|POETIC INTRO|
A dream come true it would be
That a being with womb sits on the throne
A fallacy it is that she dreams at all of it
They believe she was made for man not men!
She believe she was made for herself not man.
She's not far man as men came from her and not dust
She's not falling for man's ignorance
For she knows her essence of existence is so much more
How dare she craves the roles of the gods
How dare him calls himself god?
Does she hold the keys to life?
Can there be life without her bosom ?
I was in dilemma as I wondered if we are equals
Can she govern without her emotions locked in her subconscious?
Are men without emotions that we should speak of women being women?
We know she can be petty but men are no saint either.
_____________________________________
ADEBISI's RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"In a shocking turn of events, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria met a tragic fate early this morning. The President was delivering a speech at the presidential villa, ASU Rock, located in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, when chaos erupted. An unknown assailant opened fire during the President's speech, causing immediate panic and chaos in the vicinity.
The incident sent shockwaves throughout the nation, and speculations began to circulate. Many pointed fingers at the NNC party, suspecting their involvement due to their alleged dissatisfaction with the election results. The country was already in a state of political turmoil, with tensions running high since the controversial election, and this shocking act only served to exacerbate the situation.
As news of the President's tragic demise spread, the country plunged into uncertainty. Questions arose about the stability of the government and the potential repercussions this event could have on the already fragile political landscape. Security forces..."
"Adebisi turns of the flat screen as she picks up a bottle of wine from her office table"
ADEBISI:
This is good news. Wow.
(She picks up a wine glass.)
Mr. A BALOGUN:
What is good about this? This only means Lolade is succeeding in her plans to make herself president. We have to stop her.
ADEBISI:
Why? This could help us take her down. All we have to do is let her be President, then we expose her.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Don't you think she will be too powerful to take down by that time? I know Lolade like the back of my hand. She will be difficult to stop once she and Mrs. Adesoji succeed.
ADEBISI:
We would stop them, Ayo. I assure you of that. There is too much evidence against her.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Why don't we just take her in now? It would be easier.
ADEBISI:
(She snaps.)
No! I don't want it to be easy for her. Don't you get it, Ayo? She has to suffer for everything she has done to me. I will let her have it all, and slowly I will take it from her. I will leave with nothing but her name.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Calm down, love. I thought we are on the same side.
ADEBISI:
I don't know, Ayo. I'm beginning to think otherwise. I feel like you don't understand me.
(She sits on the couch.)
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Ahh, no na. I do. I'm just being cautious. I don't want her to find a way to get out of this. She's my sister, and I love her, but she must pay for her crimes.
ADEBISI:
If you understand me, then you will be on my side.
(She folds her hands across each other.)
I was in pain for years, Ayo.
Do you know how it felt to gaze at the mirror and not recognize yourself?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
(Holds her hands.)
I don't. And I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Iyawo.
Ololufemi.
ADEBISI:
Fi mi silẹ, jor. Go and meet your other wife.
(She casually pushes him away.)
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Ahh ahh. Don't be like that. You know I loved and still love you. You are my first love, the mother of my first fruit. Iuawomi.
ADEBISI:
(Blushes.)
This man, you haven't changed.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Ahh, why would I?
A real man's heart never changes. It stays the same for the one who watered his garden first.
_____________________________________
"Taiwo walks into the sitting room"
MICHAEL:
(Gazes at Taiwo, who appears pale and stressed out)
Taiwo, are you fine?
TAIWO:
Where is Maria? Please, I want to see her.
MICHAEL:
Bro, I don't think this is a good time.
TAIWO:
Please, Micheal. I just want to see her. I'm slowly losing it.
MICHAEL:
I understand how you feel, bro, but Maria is going through a lot right now. And I can't risk her condition getting worse than it already is.
TAIWO:
What do you mean? What is wrong with her?
MICHAEL:
She's yet to come to terms with Nanny's absence in her life.
"Temi walks into the scene"
TEMI:
And thanks to you, the young innocent girl keeps blaming herself for what happened. Do you know the guilt she's feeling right now?
MICHAEL:
(Holds Temi)
Calm down. Remember, you shouldn't stress yourself.
TAIWO:
I know, Temilade, and I'm sorry. Seriously it wasn't my intention to hurt her this way.
TEMI:
I know, Taiwo, but you did, and I warned you about all of this. Now the poor girl is crying every day. She hardly eats.
TAIWO:
Can I just see her? At least just once. Temi, please, e jor, I beg you in the name of God.
TEMI:
No, Taiwo. Don't you get it? You are the last person she wants to see.
"Maria walks into the scene"
MARIA:
It's fine. I want to see him.
