A PLAY

WIDOW’S CRY FOR HELP

BY

RT. HON. (ELDER) SHRIFF

FRANCIS OROHWEDO
OBEREVWORI

AMB. OKONYE JERRY CHUKWUKA

(PUBLISHER)

MANUSCRIPT
JERRYNOLLY ENTREPRENEURSHIP GLOBAL VENTURES PUBLISHERS
07063164303/09056608588

1
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 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF RT. HON. (ELDER) SHRIFF FRANCIS OROHWEDO
OBEREVWORI:

THE DIARY OF MY VICTORY; the author Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Frances Orohwedor
Oborevwori was born on the 19th of June 1963 to the reputable family of Chief Samuel
Samuel and Mrs. Esther Oborevwori of OSUBI Town in Okpe Local Government Area of
Delta State, Nigeria. He received his early education at Alegbo Primary School, Effurun,
and later obtained his WASSC at Oghareki Grammar School, Oghareki. Thereafter, he
earned a B.SC degree in political science from Delta State University, Abraka. In his
quest for more knowledge, experience, capacity building, and self-development, he
attended various courses and obtained certificates from various institutions including
Manchester Business School U.K, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, U.S.A,
International Law Institute, Washington DC, USA, London School of Economics and
Political Science, UK, University of Cambridge, UK, and School of Oriental and African
Studies, University of London, among others.

Before going into politics, he was a successful businessman with a vast interest in the
oil industry. He is a seasoned Nigerian politician, a grassroots mobilizer, and an astute
administrator. He began his political career as a councilor/supervisory councilor for
works in 1996 under the old Okpe Local Government Area and has remained in active
politics to date. In recognition of his drive for exemplary leadership to sustain peace
and harmony among the restive youths in the state, he was appointed to various
positions in different administrations. In furtherance of his determination to serve his
people, he contested under the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and won the election
to represent Okpe State constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly for two
terms.

He served as the National Treasurer and the Deputy Chairman of the Conference of
Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria. He is a member of the Nigeria Institute of
Management (Chartered) - MNIM and also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered
Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC) as well as the Nigerian Institute of Management
(FNIM). He is also a recipient of numerous awards, including Merit Awards from the
National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) and Law Matter of the Year Award by
the Independent News Papers Ltd.

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Over the years, he has extended various philanthropic gestures to different categories
of people through his Sheriff Oberevwori Foundation, impacting lives through
scholarships to students and providing various empowerment/entrepreneur support
programs. He influenced several projects in the state and constructed and rehabilitated
various roads, schools, and classrooms. He also provided security empowerment and
financial support to constituents, empowering over 1000 Okpe constituents with various
resources for financial independence.

In recognition of his community leadership and contributions to the growth and

development of Okpe kingdom, he was conferred with the traditional title of "Ukodo of
Okpe" by HRM Orhorho 1, the ruler of Okpe Kingdom. He is a devout Christian and an
ordained Elder of the Living Faith Church (a.k.a Winners Chapel). He is married and
blessed with children.

He was declared the governor-elect of Delta State on 20 March 2023 after winning the
gubernatorial election that was conducted by the Independent National Electoral
Commission on 18 March 2023. He is the incumbent Governor of Delta State. He is an
advocate of the "Widows Security Scheme" and collaborates with non-profit and non-
governmental organizations, World Bank, and others to assist women, especially
widows, irrespective of their political affiliation and cultural differences.

His present government focuses on equity, fairness, inclusiveness, and engagement

with stakeholders to advance Delta State's development in economic, infrastructural,
human, and environmental sustainability. His government fights for and protects
women's rights and is creating awareness against harmful widowhood practices. He is
committed to taking Delta State to the next level and has the interest of women,
especially widows, at heart.

He is a force to be reckoned with in the history of Delta State and is loved by all, having
the interest of women, especially widows, at the forefront of his governance.

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 DEDICATION

For the poor and the vulnerable women in the society; most especially the widows in
Delta State who believes in the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Governor RT. HON (ELDER)
SHERIFF FRANCIS OROHWEDO OBEREVWORI the executive Governor of Delta State as
a reformer; in the realistic reform agenda of the widows on the “Widow Security
Scheme” project with “Sheriff is doing more” monthly stipends and involving the widows
children and the vulnerable women in the society into free health insurance scheme as
recommended in a current data base for “the widows freedom and financial
independence”.

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 CAST

1. CHIEF OBIEFULA – Wicked king in Umuezeii

2. MR UCHE OBIEFULA
3. MRS MAGRET Mary’s parents
4. MARY
5. AGHATA Mrs Magret’s children
6. OBINNA
7. OSITA
8. IHEME
9. ABEL
10. AMBROSE
11. KING OSONDU – King of Umuezeii
12. CHIEF OSAKWE
13. CHIEF OKWUDILI Chiefs in Umuezeii
14. CHIEF RAYMOND
15. ASHINEDU
16. MRS MABEL
17. MRS ADINEBO
18. PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE
19. CHIEF BODY GUARD
20. DRIVER
21. KING AJAH – King Ogbe-Uzoma
22. CHIEF OBO – Chief in Ogbe-Uzoma
23. MAMA OSADEBE
24. OSADEBE – Youth leader in Umuezeii
25. MR STEPHEN
26. MRS STEPHEN ROSE
27. MRS FREDRICKS
28. MRS OKUKWE

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29. AGWU NNAM – Chief pries of Umuezeii
30. AGWU OKW 1 – Chief pries of Ogbe-Uzoma
31. AGWU-OSUE – Chief priest from Cable Jarret
32. LADY JOY
33. MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO
34. GOVERNOR
35. COMMISSIONER
36. D.P.O
37. I.P.O
38. CHIEF MEDICAL DOCTOR
39. DOCTOR 1-2
40. NURSE 1-4
41. PROPHET JEREMIAH
42. DOCTOR SYLVESTER
43. ENUMERATORS
44. AFAMEFULA: OGBE UZOMA TOWN CRIER
45. CHIEF AGWU
46. MRS IFELUNWA
47. MADAM LIZZY
48. ASHINEDU (MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO’S SON
49. NGOZI

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 ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
[Mrs magret is taking her bath in an open bathing room, singing agitatedly.
chief obiefula the husband’s younger brother steps in peeping at the agitated
church woman with so much admiration.]

