pulls the cabinet to the ground out of frustration)

Where is it?

(She cries out as she places both her hands on her head)

"Kelvin drops a dagger on her throat"

KELVIN

It seems the dog has gone back to her vomit.

Here I was thinking she is a changed being.

ENIOLA

Kelvin, what are you doing?

(She calls out his name in a trembling voice)

KELVIN

Oh, you still remember my name.

(He turns her towards his face)

When I heard the news that you were HIV positive, I decided to see a doctor just to be sure that you didn't pass on your recklessness to me.

Guess how it turned out.

ENIOLA

(From his facial expression, she figures out he is a victim of her carelessness)

I'm sorry Kelvin

I didn't know, please believe me.

(Tears stream down her cheeks)

KELVIN

You are sorry?

You have ruined my life and you think sorry will solve it?

God knows insisted countless times that we take precautions but no the almighty Eniola Balogun who feels like she knows best insisted that condoms are for kids.

ENIOLA

I'm sorry, Kelvin.

If only I could bring us back to those reckless moments when I did all these to you.

KELVIN

Shut up!

(He yells at her)

I am not here for myself alone.

I came to revenge the souls of the ones your dripping cherry ruined.

(He sits on the black couch opposite Eniola)

"Eniola noticed he is a bit distracted in her subconscious, this was the perfect time to go for her black pistol beside some of the documents on the floor. She attempts to reach for the gun. Kelvin gets to her first and pulls her by the hair"

KELVIN

Do you think you can run away from the consequences of your actions?

ENIOLA

(She screams in pain)

Kelvin let me go

(She manages to drop a kick in-between his legs)

KELVIN

(He groans in pain as he drops the dagger)

You can not run from me

(He grabs Eniola by her arms pushing her towards the bed stand he goes after the dagger)

ENIOLA

(She picks up the dagger and drives it into his tummy)

No what have I done?

(She gets up attempting to run out of the room)

KELVIN

(He grabs her leg and pulls her to the ground)

You can't escape me

Today is your judgment day.

(He pulls out the dagger from his tummy and drives it into Eniola's chest several times he laughs out loud as her blood stains his face)

ENIOLA

(In a trembling voice)

You will be with me on the other side one day. In my hands will be the end of your life.

A dagger for a dagger

(she coughs out blood)

KELVIN

Your blood has stained my soul but I do not care.

Death has devoured a Balogun

This is your Karma this is your final judgment.

God forbid will I let you give up the ghost In a place as discreet as this

The world has to see your end and witness the Birth of The Balogun's Downfall

(He drags her lifeless body out of the room and drops her down the stairs)

_____________________________________

Mrs. ADEBAYO's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|

"Michael walks into the sitting room"

ONYINYE

Bro, Michael where are you going?

MICHAEL

(He ignores Onyinye's question)

Mother, I will be stepping on for a while

(He turns to leave)

Mrs. ADEBAYO

Where are you going, Michael?

MICHAEL

Mother we have had this conversation a thousand times I have to pay my respect to Eniola.

Mrs. ADEBAYO

Why?

After you found out about their involvement in your father's death, you are still bent on attending that funeral.

MICHAEL

What does Eniola's death have to do with what Bisola and Lolade did to, Dad?

Why should she pay for the sins of her mother and Auntie?

ONYINYE

I understand you, Bro, but don't you think it's unwise for you to go there?

Eniola might not have been directly involved in the death of Father but doesn't make it right for you to associate yourself with them at this time.

If not for anything, for the sake of the respect you have for Daddy.

MICHAEL

(He turns to Onyinye)

Shut up your mouth!

What do you know?

Do you think because you are an undergraduate you are now wiser than me?

Are you mad?

ONYINYE

I'm sorry, Sir

Nor vex.

(She walks out of the sitting room)

Mrs. ADEBAYO

Your sister is even being more reasonable than you.

I know you love Temi and that family has grown on you but you need to be a man son.

Do not let your emotions over closed your common sense.