ONYINYE:
(Turns to Maria)
Are you sure?
MARIA:
Yeah.
MICHAEL:
Maria, you don't have to if you don't want to.
MARIA:
I'm fine, Taiwo. Besides, I can't avoid him forever.
TEMI:
Alright, we will give you guys privacy, but if it gets too difficult, you can ask him to leave.
MARIA:
Sure.
"Temi, along with Micheal and Onyinye, walks out of the scene"
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN'S RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Dr. Akande walks into chiefs office"
Dr. AKANDE:
Williams, tell me this is a joke? (He drops a newspaper in front of Chief) How do we solve this?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
(Picks up the newspaper)
Hmm. It seems she used Adebisi to get to us.
Dr. AKANDE:
You mean late Adebisi? How?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
She's alive.
Dr. AKANDE:
What? You are joking.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
I'm not. She managed to survive due to Kate's help.
Dr. AKANDE:
Where is she then?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
She's Miss Agnis.
Dr. AKANDE:
I don't understand. How?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Plastic surgery.
Dr. AKANDE:
I still don't believe this. Are you sure about what you are saying?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
I'm certain of it. Look at these documents.
(He pulls a brown envelope from a secret locker)
She never existed until a few years ago. I was also able to get some of her DNA samples with the help of the housekeeper, and it's a match to Taiwo's.
Dr. AKANDE:
(Opens the envelope)
This is still hard to believe, Williams.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
I understand, but it is what it is. And Kate confirmed it.
Dr. AKANDE:
But if she was alive all this while, why would she wait this long to reveal herself? It just doesn't add up.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
It was all part of Kate's plans all along. She's been planning this for a long time.
Dr. AKANDE:
Okay, but the last I checked, Adebisi has no reason to go against you. She's wealthy too, so why would she help Kate take you down?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Because that is the only way she can get to Lolade and Bisola. She wants revenge.
Dr. AKANDE:
Hmm, this is deeper than we thought. What do we do, Williams? Lolade is also about to become president. If the Table finds out that you have lost the chairmanship, they will assume you are weak, and you know what that means.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
They will come for my throne.
Dr. AKANDE:
Exactly, and if we are not careful, you could lose it all.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
There is only one way we can stop this.
Dr. AKANDE:
What would that be?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
We have to stop Lolade and her party. Once we can keep the presidential seat vacant, The Table and NNC will be too busy trying to fight themselves back into power, and that would give us enough time to deal with Kate and the company.
Dr. AKANDE:
Sometimes I wonder where you get your wisdom from. But you think those election leaks would be enough to keep Lolade from the seat or send her to jail?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
(Smiles)
Who said anything about sending her to jail?
Dr. AKANDE:
I see.
_____________________________________
ADEBISI's RESIDENCE|
TAIWO:
My love, how are you?
MARIA:
(Takes a few steps backwards)
Are you seriously asking me that question? Do you want to know how I am?
(She grabs Taiwo's shirt)
TAIWO:
Maria, I'm sorry.
MARIA:
Granny is dead, and if I wasn't involved with you, she would still be here. We did this to her! Look at me!
(Taiwo gazes into her watery eyes)
Stay away from me.
TAIWO:
Don't you get it? I want to, but I can't. I am ready to give up on everything. I don't care about the inheritance; I just want you, Maria.
MARIA:
Well, the only thing I want right now is for Granny to walk in from that door and ask me what plans I have for my life.
TAIWO:
I understand that you are hurting, Maria. I'm hurting too. She was like the mom I never had, and I have been drowning in guilt these past few days.
MARIA:
Then deal with that and leave me alone.
(She turns to leave)
TAIWO:
(He holds her wrist)
Maria, please don't go.
MARIA: (Turns to Taiwo) What do you want?
TAIWO:
I want your forgiveness, and I'm ready to do anything to earn it.
MARIA:
I hold no grudge against you. After all, you didn't force yourself on me. I did this to Granny too.
TAIWO:
Then why can't you let me be here for you?
MARIA:
Because it can't work. I do not fit in your world. It's not meant to be. So many obstacles. Please just go.
(She walks out of the room as tears roll down her cheeks).
_____________________________________
Mr ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|
"Olamide walks into Adaora's room"
OLAMIDE:
Hey, can I come in?
ADAORA:
(Holds tight to a bottle of red wine)
You are here already, so why ask that?
OLAMIDE:
Oh, sorry about that. I kept knocking, but there was no response.
ADAORA:
What are you doing here?
OLAMIDE:
I heard the news, so I decided to come check up on you.
ADAORA:
You flew to Abuja to check up on me?
OLAMIDE:
Yes, I...