MRS MAGRET: (Noticing Chief Obiefula; she grew angry) Heei! Chief I am a married
woman and my husband is your elder brother for that matter.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Interrupts the conversation) Haba! Shiiii! I came to discuss
something that is very important to both of us.
MRS MAGRET: (Unhappily) what is it that you want to tell me that can’t wait till I
finish taking my bath Chief Obiefula? You are my husband’s younger brother and both
of you are not in good term with each other, so why is it that each time I start taking
my bath, that is when you come visiting. Go my husband is not at home and I don’t
have anything to discuss with you.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cracks a few jokes and then responds on what Mrs Magret said)
No right thinking person rejects a nice flower. I am your flower and your rainbow in the
night. You know that your husband does not have a say because he is worst than an
infidel. I am a traditional chief and you do not have the right to reject my proposal to
have you warm my bed each time I need your company; that is what I have come to
discuss with you; and you do not have a choice.
MRS MAGRET: Over my dead body will I defile my matrimonial bed with my husband’s
younger brother, may the Lord rebuke your evil utterance against my marriage. Leave
now before I shout and everybody will know that you are evil. (shouting) leave before
my husband will come back and meet you here.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Are you not tired of suffering?
MRS MAGRET: (Unhappily) leave now; people of Umuezeii; come oh; my husband’s
younger brother wants to rape me oh; somebody help (she cried out)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Pointing his walking stick at her) we shall see. (Immediately, he
sneaks out to a hollow in between the environment to the next building as he quickly
brings out the statues of a gods of iron as he speaks to it) Ogugun, the great gods of
power and myth; it is clear that my elder brother’s wife is refusing to acknowledge my
position as a chief and the Lord of Obiefula family and she seems to love her husband
so much that I cannot explain. (He quickly brings out a native chalk from the front
pocket and splits it on the statues) Ogungun the great; I want you to go and afflict her
husband, my elder brother Mr Uche with an incurable sickness that will lead to his
death, that I may inherit his wife and children as her new husband by the traditions and
customs of the land of Umuezeii and all her husband’s inheritance shall all belong to
me. Amen! (He nodes his head before exiting the scene).
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 ACT ONE
SCENE TWO

[Mr Uche is the husband to Mrs Magret with their two grown up daughters;
Mary and Agatha and an 8 years old son Obinna. Mr Uche is lying very sick on
a local mat in front of the house while the wife Mrs Magret is busy massaging
the body of the husband with local herbs in a bowl of herbal water. They
pause on noticing their children returninSg from school with their school
bags before closing time; they all begin to stare at each other
sympathetically]

MRS MAGRET: (Staring at the children) Haha! Mary! Agatha! Obinna, why are you
returning from school by this time?
MARY: (She is the first born child of the family; she responded very unhappy and she
is looking sad) We have been chased out of school because of school fees. Mama the
proprietor called us out before the general assembly and disgraced us.
OBINNA: (Begins to cry) And everybody started laughing at us mama (crying)
AGHATA: (Unhappily) mama why is it that every term, the proprietor keeps driving us
because of school fees. Is it not better we go back to Government school mama, where
our standard of living can cope with our present situation?
MRS MAGRET: My children; the Lord God that we serve will have mercy upon us and
only him alone shall supply all our needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus,
amen! Don’t worry; you father will soon recover and we will soon get back to our feet
and your school fees will be provided and you will return back to school. (Stretching her
hand towards Obinna still crying) come my son (He carries Obinna and immediately the
husband begins to cough conspicuously)
MR UCHE: (Heart attack still coughing) My blood pressure has increased and am
dying.
MRS MAGRET: (Cuts in) God forbid. Do not use your tongue wrongly my husband; do
not forget that Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”;
nothing will happen to you. God forbid, my husband you will not die but you will live to
declare the words of the Lord in the land of the living.
MR UCHE: (Responds to the wife’s prayer) please suspend your prayers for now and
go to my younger brother Chief Obiefula and plead with him to assist us with some
money so that I can afford English medicine and have proper medical attention; how
can I be joking with my health? I am saying it the way it is happening to me right now
and if anything should happen to me without you informing him; the traditions and
customs of the land of Umuezeii will hold you responsible not minding that we are
Christians.
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MRS MAGRET: My husband we are Christians and we do not believe in the traditions
and customs of the land; you know how your brother has been misbehaving since the
death of your late father and now that is a chief; he is sitting on the tradition stool with
the staff of deity of the ancestors and that does not speak well of me if I should pay
him a visit. He doesn’t like us; let’s just put out faith in God
MARY: Mama it does not matter if our uncle likes us or not. The truth that father is sick
and we have been sent out of school, your farming business is not yielding immediate
interest and it is not subsistence enough to sustain us and meet to our daily living; I
suggest you over look our uncles grievances against us and plead with him to help us
out of this situation we have found ourselves.
MRS MAGRET: Shot up your mouth and listen to me and listen good; I don’t want you
or any of you to go close to your father’s brother Chief Obiefula anymore. He doesn’t
like us period. Is that clear (The children responds positively) My husband, my love,
Obim, my heart and the only sugar in my tea. I will not disobey you but please my
husband, give me few hours to pray before I will go (She picks her handset on the
ground and enters inside to pray; the husband Mr Uche is confused and no longer
fanatic about clinging to his illusion).

ACT ONE
SCENCE THREE
[Mrs Magret is walking into Chief Obiefula’s compound from the entrance of
the gate where Afam, his private body guard is opening the gate for her; she
walk to the middle of the mansion to meet Chief Obiefula sited in a round
table duly saved with pounded yam and white melon pepper native soup
prepared with goat meat; with a keg of palmwine, juice, wine already served
on the table while the servant is coming in with a trail of bottle water and
serves the Chief.]

MRS MAGRET: (She Bows) I greet you Chief Obiefula

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Smiling wickedly) Hmmm! (He speaks in local dialet) elewe ukwu
egbu o ewu! Nwanyi maramma my dear; you are very beautiful and you have sweet
body that I love so much. I already know why you are here. Your husband is very sick
and you need my assistance. I know you need someone to take good care of you. The
moment you permit me to taste the biscuit bone in between your laps, I will do
anything for you. By then you must have confirmed that what my elder brother is giving
you is just a baby milk; mine is iron, calcium and energetic. Just come and give me a
baby romance
MRS MAGRET: God forbid give you a baby romance as what to you? Are you my
husband? I cannot break my matrimonial vows; my husband your elder brother has
10
asked me to plead with you to lend us some money for the children’s school fees,
family up keep and to take care of his present health challenges; he is very sick and we
have no money in our hands; our children have been sent back from school because
there is no money to cope pay their school fees.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Interrupted) you see why I warned my elder brother not to marry
you from the beginning because you have local mentality I have the money to give to
you my dear, just name any amount and consider it done if only you will agree to make
love to me or your husband will die
MRS MAGRET: (Cuts in) God forbid! May the Lord rebuke your negative utterances
against my husband in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Please stop telling me
all these things. I am not happy about my husband’s situation and he needs you now…,
you are our only hope. Please help us.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Unhappily) Then you are not serious. When you are ready for
business, you let me know. You know that nothing goes for nothing. You may leave my
compound.
(Mrs Magret standing reluctantly for a while waiting to see if the wicked chief will
change his decision to no avail; she exit the scene)

ACT ONE
SCENE FOUR
[Mr Uche is with his family sited on the mat in front of the unfinished family
house apartment; he is unhappy concerning the outcome of his wives visit to
Chief Obiefula. The children are soaking garri mixed with sugar and broken
palm kernel. Mr Uche is not happy about his present condition.]