MICHAEL

Ahh, Mama.

Where are you learning all these grammar from?

Mrs. ADEBAYO

Watin you take that one mean?

I nor go university but I go Polytechnic so I'm not stupid.

KEMI

Mama, relax nobody said you are stupid

He is just Surprised that my English lesson with you is paying off

(She brings in disguise Michael's awareness)

Mrs. ADEBAYO

(She turns to Kemi)

Oya tell the world that you are teaching me

KEMI

Mama, it's not like that.

(She turns to Michael)

So are you still going?

Please you have to think hard about this and consider how it makes Mama feels.

MICHAEL

I spoke to Taiwo this morning and I promised him I will be there.

So I'm sorry I can't cancel.

(He turns to leave)

KEMI

Alright at least eat something before you leave na

I made Fufu and Egusi soup let me serve you

(She gets up)

MICHAEL

Don't bother I'm not hungry

(He picks up the key to his bus and walks out of the scene)

Mrs. ADEBAYO

What do I do to make this boy see this thing from my perception?

Nothing good comes from that family

KEMI

Relax, Mama Michael will be fine.

Very soon he will come to his senses.

"Onyinye walks into the sitting room"

ONYINYE

Who will come to his senses?

That one that is blinded by love?

Mrs. ADEBAYO

That's okay

Do not talk about your brother like that.

ONYINYE

But that is the truth na

Let's be honest.

I have nothing against Temilade and Taiwo, oh but there is time for everything na

How can you be going to the funeral of one of the members of the family who killed your father?

I'm not saying he should cut ties with Uncle Taiwo and Temi oh but make e give them space for now.

KEMI

I understand you, Onyinye and that is what he should do.

But you also need to understand that this is different for Michael.

This is a very challenging experience for him.

Deep down he might want to keep his distance but Temi is the love of his life and she needs him right now.

ONYINYE

Hmm whatever oh

OmO I'm hungry oh.

Mrs. ADEBAYO

Oya make una go serve food.

_____________________________________

Mrs. ADESOJI's RESIDENCE, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS|

"Stella sits in front of the flat Screen"

News Report: Governor's Daughter Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances

"Lagos State, May 27, 2023 - In a shocking turn of events, the Balogun family, led by Governor Ayo Balogun, is grieving the untimely demise of their beloved daughter and Granddaughter, Eniola Balogun. The tragedy unfolded two days ago at the Balogun's Festac mansion, where Eniola's lifeless body was discovered under mysterious circumstances.

Reports suggest that Eniola Balogun met a grim fate in her bedroom, her life taken away from her. To add to the harrowing nature of the incident, her body was seemingly thrown downstairs, intensifying speculation of a possible murder. As of now, investigators have yet to uncover any substantial leads or suspects connected to this tragic event.

The atmosphere at the Balogun household is filled with sorrow as they prepare to bid a final farewell to their dear Eniola today. The clouds hang heavy over the family, mirroring their grief and the dark cloud of uncertainty surrounding the investigation into Eniola's death.

This is Ajoke Adetola reporting from Lagos State News, where the community mourns the loss of Eniola Balogun and waits for answers in this heartbreaking case."

"Mrs. Adesoji walks into the sitting room"

STELLA

(She turns to Mrs. Adesoji)

Mother this is sad.

This is the biggest storm that has ever before the Baloguns

I pray God sees them through the pain and grief.

CHIDERA

Nawo oh, so that girl just die like that?

Hmm, nothing dey this life oh.

TONY

Normally death go reach every household

This just proves that the Baloguns are not gods and they are just humans like we are.

Mrs. ADEBAYO

Well, they are paying for their sins.

The Baloguns  brought this on themselves

STELLA

(She turns to Mrs. Adesoji)

Mummy!

Mrs. ADESOJI

It's the truth.

Do you know the number of families that have lost at least a loved one because of that family?

STELLA

So Eniola Balogun was responsible for their deaths?

Mrs. ADESOJI

Just because the children are not directly involved in the sins of the elders, doesn't mean they will escape the consequences.

