|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