MR UCHE: (Frowning) My wife I don’t believe what you just told me concerning my
younger brother. How can my brother condescend so low to that extent? No (Nodding
his head) I don’t believe you. I’ll be glad you told me he said he does not have money
than faking reality. How I wish I can move my body, I could have gone to him myself.
MRS MAGRET: (Begins to cry) only God knows who is saying the truth and whose
heart is pure between I and your younger brother Chief Obiefula. I will not sleep with
him just because you are sick and you need his assistance when we have a God who is
mighty. I will rather look unto Jesus Christ who is our savior; the author and the
finisher of our faith.
MARY: Father don’t worry, I will go and plead with our uncle Chief Obiefula to
intervene in our situation.
MR UCHE: (In pains) you have my permission my lovely daughter.
MRS.MAGRET: (Unhappily) Don’t go, I have said my own; I said don’t go (The
children frowning seeing the kind of food they are eating with no hope for tomorrow)
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 ACT ONE
SCENE FIVE
[The wicked chief is seated in front of his compound seeping from a keg of
palm wine to see Mary walking in front of the gate as the gate man closes
the gate.]

MARY: I greet you uncle. Please I came to see you sir.

CHIEF OBIEFULA: What for? As you can see I am a very busy chief and I don’t have
time to attend to any of my relative not to speak of the daughter of a witch; like mother
like daughter
MARY: It hasn’t come to that sir, please sir my father is very sick and if no proper
medical attention is given to him; he might collapse and die. We have been chased out
of school because of school fees and we don’t have food to eat; we hardly meet up to
our daily needs since the inception of the economic down turn. All the treatment we
have given to my father has defile all solution; we need money to take him to the
hospital.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: What is money to me? It’s under my feet, I match it everyday; I go
to toilet with it and use it as tissue paper; I sleep with it and I eat anything I want. I
built houses with it and am still building and buy any latest car I want. I swim in money
and what have you? You and your parents are suffering from the incurable disease
called poverty all in the name of Christianity, and holier than thou.
MARY: (Begins to cry) My dad said I should plead with you to lend us some money; by
the time he gets better, he will pay back
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Smiling and admiring her) you are as beautiful as your mother.
Just go to bed with me and I will dash you any amount of money you want not because
of your father’s situation but just for accepting to make love with me and the money
will be enough for you to take your father to the hospital; pay your school fees and
feed your family.
MARY: (She is surprised) How can you say such a thing to me uncle? So what my
mother told me is true? It is an abomination for you to say that.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cuts in) Says who? Will you short up your dirty mouth or don’t
you know that I am your father’s next of kin and according to traditions and customs of
the land, as a woman that you are; you are nothing but my slave. So you don’t have a
say. Use what you have to get what you want or you leave my compound before I call
my boys to beat you. (Immediately the servant comes and pushes her away).

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 ACT ONE
SCENE SIX

[Mary is walking down assisting the father to seat on the mat from the front
door; the father with all his strength cannot move the legs anymore as Mary
helps him to seat after much struggle.]

MR UCHE: (Crying) Mary sit down, there is something I want to tell you.
MARY: (She seats astounded) Father you making me feel uncomfortable. I am afraid
MR UCHE: Don’t be afraid my daughter you know that this sickness is not adding
anything good in my life but it is killing me softly. I might die any moment and you are
my first daughter. If I die do not follow the footsteps of your mother’s hatred towards
my family but you shall love one another as you love yourself. Take good care of your
younger ones and always remain steadfast in serving God and be focused.
MARY: (Unhappily) Father your words are strange and predictable. Have you lost your
faith?
MR UCHE: Only the truth will set you free my daughter, I don’t have money to take
care of myself and the only thing remaining form me is to die and join my ancestors
(He struggles to lie down and the daughter assisting him; she wonders for a while and
excused herself to a bending corner besides the building).
MARY: (Talking to herself) Is it not better I do what my uncle wants me to do and
save my father’s life? My mother has been going from one prayer house to the other for
solution, still yet no improvement? I must take the bulls by the horns and save my
father’s life.
ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
[Few minutes later, Mary visits Chief Obiefula’s house and accept his
proposals so in order to get the money to treat her sick father and save her
family from that present situation that they have found themselves. At this
stage Chief Obiefula takes advantage of her; she is crying with blood stain on
the bed as one who has lost her virginity to her uncle the wicked chief, who
is walking in with a five thousand naira pieces in different notes and throws
it on the bed].

MARY: (Crying) I have lost my virginity. I promised my father that I will keep it for my
future husband and now you have taken advantage of me. (The uncle walks in and
throws the five thousand naira at him; she frowns at it) This money will not be enough
to take my father to the hospital.

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CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Wickedly) Have you ever seen five thousand naira since you were
born? What is in a woman that is worth five thousand naira when there are women
everywhere begging for handsome vibrant young chief like us to service them? Clean
up yourself and leave my house before I come out from the bathing room. (She exits
with the money)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Knowing fully well that Mary has gone with the money; he
immediately brings out the statues of the gods of iron and rubs the handkerchief Mary
used in cleaning her blood stain on it as he carried out an invocation against her family)
The great gods ogungun, you are my back bone, the great gods of the ancestors from
the strange land; I place the covenant of the blood of our ancestors against the
children of my elder brother Mr Uche and his wife. Nobody shall stand in this family and
nobody can do better than me. I hereby revoke the blood of my elder brother upon
your mother’s shoulders and wear her the garment of shame except she accepts my
proposal to bed her, so help me. The gods of Umuezeii, “Onitche Ahaba” the gods
Asagba, cover me o, do not let my enemies to see my back, that is why am serving two
masters in order to protect the territory of the traditions and customs of the land,
amen, go and finish what you have started (He blew the invocation of the handkerchief
as a flame of smoke disappeared from the statues; He is very unhappy)

ACT TWO
SCENE TWO

[Mr Uche is dead well covered with wrapper lying on a triangular board
placed on top of four corner blocks. His wife Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula
is now a widow crying conspicuously while she is been consoled by other
women who came to mourn with her. The elders are all seated in a round
table at the verdge of the unfinished building; they are all sipping from a
round table containing a plate of broken pieces of red kolanuts and local
schnapps and different alcoholic drinks. Chief Obiefula is at the entrance of
the road leading to the compound peeping behind Mary; Mary returning from
the pharmacist with a nylon containing drugs and take away prepared food.]