Haven't you heard of generational curses?

The Balogun bloodline is cursed

STELLA

Yet you are associated with one.

Mrs. ADESOJI

Lolade is just a means to an end.

"Tony walks into the sitting room"

TONY

Mother, can we go now?

STELLA

Where are you going?

TONY

We want to pay our respects to the Baloguns

STELLA

(She turns to Mrs. Adesoji)

You are visiting the Balogun's in a white gown, Mummy?

TONY

(He turns to Stella)

I said the same thing to her but your mother is as stubborn as you are.

STELLA

What do you mean by that, Bro Tony?

Please I'm not stubborn.

TONY

If only you could meet me.

STELLA

I'm not stubborn!

(She turns to Chinaza)

Chinaza I'm I stubborn?

CHINAZA

Ehh I nor go fit answer that question

(She notices Mrs. Adesoji is getting irritated by pidgin English again)

I can not answer that question

I nor won hurt...

Sorry, I do not want to hurt you.

TONY

She's trying to say you are stubborn my sweet sister.

MRS. ADESOJI

Can we leave now?

TONY

Sure mother.

STELLA

Mummy, you should wear something suitable for this occasion na

Mrs. ADEBAYO

Shut up your mouth.

Do you want to tell your mother what to do?

Are you mad?

STELLA

Sorry, Ma nor vex oh

_____________________________________

FLASHBACK|

"Maria rushes to Temi's Chambers"

TEMI

What is it, Maria?

MARIA

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

It's Eniola.

Mrs. B BALOGUN

What happened to Eniola?

Mrs. AISHA

What is it, Maria?

MARIA

(in a trembling voice)

I don't know but she is not breathing

She is covered up in blood

Mrs. B BALOGUN

What do you mean by she is covered in blood?

"She rushes out of the scene, Temilade and others follow her behind"

"Kate places Eniola's head on her lap"

MRS K BALOGUN

Somebody help!

(She screams out)

Eniola talk to me

Can you hear me?

ADEBISI

I'm going to get some help

(She rushes out of the scene)

"Bisola rushes into the scene with others behind her"

Mrs. BALOGUN

No!

Eniola, no.

Eniola open your eyes, please

Who did this to you

(She knees beside Eniola's corps)

TEMI

Eniola, wake up

Don't leave me alone in this world, please.

Eniola Balogun, get up.

(Eniola screams in agony)

Mrs. K BALOGUN

(She turns to Mrs. Aisha)

Nanny, call the hospital, now!

Mrs. AISHA

Yes, ma

(She rushes out of the scene)

"Bayo rushes alongside Taiwo"

BAYO

(He takes a few steps backward as gazed at Eniola's corps)

No this is a joke, Eniola no.

She's not dead

(He rushes out of the scene)

TAIWO

(He lifts Eniola's corps from the ground)

Temi get my car key or any of the keys you can find

Temilade I'm talking to you!

Get my keys!

(He yells at the top of his voice)

_____________________________________

PRESENT|

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

JBL speaker playing  [Aye Yi by Tope Alabi]

"Aye yi, eh aye - eh eh ah ah ah aye yi Eniyan fẹ aye, aye yoo nifẹ wọn Wọ́n ní ayé ń gbọ́, ayé ń lọ, àwọn èèyàn tún ń gbé ayé Aye ti gba lowo awon eniyan ti won si tun ra re. Iseda gbagbe oh eh, eniyan gbagbe Aye yii kii ṣe fun eniyan Iseda wa ni ija fun aye"

"Temilade reminisces about the tragic event that birthed  this moment"

Dr. MABEL

(She taps Temi on her back)

Temi get up.

TEMI

Let me, Mabel.

(Tear streams down her swollen cheeks as she gazed at the window)

Dr. MABEL

But you have to eat something.

Do you want to fall sick?

TEMI

I'm not hungry

I laid my sister to rest today and you expect me to have an appetite?

Just let me be Mabel I want to be alone.