ADAORA:
Don't you think that is too extreme?
Oh, I forgot you are a Balogun, so it means nothing to you.
OLAMIDE:
How are you holding up?
ADAORA:
I'm fine.
(She sips from the bottle of wine)
OLAMIDE:
Really?
ADAORA:
What would you have me say, Ola? Or would you rather be pleased to see me crying and rolling on the ground over my father's death?
OLAMIDE:
Oh no, I didn't mean it that way. I'm sorry.
(Gets up to leave)
ADAORA:
Now you want to leave because I'm rude, right? I know I'm rude, and I'm not myself, but you of all people should understand. But I guess you don't because...
OLAMIDE:
(Pulls her to himself and holds her tight)
Everything will be okay.
ADAORA:
(She cries out)
I'm sorry.
OLAMIDE:
It's fine.
_____________________________________
"Bisi smiles at Nnamdi"
BISI:
I know this is painful, but I know you will be fine.
NNAMDI:
So you and Olamide flew to Abuja just to check up on us?
BISI:
As crazy as it sounds, yes, we did. By the way, where is Adaobi?
NNAMDI:
Oh, I think she's with her Mom.
BISI:
How is she doing? I want to see her.
NNAMDI:
She's okay. We will be fine. I will make sure you see her before you leave for Lagos.
BISI:
Well, who says I have to go back right away?
NNAMDI:
Is that a weird way of saying you want to stay?
BISI:
Only if you want me to.
NNAMDI:
Of course, I want that, but you have to work, right? I wouldn't want you to abandon that because of me.
BISI:
Work can wait beside. My Granny is in charge now, so no more autocracy.
NNAMDI: Don't tell me you are happy about the big change in the company?
BISI:
Don't get me wrong, Nnamdi, I love my Grandpa, but I have never agreed with his methods and principles. Just take a look at his relationship with my Mom. I don't want that for me and my kids.
NNAMDI: Hmm, I get it, but you still can't deny the fact that he had sacrificed a lot for all of you.
BISI:
I know, and I'm thankful for the good life, but abeg, he is annoying.
(Nnamdi laughs out)
It's nice that I could see that smile of yours again.
NNAMDI:
Your presence commands it, my dear.
_____________________________________
LOLADE's RESIDENCE, LEKKI PHASE ONE|
" Lolade walks into her home office along side Mrs Adesoji, Tony and Mr Edochie"
LOLADE:
Finally, our time has come. We must seize our moments.
(She picks up a bottle of Champagne)
TONY:
So what's next?
LOLADE:
(Turns to Tony)
I become the President, then your mom becomes my vice.
TONY:
And?
LOLADE:
(Sits on her office chair)
That's it. We loot, steal money, and collect as much as we can. This is a one-time opportunity; we must empower our side.
Mr. EDOCHIE:
(Clears throat)
By our side, what do you mean?
Mrs. ADESOJI:
Relax, Mr. Edochie, as we promised, you will be well taken care of, but first, you must complete your job. I can't dispute your contributions in making us the first women to reach the peak of politics in Africa, but we cannot dance all night till the work is done.
LOLADE:
Exactly! Taking over power from your political party isn't enough as long as they control the table.
EDOCHIE:
As I have promised you earlier, the table chairmanship will also become yours. I was able to pre-inform some of the illicit members of what is about to happen, and I strongly believe they will side with us, especially now that Chief has lost his Chairmanship in Festac Oil and Gas.
LOLADE:
Hmm, I heard that too. Please do not fail us; we must win The Table over to our side, or all of these will find its way back into their hands.
TONY:
How about Soji's Oil? Don't you think we should do something to save the company?
That Miss Agnis is about to buy us out. We must act fast.
LOLADE:
(Turns to Tony)
I understand your desperation to save your father's company, but there is a lot on our plate now. But I promise to do something about that.
Mrs. ADESOJI:
How do you intend to do that? (Sips her glass of champagne)
LOLADE:
First, I will have a word with this so-called Miss Agnis.
Mr. EDOCHIE:
I heard she's not an easy person to access.
LOLADE:
Well, she has no choice. Besides, who would decline a request from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
_____________________________________
REMOTE DUPLEX, SURULERE, LAGOS|
"Ayoola walks into the building"
SIMI:
Finally, I'm starving.
AYOOLA:
I got you something to eat.
(Drops the two white nylons on the dining table)
How are you?
SIMI:
I don't know, Ayoola. I'm scared to death.
AYOOLA:
Dad and Mom are worried.
SIMI:
Did you tell them where I was?
AYOOLA:
Relax, I didn't, but they know I'm aware of your whereabouts.