MRS MAGRET: (Crying) I told my husband but he wouldn’t listen to me. Now they
have killed him and turn me to a widow. I am now a widow; who will take care of my
lovely children? Who will call me sweet heart? Honey? My darling? My baby? Tell me
who will call me my love, my wify; oh what have you done to me my husband, my
closest companion, my valley and morning sun (Tearly); I told you but you did not
listen. How I wish you listened to me; this calamity would have been a cross over but
now reverse is the case. You are no more baby; who will train the children that God
14
gave to you and i? obim, my love, my heart, my body and soul where are you? (As she
weeps, all of a sudden they notice Mary returning)
MARY: (Shocked) Mama what is going on here? Can somebody tell me what is going
on here? (She rushes and opened the wrapper to discover it is because of the father,
they all gathered as she screams in a loud voice) father why? What have you done to
me? Father why
MRS MAGRET: They have killed your father and turned me to a widow (Immediately
Mary faints and they rush at her to rescue her first)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Happily from the place he is peeping) That serves you right
(sneaking out)

ACT TWO
SCENE THREE

[Few hours later Chief Obiefula visits the chief priest Agwu Nnam to bribe
him with a white he-goat, bunch of money and local cowries in order for the
chief priest to acknowledge his claim against the widow in line with the
traditions and customs of the land; “But ordinarily the traditions and customs
of Umuezeii community does not support the intimidation of women, most
especially a widow mourning her late husband but Chief Obiefula decided to
do so with the assistance of a strange gods called ogungun he brought into
his house from the Urhobo land where his divorced wife hails from”. It is
within the ambit of this strange gods that he commits a lot of atrocities and
controlling the other chiefs with his wealth; cajoling the youth into vices that
are harmful against the widows security in the land of Umuezeii.]

CHIEF OBIEFULA: Agwu Nnam, you are the greatest chief priest in the land of
Umuezeii; Diokpa Aje (They exchange pleasantries)
AGWU NNAM: Aje my chief, the younger chief from Obiefula family; the man that
accepted the traditional stool and staff of deity of his late father my predecessor to dine
with the ancestors in the traditional and customary worship of our great land. You are
most welcome to my shrine and infact I consider your visit a special visit; please accept
my sympathy on the passing on of your late brother. How I wish he listened to your
late father advice coupled with our traditional titled chiefs admonishment; he wouldn’t
have died in poverty with his Christian believes. What a shameful death.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cuts in) That serves him right. Anyways here is a white he-goat
for you, this is a sum of a hundred thousand naira, here are our traditional cowries.
They are all for you. My chief priest the tortoise does not stand in the middle of the roof

15
at midnight with a feather with empty hand waiting to preside the meeting of animals
with bird of the same feathers
AGWU NNAM: (He takes a deeper breath) You are speaking in riddles and you are not
joking. I see; give me a minute (Immediately enters into consultation by pouring
libation on the ground and splits the cowries on top the substance and commune in his
spirit for a while) you and I knows the truth that you killed your late brother Mr Uche,
the traditions and customs of the land has automatically made you the head of Obiefula
family, so what more do you want from the innocent widow?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: My wife and adopted daughter are far away in Liberia and has
refused to come back home. Despite my pleading for reconciliation; she still insist that
our divorce is still a doctrine of necessity and there is no way she will come back to me.
I have made love to several women and I am yet to hear any news of any of the
women been pregnant for me. You are not wrong by interpreting the traditions and
customs of our land on my achievement as the head of Obieful family but I am a
respected chief and my late father whose ancestral staff I am worshiping was a high
chief; I want you to help me to achieve my recognition as a village chief in Umuezeii; I
want to penetrate the Government with that title in order to seat with the traditional
council of chieftaincy rulers in Government house. With this achievement more
allowances and empowerment assigned to the widows, the vulnerable women in the
society and our youths, all those money, empowerment, all of them will come to us and
you will have a lion share.
AGWU NNAM: Good, it is a welcome idea but you do not have a family to achieve
your dream like you rightly said Chief Obiefula
CHIEF OBIEFULA: That is why I am giving you this money and goat with these
expensive cowries so you can reserve the judgement against the widow by carrying out
an invocation against her and you will make the people of Umuezeii to believe in the
allegation that she is a witch and she is responsible for the death of my late brother,
her husband Mr Uche Obiefula Omenuka. In that way she will succumb because you
and I know that she is a believer of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that makes it
impossible for her to be sleeping with me. My chief priest please support me so that I
can subdue her with the traditions and customs of the land.
AGWU NNAM: If I convince the people of Umunezei that she is a witch no amount of
charm can make her to sleep with you since you already know about her believe in the
Christian faith.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: But you and I knows great one, that it is the only way I can inherit
her late husband’s property, inherit her and her children to quality for the rank of a
village chief since I don’t have a child of my own
AGWU NNAM: There is only one harmful weapon you can use against the widow if
you are sure of those benefit you just mentioned but it goes with a special price. This
16
he-goat money and cowries you offered to gods is not enough to name an innocent
widow witch and accuse her of killing her husband and then she bows to you just like
that; not a good tactics to lure a born again Christian into sexual immorality.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Name your price and consider it done. I am Chief Obiefula Jnr and
no one can ever do better than me in my family; even generations unborn. I remain at
the top and no power can take me to the bottom. Name your price; tell me what it is.
AGWU NNAM: A plot of land at the express; the portion belonging to your late
brother; the one closer to former deputy junction because I am aware you have sold all
yours. Once you agree to give me a plot of that farm land at that express, I will invoke
the people of Umuezeii against her and make them to believe that she is a witch and
she killed her husband; I will subject her to harmful fetish traditional practices that will
make her to fall by faith and deny her Christianity and make love to you
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Which is?
AGWU NNAM: I will subject her to dance the dance of shame by parading her and her
children round the entire community with the masquerade dancers and the youths with
the leaf of life carrying the dead body of her late husband while the people will be
abusing her calling her all sorts of witchcraft names in different languages and
expressions. The Ofuobi women will shave her hair and there after chief I will wash the
dead body of her late husband inside a bowl of water, then reverse her before the
corpse of her husband and force her to drink the water I used in washing her late
husband’s dead body and swear an oath of innocence; she will prefer to be in bed with
you than succumbing to fetish traditions that will not favour her
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Smiling) Diokpa himself! Aje, may the gods of our land be glorified
AGWU NNAM: (They both respond in Umuezeii dialet) “Iseeh”.

ACT TWO
SCENE FOUR

[A brand new Lexus Jeep is driving in; Afam the driver of the Chief Obiefula is
driving into the compound to meet with Chief Okorie, Chief Osakwe, in a
round table; All sipping from glasses of palmwine and alcoholic drinks. The
widow and her children crying in front of the dead body of their late father
Mr Uche whose body is already in a locally built casket. After a while they all
notice the chief priest with some of the youths and villagers walking into the
scene.]