Dr. MABEL

No, I won't

You need to eat and come out of this room

They are guests downstairs who would want to see you

Everyone is out there.

TEMI

Well sorry if I'm not as strong as they all I.

I am the weakest of the Balogun household and you know what?

(She turns to Dr. Mabel)

That is okay.

If mourning my sister and isolating myself means I'm soft at heart, then it's fine.

(She places both her palms on her face as attempted to contain the urge to cry out loud and scream)

Dr. MABEL

(She sits beside Temi)

Temi, you have to be strong, please

(She drops Temi's head on her shoulders)

[JBL speaker begins to play Ire by Adekunle Gold]

"[Verse 1]

The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side

That's What I Thought Before I Took The Ride

I Burned My Bridges, So I'd Never Look Back

But, If I Had Known

The Life I Was Searching For, Was Looking Me Right In The Eye Oh

If I Had Known, The Life I Was Searching For, Was Already My Own

Ire N Be Nile Oo, Ire Ayo

[Chorus]

Ire Ire Ire

Ire Ire Ayo

O Npe Mioo

Oni Kin Ma Bo

Oni Kin Ma Bo Nile

Ire"

TEMI

So I will never see, Eniola again?

She's will see her?

Tell me she's in the sitting room right now.

Dr. MABEL

Temi, E jor

It's okay

Everything will be fine.

(Tears roll down her cheeks)

See you are making me cry too.

TEMI

But why would anybody want to kill Eniola?

Are you sure you or Chike didn't see the person who did this?

Dr. MABEL

No, we didn't dear

We have told the investigators all we know.

"Maria walks into the room with a plate of Pap and a can of milk"

MARIA

Auntie Temi please you have to eat something.

Dr. MABEL

Drop it on the table don't worry she will eat.

MARIA

Okay

(She drops the food on the table and walks out of the room)

Dr. MABEL

(She turns off the JBL speaker)

These songs ain't helping matters

_____________________________________

"Michael attempts to walk through the entrance to Chief Balogun's mansion"

SECURITY  MAN

Sir, please Identify yourself

(He stands in front of Michael)

MICHAEL

I am Michael Adesoji

A friend of the Balogun's

SECURITY MAN

I'm sorry I can't let....

TAIWO

Let him in

SECURITY MAN

Sir?

But your mother in structured me not to let strangers in.

TAIWO

He is no stranger let him in this minute

SECURITY MAN

(He turns to Michael)

I'm sorry, sir you can come in.

MICHAEL

Thank you

(He walks in)

TAIWO

I'm sorry about that.

MICHAEL

It's fine.

TAIWO

By the way, why are you here?

Cause I would if I were in your shoes.

Especially after finding out my girlfriend's mother was responsible for the death of my father.

MICHAEL

I'm sorry for your loss, Taiwo.

Please accept my condolences.

TAIWO

Thank you.

MICHAEL

What are your plans?

TAIWO

Plans?

MICHAEL

Concerning what we have discovered.

TAIWO

An eye for an eye, bro.

(He gulps the glass of wine in his hand)

MICHAEL

What do you mean by an eye for an eye?

I know you are overwhelmed by everything around you now but you can not act on your feelings.

Killing a soul won't bring back the life of another what is gone is gone.

TAIWO

These women took our parents from us without considering us do you think that is human at all?

I want justice, Michael, and I will get it no matter what it will cost me.

Do you know they killed my investor too?

MICHAEL

What? 

This is why we have to be careful, Taiwo

I am angry too I don't even know if I can stand being with Temilade right now. I am saying this to you because I know you understand how all of these make me feel but still we can't act on impulse.

TAIWO

So what do you suggest we do?

Sit and watch them live their lives.

MICHAEL

Of course not.

Let's take legal action that is the main reason I'm here.

I need your resources to do that I can not do that alone.

TAIWO

(He smiles)

You want to take legal action against a Balogun?

The daughter of Chief Williams Balogun and The Governor's wife?

Do you think we will stand a chance at winning this?