SIMI:
(Rushes to the window)
What makes you sure that you weren't followed?
AYOOLA:
Simi, come and eat your food. Nobody followed me here.
SIMI:
Why did you tell them?
AYOOLA:
Because I had to! At least to calm them down. Do you know how worried Mom is?
SIMI:
I understand, and I think you should know something too.
(Sits beside Ayoola)
(Doorbell rings)
AYOOLA:
Go upstairs.
SIMI:
It's Bayo.
AYOOLA:
Bayo? What's he doing here this... did he... You told him?
SIMI:
I had to.
AYOOLA:
How can you be so stupid?
SIMI:
Trust me, you would understand. (She opens the door) Hey, come in.
BAYO:
I have the documents ready. (Turns to Ayoola) Good Evening.
AYOOLA:
What are you doing here?
SIMI:
Sis, he's going to help me leave the country.
AYOOLA:
So you trust the words of a Balogun?
SIMI:
I trust Bayo. Please try and understand.
AYOOLA:
You know, sometimes I do not get you at all. First, it was Taiwo, now Bayo.
(Walks out of the room)
SIMI:
(Turns to Bayo)
Hope you weren't followed?
BAYO:
I wasn't. These are the documents. You will be leaving through a cargo plane tomorrow evening. You might not need these documents, but I prepared them in case of any shortcomings.
SIMI:
Thank you, Bayo.
(She hugs him)
But why are you helping me? I killed someone dear to you and your family.
BAYO:
(Sits down)
I have done a lot I am not proud of, and I feel I contributed to this too. So who am I to judge you? Besides, I still love you, and I cannot lose you.
SIMI:
(Tears stream down her eyes)
Thank you!
_____________________________________
CHIEF BALOGUN's RESIDENCE, BANANA ISLAND|
"Chief Balogun switches on the light as Kate walks into her Chamber"
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Why are you here?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Why are you doing this to me?
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Are you seriously asking me that question? After you got rid of my Dad just so that it would be easier for you to get to me, or is it how you got rid of Eric just because of your petty jealousy or how you killed my own brother? Don't play the victim card, Williams.
CHIEF BALOGUN:
I thought you were smarter than this. You, of all people, know all that I'm capable of. Don't cross me, Kate.
MRS. K BALOGUN:
(Chuckles)
Isbthat a threat?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
It's a warning or you won't see what is coming.
Mrs. K BALOGUN:
Unlike you, death doesn't scare me. Crossing you is me digging my grave. But I will dig as long as it costs you your essence to live. I will die and be fulfilled, but you will live and wish you died. Look around you, you are slowly losing every reason you sacrificed this much. Hard work matters a lot, but how you treat people matters more, and if you lose that, then what is the point?
CHIEF BALOGUN:
Like they always say, a man will pick his wife over his children, but the one who carried them in her womb will never betray her own. I have devoured my own flesh. Remember I have nothing but myself to lose. But you have a lot more than yourself to lose. I know you don't fear death, but you fear for them.
MRS. K BALOGUN:
Don't you dare go close to Ayo and Lolade! Let them be. This is between you and me. Be a man and face me.
"Chief walks out of the room"
_____________________________________
FESTAC CENTRA HOSPITAL|
"Dr Mabel rushes into to the General office"
Dr. MABEL:
Temi! I missed you.
(She hugs Temi.)
TEMI:
I missed you too, my love.
Dr. MABEL:
How have you been?
TEMI:
I'm good.
Dr. HENRY:
I guess you came in for antenatal.
Dr. RAPHAEL:
Obviously, na. She nor miss us.
TEMI:
(Turns to Raphael)
Of course, I did, Rachael. I missed all of you.
Dr. PASCAL:
Omo, it's been different without you here.
TEMI:
Don't worry, guys. I have good news.
Dr. MABEL:
What is it?
TEMI:
I have been given my job back.
Dr. MABEL:
Are you serious? That's amazing. When are you resuming?
TEMI:
I want to resume immediately, but I'm still trying to convince Michael. He keeps insisting that I should resume after labor.
Dr. HENRY:
Well, I understand him. Personally, I would do the same.
"Michael walks into the office"
MICHAEL:
Finally, somebody is on my side.
(Turns to Temi)
Babe, are you ready to go?
TEMI:
Yes, I am.
Dr. MABEL:
Wow, Michael, it's good to see you. It's been a while.
MICHAEL:
How have you been?
Dr. MABEL:
Very well, just missing the hell out of that lady beside you.
MICHAEL:
I understand, but you can come visit anytime. This weekend works fine.
(Turns to Temi)
Right?
TEMI:
Yes, it does.
MICHAEL:
Alright, you are all invited.