MRS MAGRET: (Admiring an extra large photograph of her late husband) My heart is
wounded because you are no more there for me and your lovely children

17
CHIEF OKORIE: (Unhappily, he cuts in) look here woman, will you stop shedding
crocodile tears and offer us our traditional drinks. Don’t you know that we are noble
chiefs of this land?
CHIEF OSAKWE: Chief Okorie; are you here to mourn with the widow or you came
here to laugh at her?
MRS MAGRET: I don’t entertain alcoholic drink in my house Chief Okorie and please
don’t tell me that I am shedding crocodile tears (Crying) because you don’t know how
much I care about my husband (They notice the car driving in; Chief Obiefula letting
down from the car; He walks up to the chiefs)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: And why is this table empty (Bringing out some money from his
front pocket) Mary come and buy more drinks for them.
(Mrs Magret her mother giving her sign not to go; he grew angry) am I not talking to
you? Okay Agatha come and get us a carton of hero. (The mother pinching her and the
chief noticing them) So woman; you have connived with your children to insult me
before the face of noble elders. Are you not aware that I am now your lawful traditional
and customary husband and your children are now my slave? And you don’t have a
choice. Now come yourself and buy drinks for the elders. They are here to preside over
your matter so that we can now know the next step to take concerning this stupid man
that is lying dead here
MRS MAGRET: (Crying) my husband is not stupid, and my lovely children can never
be your slave and I forbid you to take the place of my husband with your fetish
traditions and customs of the land. I don’t buy alcohol nor give anyone to drink, neither
any of my children. It is against my religion
CHIEF OKORIE: Insult; Insult; Magret do you realize that Chief Obiefula is now your
husband and he has right over you in issue concerning the traditions and customs of
our land?
MRS MAGRET: May the Lord rebuke you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Give your
life to Christ and repent from oppressing the women in the society; what has the widow
done to you? Tell me?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cuts in) Now let me tell you what you have done to my family;
you are using the Bible to deceive people not to know exactly the type of person you
are; you are a witch and you are responsible for the death of my elder brother, your
husband whose dead body is in this curfew (Opens the curfew to show Mr Uche’s dead
body) Woman or whatever you call yourself; if you say that you are not the one that
killed this man that is lying down here in this curfew then you must marry me or I
invoke the traditions and customs of Umuezeii on your head. You killed this man and
you know that you are a witch.
CHIEF OSAKWE: (Cuts in) I don’t understand you Chief Obiefula. It is that this woman
is a witch or you are trying to force her to go to bed with you by luring her? Why are
18
you mixing the traditions and customs of Umuezeii with fetish and demonic practices
that are harmful to our women most especially the widows in the society? Why all
these? (They turns to see the Chief Priest leading the troupe of villagers into the
compound)n Oh the Chief Priest is here with the people of Umuezeii; Umunnem
Ekenemu-unu oh.
VILLAGERS: (Shouting) Chief Obiefula himself; (others shouting) Diokpa!
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cuts in) This woman is using Bible to cover up for her wickedness;
people of Umuezeii; she and she is responsible for the death of this idiot in this curfew.
The traditions and customs of this land must be observed.
CHIEF OSAKWE: You do not have any evidence to prove that his woman is a witch.
So let the Chief Priest decide.
AGWU NNAM: She will either marry Chief Obiefula or we proceed with the traditions
and customs of the land; because the only thing I can hear clearly that the gods are
saying is that she is a witch and she is responsible for the death of her husband lying
dead here.
VILLAGERS: (“GREW ANGRY” as they chants a traditional song used in confirming that
Mrs Magret is guilty of the accusation leveled against her by her late husband’s family)
MRS MAGRET: (Crying) I am not a witch and I did not kill my husband, how can I kill
a man I love so much?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Woman you killed your husband; my late elder brother and you
must suffer the consequences.
AGWU NNAM: I will give you one minute to decide whether to accept Chief Obiefula
as your lawful traditional husband or the traditions and customs of the land be
observed
ALL XTRS: (In unisom, they voice at each other) Yes! The traditions and customs of
the land must be observed
MRS MAGRET: Even if you want a whole day, nothing changes the fact that I love my
husband even till death and there is no other vacancy for Chief Obiefula. If Chief
Obiefula is innocent, He should be more concerned about the burial of his late elder
brother than peeping what is in between my laps and faking realities. I am a Christian
and I do not believe in the traditions and customs of the land
AGWU NNAM: Mrs Magret you are too stubborn and disrespectful; you shall appear
before the shrine, let the youths carry this dead body to the shrine of Onitche Ahaba of
Umuezeii; we shall immediately begin with her to dance the dance of a witch that killed
her husband with the leaf of oath in her mouth and the leaf of life in the mouths of the
four youth that will be carrying the dead body of her late husband. If she is guilty, she
will run mad after the burning of the basket and the pouring of the palm wine at the
village square
CHIEF OKORIE: Let the traditional and customs of the land be observed
19
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Boys take those children away from her and move her with
immediate effect (He quickly bring out two basket from the car boot and a bottle of
palm wine giving it to the chief priest as they proceed to the village square to observe
the traditions and customs of the land; they parade the widow and her children round
the street pouring all sorts of abuses on them; they wept and the widow hope that the
late husband will come to rescue them; but he is no more; they wept; the chief raining
abuses at her; telling everyone who care to listen that Mrs Magret is a witch and she is
responsible for the death of her late husband Mr Uche Obiefula).

ACT TWO
SCENE FIVE

[The next day, Chief Obiefula calls Chief Osakwe and Chief Okoye to his office
and tries to bribe them; he puts hand inside his walldrope and picks two
bunches of money and puts on both front of the table with two pack of Local
schnapps bottle drink with a red kolanut on the table.]

CHIEF OBIEFULA: This is for both of you. I want you to stay away from any issues
concerning the widows in our community most especially Mrs. Margret Omonigho
Obiefula. It is my family affairs. Chief Osakwe I have given you your share of the bribe.
I work in government house and here is my office; I belong to the opposition party and
I am not interested in what the Government is doing here. I believe in kill and divide.
The king has taken his share; how much more a micro cheap chief like you.
CHIEF OSAKWE: (Exclaims) Onitche Ahaba! Jesus Christ. You think you can use
money to buy every chief you meet on your way to oppress our women in the society. I
am Chief Osakwe; I am activist and a chief and I believe in the Christian doctrine
despite my involvement in traditions and customs of the land “Chukwu Okike abiama”, I
can never accept any bribe to support any vices that are harmful to the widows in our
society. You work in government house and yet our widows are not partaking in the
social programmes organized by the Delta State Government to elevate the financial
standard of our widows and yet you keep spreading empowerment moneys among
chiefs; building houses and buying cars; the worst of it is that as rich as you claim to
be; you desire the little which belongs to the poor widow and swallowing the benefits of
the less privileges in the society. God will judge you Chief Obiefula.
CHIEF OKORIE: (Cuts in) Chief Osakwe Chief Obiefula is now the senior son in his
family and he is capable of taking decision over his family affairs. Stay away from his
family’s affairs.