You want to take the owners of the law to court.

Bro, you are funny.

You are dealing with the Baloguns so wake up.

Excuse me I have to refill my glass

(He walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

" Mrs. Adesoji Arrives at Chief Balogun's Residence"

CHIEF BALOGUN

It seems the Adesoji's still a conscience after all

Mrs. ADESOJI

The Election is fast approaching we can not afford to be on the bad books of public Opinion.

Dr. AKANDE

So this is a visit strictly inspired by courtesy and politics?

Mrs. ADESOJI

(She turns to Dr. Akande)

Of course not.

I am here to console the souls of the ones whose actions led to this great misfortune.

HON J BOLA

(He gazes at Mrs. Adesoji)

Grow up, Bianca!

Mrs. ADESOJI

It's been a while since someone called me by my first name.

(She turns to Ayo)

Accept my condolences,  Governor Ayo.

Mr. A BALOGUN

You know why you lost to me during the Elections?

You see every loophole as an opportunity to prey on your adversaries

Mrs. ADESOJI

(She folds her hands)

Isn't that a beautiful thing?

"Adebisi walks into the scene"

ADEBISI

Unfortunately, it makes you look like a woman who can't control her sexual desires

You are always in a hurry to strike maybe that is why you buried your late husband so soon.

Mrs. AJAYI

Wow!

(She turns to Mrs. Adesoji)

This is the perfect time to walk away

ADEBISI

She wouldn't

As Governor Ayo said.

She sees every loophole as an opportunity to strike

Mrs. ADESOJI

(She turns to Adebisi)

Be careful with what you say, woman.

All else...

ADEBISI

All else what?

Who comes to a condolence visit dressed in white?

You look so stupid

TONY

Mother, let's go

I can sight your favorite drink.

(He walks out of the scene pulling Mrs. Adesoji along)

CHIEF BALOGUN

(He turns to Adebisi)

Wow, Miss Agnis, I have not seen Mrs. Adesoji that frustrated before.

Please meet my younger brother, Dr. Akande, my brother-in-law Hon J Bola and my party member, Mrs Ajayi.

Dr. AKANDE

It's a pleasure to finally meet the popular Oil billionaire.

(He invites a handshake)

ADEBISI

(She welcomes his Handshake)

The pleasure is mine, sir.

Hon J BOLA

Nice to meet you

ADEBISI

And you too, The Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mrs. AJAYI

I like your energy

The way you stood up to Mrs. Adesoji was topnotch

ADEBISI

People like that should be put in their place.

Mr. A BALOGUN

Dad, I will be in your office

(He walks out of the scene)

_____________________________________

LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE 1|

"Robert walks into Lolade's Office"

LOLADE

Yes?

What do you want, young man?

ROBERT

Must I want something before I check up on my wife?

LOLADE

Your wife?

(She arranges some documents on her table)

ROBERT

I'm I, not your husband?

LOLADE

You lost the right to that title the day you dropped your white disgusting manhood into the flowers of my beloved niece.

ROBERT

How many times do I have to apologize for that, Lolade?

Besides the doctor said I'm clean.

LOLADE

Do you think I care about if you are HIV positive or not?

You disrespected me, Mr. Luther Robert.

ROBERT

Why do you even care?

It's not like you married me because of love.

LOLADE

You are my husband I will not share you with anyone!

I own you!

ROBERT

You own me?

(He smiles)

You have a weird way of expressing yourself.

So you care after all?

LOLADE

No, I don't.

ROBERT

Yes, you do.

Your eyes are filled with jealousy over a dead lady.

Why do I get the feeling that you are somehow involved in the mysterious death of that innocent girl?

LOLADE

(She drops her right palm on his white cheek)

I would never hurt Eniola

Be careful with what you say.

ROBERT

Then why are we not at your father's place mourning like others are?

LOLADE

I have sent my regards and condolences

I do not have time for petty things

The Election is days away

(She sits on her chair)

ROBERT

Your Niece died two days ago and your excuse for not paying her your last respect is the election?