_____________________________________
Mr ACHEBE's RESIDENCE, ABUJA|
" Chibuike walks into his home office"
ADAORA:
(Turns to Chibuike)
Hey.
CHIBUIKE:
(Smiles as he places both his hands in his trousers pocket)
Look who is here. Let me guess, you are ready to let go of the company.
(Picks up a baseball from his desk)
ADAORA:
I'm here to let you know that I will be leaking the tape myself tonight.
CHIBUIKE:
(Sits on the couch)
Now she's trying to appear solid, but on the inside, she wants to fall to her knees.
ADAORA:
(Walks up to Chibuike)
I'm serious, Chibuike. Don't play with me.
(Turns to leave)
CHIBUIKE:
(Turns to her)
Where are you getting at with this?
ADAORA:
The only person who would have taken this seriously is dead. As for the public, they will talk regardless.
CHIBUIKE:
Don't do something you will regret. Don't be stubborn, Adaora. Just let me have this.
ADAORA:
(Smiles at Chibuike)
Look who is scared now. I am your Chairman; it's in Dad's will, and the board members are on my side. Accept your fate, Baby bro.
(She walks out of the scene)
"Chibuike throws the baseball across the room out of frustration"
_____________________________________
FESTAC|
"Michael stops the car engine along the road"
TEMI:
What is it? Why are we stopping?
MICHAEL:
I think we have a flat tire. (Comes out from the car)
TEMI:
(Comes out from the car after a while)
Is it that bad?
MICHAEL:
Yes, it is, and it seems like it was done on purpose.
TEMI:
What? Are you sure?
MICHAEL:
Yes, I am. (Turns to Temi) Go inside; I will fix this.
TEMI:
I want to help.
MICHAEL:
Temi, you are heavily pregnant; you shouldn't be stressing yourself. So go inside, please.
TEMI:
Fine.
(Turns to the car)
"A black car stops beside them as two masked armed men come out."
MICHAEL:
Temi, run!
"Temilade attempts to run but steps on her long gown and falls on her tummy. Michael approaches Temi but is stopped by one of the masked men."
MASKED MAN:
(Points gun at Michael)
Stay back, or I'll blow your brains out.
MICHAEL:
Please don't hurt her. Take me instead.
"The second masked man picks up Temi's unconscious body and walks into the car"
_____________________________________
Mr A BALOGUNS RESIDENCE, FESTAC|
"Mr Ayo walks into the sitting room"
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Iyawo, how are you?
(Sits adjacent to Bisola)
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Since when did you care?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
(Turns to Bisola)
What's that supposed to mean?
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
Ayo, please don't ask me stupid questions. Go and meet your sweetheart. Is that not where you are coming from?
Mr. A BALOGUN:
What's your problem this afternoon?
MRS. B BALOGUN:
Are you seriously asking me that? You barely pay attention to me these days. You are hardly home, and whenever we talk, it's always about one issue or the other. It's just as if you are trying to get rid of me.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Hmm, it's all in your head, Madam. I have been busy.
MRS. B BALOGUN:
With that billionaire lady, right? You think I don't know you and your son go there? And don't use Temilade as an excuse. I know there's something going on between both of you.
(Ayo gets up to leave)
Of course, you will walk out on me. I don't matter to you anymore.
Mr. A BALOGUN:
Don't you get tired of complaining and nagging? Have you thought for a second that all I want is peace, and you are not letting me have that?
Mrs. B BALOGUN:
So I'm your problem now? I don't blame you, Ayo.
(She hisses and walks out of the scene)
_____________________________________
REMOTE DUPLEX, SURULERE, LAGOS|
"Ayoola knocks on the door" and walks
SIMI:
Who is there?
AYOOLA:
It's me.
SIMI:
(Opens the door)
Where have you been? We are already running late.
AYOOLA:
Traffic was so bad. Bayo hasn't arrived?
SIMI:
Icalled him. He is almost here.
"Taiwo walks in with a gun pointed at Ayoola and Simi"
TAIWO:
Where the hell do you think you are going? After killing Nanny, you think you can escape, right?
AYOOLA:
Taiwo, please. Let us go. We both know if we hand her over to Chief, she is a dead meat.
TAIWO:
She doesn't have to surrender to Chief; all she has to do is confess her crime and pay for them.
SIMI:
Taiwo, please try and understand me. I didn't mean to kill her.
TAIWO:
But you did!
SIMI:
Taiwo, please. I don't want to die.
(Tears roll down her cheeks)
"Bayo rushes into the scene and tries to stop Taiwo. They both struggle for possession of the gun as one of them mistakenly pulls the trigger"
_____________________________________