20
CHIEF OSAKWE (Unhappily) A cutlass with two edges sword asking me to stay away
from fighting for the rights of a widow, the right of women in our society. No; never; I
stand for the widows.
CHIEF OKORIE: Well thank you Chief Obiefula for this money and drink. I think I like
your approach and you have my absolute support.
CHIEF OSAKWE: (Stands immediately) I can’t believe that you subjected an innocent
widow to dance round the village and still nothing happened to her and you are here
giving me a bribe instead of asking God for forgiveness. I can’t believe this. (He stood
and walk away)
CHIEF OKORIE: Never mind chief. I can convince him to collect his share and close
his mouth. Is it not Chief Osakwe; you and I knows that he is an hypocrite; someone
who prays by pouring libation on the ground and partakes in our festival and practices
Christian religion at the same time is a confused element. Let me go and brain wash
him.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Do that immediately

ACT THREE
SCENE ONE

[Chief Obiefula visits Lady Joy the women leader group popularly called the
“Ofuobi Women Social Club”. Whenever a man dies and the wife is accused;
they are used as instruments to observe the traditions and customs of
shaving the woman’s head under durex. He knocks at the door twice and
enters to meet her.]

LADY JOY: (Almost kneeling down) Good day chief

CHIEF OBIEFULA: Well dressed in traditional regalia suit with a modern walking stick)
How do you do Lady Joy?
LADY JOY: You may be seated. You seem not to be in a happy mood my chief I am
sorry for the passing on of your late elder brother Mr Uche. Accept my condolence
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I hear you. But I didn’t come here to be consoled or pitied. My late
elder brother is dead and the wife Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula is a witch and she is
responsible for his death. Are you not the Ofuobi women leader in Umuezeii?
LADY JOY: Yes for sure; I am the Lady Joy you know; after me chief, there is no
other. I can perceive that you brought food for my table. My door is open for business
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Facial smile) Good! That woman insulted me by refusing to date
me in accordance to the custodian of Umuezeii land. You know that I am now the talk
na do of Obiefula family. (He threatens the poor woman) Do you want me to kill you?

21
You are a woman and you are not valued in the place of a titled chief. You must comply
to what I want to tell you or do you want to die?
LADY JOY: (Kneeling down in fear) please my chief no oh! No oh! Please don’t kill me;
ask me for anything and consider it done.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Good (Smiling) Since your husband will not be returning soon; let
us make good use of your bed, after which I will give you fifty thousand naira so that
you can go and organize other women to go and intimidate my late brother’s wife; I will
give you additional hundred thousand naira so that you can mobilize other women most
especially women who goes to the church; tell them to lie that a prophet disclosed to
you that Mrs Magret my late brother’s wife is a witch and she killed her husband. For
the pegans, tell them the chief priest Agwu Nnam said so.
LADY JOY: My chief; the rumour is everywhere that you are intimidating the poor
widow with fetish traditions that are not in line with the custodian of Umuezeii; rumours
also has it that you are secretly worshipping the god of iron were you got the power
that you used in killing your elder brother from. They also said that you bribed the chief
priest to pass false judgement against the widow and the entire Umuezeii is waiting to
see the outcome of the traditions and customs of the land against the widow to know
who is telling lies against the other after parading her round the village square and
nothing happened.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I can remember what I told you before now (Deeps hands inside
both pockets and gives her a bunch of money to the sum of a one hundred and fifty
thousand naira) Here is your share
LADY JOY: (Money speaking through her expression) wau! Chief; you just made my
day. I am confused but I can’t disappoint you because I think I need this money. I love
you so much chief. I will do exactly as instructed. Trust me sir. (She is already lusting
after chief because of the money complaisantly while the chief is mimicking her stylishly
for falling cheaply)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Holding her) since your husband will be closing from work any
moment; why don’t we go for first round, then you can meet me in my hotel later; just
tell your husband that you are going for an all night church programme.
LADY JOY: Oh that one; he travelled to the village and he will not be coming back till
next weekend. Chief why don’t you go home and park your car (confusedly) change
into a simple wears and come on a low key you know that I am an Mbise woman and
my husband is from Umuezeii and it is against my tradition and my Christian faith will
not permit me to carry out this task except; chief you have to give me additional 20
thousand naira to carry out some traditional right to appease the gods from my village
before I can do it with you. You know hundred thousand naira is for the task ahead and
I promise to deliver; if I spend money from the fifty thousand naira remaining, it will

22
not be enough to perform the rights and foot my bills and you and I knows that the
consequences is farfetched.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Laughing wickedly and stops, and then stirs at her eyes) Haba,
Lady Joy do you realize that I am a chief? A titled one for that matter. I can make love
to you any time any where and you don’t tell me what to do because you don’t have a
say. Keep your fantacy and formality aside and step on the dancing floor let us dance
this music together now. I will finish you and your husband will not believe what has
happened to you; that you were touched by an angel like me. I just gave you additional
50 thousand naira. Can I have my share now or do you want to die or do you want
anything to happen to your husband and there after you will be barnished from the
land. I guess you know what will happen to you if you leak this secret?
LADY JOY: (Furiously) You can trust me chief. Yes you can have your share. I am all
yours.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Laughing and nodding his head excitedly and begins to touch her
body in form of a romance while Lady Joy is responding to his touch)

ACT THREE
SCENE TWO

[Two days after, Lady Joy calls Mrs Magret to a round table discussion with
Mrs Fedricks; a member of the Ofuobi women league who is a church goer.
They sit in a round table behind her house.

LADY JOY: Mrs Magret, I have been searching for you for the past two days; did your
daughter not deliver my message to you?
MRS MAGRET: That is why I am here. So what is it that you wanted to tell me
because what I know is that when a woman lost her husband it is the Ofuobi women
that pays her a condolence visit not the other way round.
MRS FREDRICKS: (Very angry with her because of her response to the question Lady
Joy asked her) forget about what you think or what you know. Have you not heard
about the prophecy of Prophet Jeremiah that you are a witch and that you single
handedly killed your husband and used him to cook pepper soup in the witchcraft
coven.
LADY JOY: (Shouting at the widow) Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula, you can see that
you are a witch so how do you expect me to lead the team of Ofuobi women to console
you for been a witch and that you are responsible for the death of your late husband.
Mrs Fredricks here is your late husband’s cousin sister and she has summoned you
before the council of the disciplinary committee of Ofuobi women social club of Umuezi.
Do you have anything to say?
23
MRS MAGRET: (Her eyes filled with tears, starring at both of them for a while) It is
not as though I do not know how to spoil somebody’s name but I have chosen the part
of Godliness and I won’t alter a word. Let God be the judge
MRS FREDRICKS: You liar! You are a witch, you killed your husband and you know it.
If you know what is good for yourself and children; you had better accept Chief
Obiefula as your husband because what the traditions and customs of the land will do
to you will be grievous.
LADY JOY: (Cuts in) Today makes it four days you were paraded round the entire
community with the corpse of your late husband in a dance of shame as required by
the traditions and customs of Umuezei and by the 7 th day; if you don’t comply; anything
you see; you take it.
MRS MAGRET: God forbid. I and the children that God has given to I and my late
husband are for signs and wonders. Please Lady Joy I did not kill my husband because I
am not a witch and I don’t wish to continue this meeting with you
MRS FREDRICKS: (Cuts in) You dare not leave this meeting until you agree to our
terms or we will invoke our constitution inline with the traditions and customs of
Umuezeii against you and you and I knows the consequences.
LADY JOY: We give you 24 hours to go and apologize to Chief Obiefula and puts in
with him with your children or you will suffer with your children. Will you?
MRS MAGRET: No and may God rebuke your negative utterances against I and my
children. We will not suffer but we will testify to the goodness of the Lord upon our
lives (Stands immediately) Please permit me to leave (Exiting the scene, the two
women staring at her unhappily)
LADY JOY: (Putting a sum of 5 thousand naira on the table) Mrs Fredricks here is your
share of the bribe, thank God she is your in-law; so you continue to spread the rumour
that she is a witch and she killed her husband; let’s see how it goes, I will continue to
do my best and please help me to invite other of our women who are yet to be
informed about this empowerment.
MRS FREDRICKS: No problem; I shall inform as many of our women that is ready to
discredit the widow to come and take their share of bribe.