Sometimes I wonder if there is a heart in that chest of yours

(He walks out of the office)

_____________________________________

CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|

"Michael knocks on Temilade's door"

TEMI

Bisi I told you I want to be left alone!

MICHAEL

He walks into the room.

Hey.

TEMI

Michael

(She hugs him)

MICHAEL

How are you?

Look at you your eyes and cheeks are swollen

(He wipes off the tears on her face)

TEMI

Michael, I'm sorry.

(She said in a faint voice)

MICHAEL

Stop crying look at your voice.

I can barely hear you.

Have you eaten?

TEMI

Yes

She sits on the bed.

MICHAEL

(He avoids eye contact with her)

What did you eat?

TEMI

Food.

Michael, can we talk.

I don't want to lose you

Taiwo hasn't spoken to me since the incident.

MICHAEL

Temi can we not talk about this?

Focus on healing and getting over Eniola's death.

TEMI

You can't even look me in the face, Michael.

Just say something

Your silence is too much torture for me.

MICHAEL

What do you want me to say, Temi?

Yes I'm mad that you kept such a secret from me

Who knows what else you could be keeping from me?

And you know what makes it worse?

I can't even get mad at you even though I want to be mad.

TEMI

Michael, I'm sorry.

How could I have looked you in the eyes and told you, my mother, was responsible for the death of your father?

I just couldn't you would have left me.

MICHAEL

You should have trusted me.

You didn't kill my father your family did.

Do you think I do not know your grandfather and family are responsible for a lot of innocent lives over the years?

I know that Temilade Balogun but I still stuck with you because I love you!

(He yells)

TEMI

Michael, I'm sorry.

(Tears stream down her cheeks)

MICHAEL

Stop crying

Do you want to kill yourself?

(He turns to leave)

TEMI

Michael, where are you going?

Don't leave me, E jor

(She hugs him from the back)

MICHAEL

I have to go now before I say something I will regret.

Don't come after me

I will come and see you again whenever I can.

(He walks out of the room)

_____________________________________

"Taiwo walks into one of the rooms with a bottle of wine in his hand"

TAIWO

Eniola why?

(He cries out loud)

"Maria is passing by and hears Taiwo"

MARIA

(She walks into the room)

Sir, are you okay?

TAIWO

What do I do, Maria?

Eniola is dead but I can't express myself because I have siblings to console I can not drop a tear on my cheek.

MARIA

(She sits beside Taiwo)

Yes, you can you are human too.

You don't have to carry all the burden on your shoulders you have to let it all out, Taiwo.

Look at me

(She places both her hands on his cheek)

It's ok not to be okay.

Grief and cry if you want to.

TAIWO

My life is a mess, Maria

I married the wrong woman, Eniola is dead I just found out my stepmother is responsible for the death of my mother I can't even breat...

MARIA

(She drops her lips on his)

Stop talking.

Everything will be fine.

"Bayo walks into the room dropping a punch on Taiwo's face"

BAYO

How could you do this to Simi?

(He keeps dropping his folded palm on Taiwo's face)

_____________________________________

Dear, dear readers,

It's Eniola Balogun, and I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have shown me love and support throughout my time at Festac Screenplay.

I am truly grateful for the love and support I have received from each and every one of you. Your encouragement has meant the world to me, and I am humbled by the impact I have had on your lives.

Although I am no longer with you, I want to encourage you all to stay strong. The storied saga we have shared together continues to unfold, and I have no doubt that it will captivate and inspire you as it goes on and on.

While I may not be a part of the future chapters, I want you to know that I carry your memories and the moments we've shared with me. Your presence in my life has been invaluable, and I will always cherish the time we spent together.

As you move forward, embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Each new Episode brings fresh possibilities for growth and discovery. Draw strength from the memories we've created and let them guide you on your own path.

Thank you again for your unwavering support and love. I am truly grateful to have had the chance to be a part of your lives.

With warmest regards,

Eniola Balogun