24
 ACT THREE
SCENE THREE

[A group of the youths are gathered at Chief Obiefula’s premises collecting

their bribe to help him spread the false accusation against the widow.
Osadebe is the youth leader who is a right handed man to the Chief. He lead
them in. shortly, everyone is leaving while Osadebe and the chief servant
with the driver are busy arranging the chairs used for the meeting and
picking the bottles of alcoholic drink.

CHIEF OBIEFULA: The gods has just answered my prayers. Do you people believe
that Mrs Magret killed my elder brother? Not only that, do you know that she is
possessed with witchcraft spirit? Can you believe that I proposed to her and she turned
my offer down with those her useless children.
OSADEBE: Chief Chief! You know that as the youth leader of this community, I have
done what you asked me to do by bringing all those youth before you and I am happy
that they have heard from the horse’s mouth. Nobody plays prank with you Chief.
ALL THE YOUTHS: (Chanting songs with the Chief and showering him with praises)
Obiefula]3x ]3x keanyi igeso onyejeje ona mamma Obiefula keanyi gesso.. (They
speak differently on top of each other’s voice and murmuring at each other) Mrs Magret
Omonigho Obiefula is a witch and she killed her husband. If she does not want to
comply then let the traditions and customs of the land be observed.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Throwing a bunch of money on the table excitedly) This 200
thousand naira is for you. (They respond shouting his name) I am Chief Obiefula
Diokpa Dike Omeogor Jnr; go and tell anyone that cares to listen that if Mrs Magret
refuses for the very last time to date me, the traditions and customs of the land stands
against her because she is a witch and she is responsible for the death of her husband.
ALL THE YOUTHS: (Burst into songs for the second time) Obiefula Omeogo ke
anyigeso)2x onejeje, onanamo omeogor ke anyigeso… (Immediately the Chief started
sharing the money equally among them. They hold one another’s hands and swore by
the traditions and customs of the land not to disclose what took place).

25
 ACT THREE
SCENE FOUR

[A number of Chiefs of Umuezeii including the youths are sitting on the local
chairs crowded by some village people while Chief Obiefula is sitting close to
the Chief Priest who is washing the dead body of Mr Uche Obiefula into a
washing hand basin of water. Standing in the middle of the crowd is the
widow and her children on black apparel crying.]

AGWU NNAM: People of Umuezeii you are undeniably welcome. (Pressing the rag into
the basin of water and continues washing the dead body) Please bear with me. I will
soon be rounding up. I have spoken to the gods of our land Onitche Ahaba and he has
assured me that this woman here is a witch and she is responsible for the death of her
husband.
CHIEF OSAKWE: My Chief Priest you have been washing the dead body of our late
brother inside this basin of water with out due consultation. You cajoled the villagers to
parade the widow and her children round the village and nothing happened to her after
7 days, now you want to observe the traditions and customs of the land in her matter?
Is that what the gods are saying? This is not the tradition practices of the Umuezeii that
we all are born into. Please how can you convince us that his woman standing before
us is a witch and a murderer?
(The entire villagers kept him quiet because they have taken bribe from Chief Obiefula)
AGWU NNAM: Silence is the best answer given to a fool (As he rounded up) Let the
traditions and customs of the land be observed. Over to you Chief Obiefula.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: The butterfly that refuses to listen to advice must surely follow the
dead body to the grave. Boys reverse this witch before the face of this dead body now.
(The youth hurriedly forcing her while he cries out to no avail; her children lost hope in
their uncle and rushing at the youth to stop them from intimidating their mother,
unfortunately the youth over powered them; the widow’s silently prayed and hold on to
her faith while she is on top of her husband; the people waited for a while to see the
consequence of the gods on the widow but nothing happened to her. They lift her up)
CHIEF OSAKWE: People of Umuezeii you can see for yourself. (Pointing at Chief
Obiefula) You just reversed her and nothing happened. That means the Chief Priest is
not telling us the truth. Let him tell us the truth about this matter if actually the widow
is a witch or not.
(They still ignore him)
AGWU NNAM: Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula (Carried the basin of water) Here is the
water I used in washing your late husband’s body. Drink it if you say that you are not a
witch after which you will swear.
26
MRS MAGRET: (She responds with a bible quote) Matthew chapter 5 vrs 34-37 states;
But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by
Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. Nor shall you swear by your head, because
you cannot make one hair white or black. I will not swear because it is against my faith
in Christ Jesus.
AGWU NNAM: (He keeps the basin of water and picks the staff of oath and stretches
it towards the widow) Now take this staff and take an oath that you know nothing
about the death of your husband before the gods will strike you dead. Bow down and
take an oath if you say that you are innocent.
MRS MAGRET: Exodus 20 verse 3-6 says “You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in
heaven above or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. I will not bow down and take any oath
to prove my innocence because I am serving a living God and it is against my believe in
the Christian religion
(The entire crowd yarning and shouting at the widow to obey the order of the Chief
Priest)
CHIEF OKORIE: Woman you had better obey now before it is too late
AGWU NNAM: (Silent smile as he speaks to Chief Obiefula with an eye signal) We
proceed to the final stage. Woman are you ready to accept Chief Obiefula as your
husband and the father of your children as the traditions and customs of our land
demands?
CHIEF OSAKWE: Wait a minute; Chief Priest are you by any means trying to accuse
this woman as a witch because she refused to go to bed with Chief Obiefula or you are
trying to force her to accept him as her husband and father of her children. Come to
think of it; Are you aware he has two grown up daughters and a son? Why are you
substituting the traditions and customs of our land; A tradition that has been in
existence from time immemorial, I suggest you consult the gods properly on this matter
because the traditional practices of Umuezeii does not guarantee harmful practices
against the widow
AGWU NNAM: The gods said that you are talking too much and that you are a cutlass
with two sharp edge, you eat the food sacrificed to the gods and danced the dance of
suruegede in the secret, and put the bible on your table in the day time.

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cuts in) Chief Osakwe is a hypocrite and everybody here knows
that (the crowd begins to laugh at Chief Osakwe)
AGWU NNAM: Mrs. Margret has no regards for the traditions and customs of the land
and as such as the mouth piece of the gods of Umuezeii community. I hereby give Chief

27
Obiefula the power to proceed further with the tradition and custom of the land on this
matter because he s now the first son of Obiefula family.

CHIEF OKORIE: This is good news indeed let the tradition and customs of the land be
observed.

CHIEF OBIEFULA: Boys carry this dead body and hold this witch and her children so
they don’t escape as we proceed to his compound. (they carried the dead body of Mr.
Uche, they also hold the widow and children maltreating them as they move).

ACT THREE
SCENE FIVE
[Mrs. Fredricks, Lady Joy and the team of the Ofuobi women club is sitting in
a comfy chair dressed in a black attire. They are shaving the widow’s hair
while Chief Obiefula is supervising the youths placing the dead body of Mr.
Uche inside the grave. The widow and her children is crying but no one to
console them. The chiefs sitting at the middle of the compound in a round
table containing a try of garden egg, red kolanut and alcoholic drinks. Just as
the drunkard Chief Afamefula walks in.]

MRS. MARGRET: (crying with her children) what has my husband done to you that
you have no respect for him? My husband where are you. I wish you were here to see
what your brothers have turned i and your children into. He want to take all that you
have all in the name of tradition and customs of the land.
MRS. FREDRICKS: woman will you keep your mouth shut and stop counting your
chicken before they are hatched. Your husband is no more and the earlier you
understand that no amount of tears can bring him back the better.
MARY: (unhappily) and so? Please you people should stop intimidating my mother.
LADY JOY: Woman you better go to Chief Obiefula now that your husbands body is
about to be buried and accept him as your husband because you are already Cursed!
Oh yes you are Cursed.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (ordering the youth) now cover this dead body immediately
(pointing at the widow) and make sure you drag this witch before my very presence
once the women finish shaving her hair (as he sits with the elders the youth moved to
the women’s wig, they stand watching the Ofuobi women humiliate and shave the
widows hair leaving the head without a single hair) elders of Umuezeii I welcome you
all once again to my family. But it is important to let you all present in this burial
ceremony that I am still interested in making peace with the widow if only she will
respect me and observe the traditions and customs of the land and be my wife.

28
CHIEF OSAKWE: Chief Obiefula you don’t seize to amaze me, so if the widow agrees
to go to bed with you, she will no longer be a witch, now tell me where it is written in
our constitutional traditions and customary laws? Under which article or sections of the
traditional chieftaincy in state secretariat, tell me; where did you get this evil practice
against our innocent women from; you are making our women vulnerable and
unsecured. (The drunkard Chief already on shot sited)
DRUNKERD: (cutting him half way) not only that; he is also siphoning all the
government empowerment into his pocket.
AGWU NNAM: (hit his walking stick ancestral stool called “OJADIKE” in natives on the
ground and vibrates) Onitche Ahaba, the gods Asagba of Umuezeii if I have ever
offended an innocent widow forgive me but if this widow is innocent of the accusation
leveled against her by her husband’s family, then she should respect our traditions.
(turns) bring her (at this point, the widows hair must have been shaved completely.
The youth drags the widow and children to the middle of the discussion) Chief Osakwe
you are a confusionist.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Boys!
ALL THE YOUTHS: (in unison) boss! (they bow to him) village chief.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Chief Osakwe, here is my territory and I decide what happens in
my family. Boy push this ungrateful chief away. (Some of the youths carries the
drunkard Chiefs and Chief Osakwe and drags them; exiting the youths returning back).
MRS MARGRET: Enough of this chief Obiefulu, I love my husband even though you
buried him like a nobody. I boast in the name of our lord Jesus Christ, that my husband
died loving two grown daughters and a vibrant son (she stretches her hands and carries
Obinna) He is my husband by traditions and customs of the land so I will never replace
him with any other. I love my husband and I promised him that I will keep my marital
vows even in death and train our children in the fear of the lord. I cannot put in with
you because you will corrupt my children with your wicked practices that is harmful to
me and my loving children, I love my children and I fear God. I can’t go against the
scripture but we can be friends. I will not harm you with words from my mouth, but
God remains my husband not you. My children have been driven from school and we
have not eaten since morning. You should be interested in my welfare than seeking
fetish cognizance to deprive me of my privileges as a widow. Only God almighty will
deliver my freedom from your fetish ambition. I rebuke the powers using you to destroy
my family in the mighty name of Jesus Christ; that power in the land of Umuezeii that is
stopping the widows from receiving their benefits from the government. I stand as a
case study for widows, Job 12:5 “He disappointed the devices of the crafty so that their
hands cannot perform their enterprises”, Chief Obiefula I have never lost my faith, I
have never lost my hope, I have never lost my trust, above all I never lose my focus in
God and whatever God cannot give me, I don’t need it. Leaves me and my family alone.
29
I and my family shall serve the Lord, I am a member of the Living Faith Ministry and
the God that I serve will return this disgrace you gave my husband back to you. Time
shall tell.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: You see why you are a common house wife with a master’s degree
yet you lived in abject poverty with my late elder brother.
MRS. MARGRET: Chief Obiefula repent of your evil ways and accept Jesus Christ as
your personal Lord and Saviour, and you will discover that you can say it all over again
that Jesus is Lord than swearing all in the name of traditions and customs of the land.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Insult! Elders of our land. This woman has no regards for me and
two captains cannot lead a boat I hereby banish her from this family until the day she
denounces her Christianity and accepts me as her husband and henceforth everything
my late elder brother has including his chewing sticks now belongs to me. I don’t want
to see you or your children anywhere around all his farm land, buildings and business
premises. Boys push her away. Anyone that set his or her eyes on her around her late
husband vicinity or around my environment should put tyre on her neck and burn her to
ashes. Boys!
AGWU NNAM: (cuts in) hold on a minutes, she has to pay the prize of disobedience
according to the tradition and customs of our land before her banishment. Over to you
Chief Obiefula
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Oh I almost forgot. Boys tie her with ropes and give her twelve
strokes of the cane. (The youths immediately tie her and started flogging her, the poor
widow starting shouting on top of her voice but no one came to defend her, Chief
Osakwe is no more in the scene; the children shouted for help gazing at the eyes of the
people if anyone could have mercy on the mother but reverse is the case).
CHIEF OKORIE: Boys hold on a bit, chief priest let give her another opportunity if she
will reverse her decision.
AGWU NNAM: (Puts a keg of palm wine on the table and pours into a glass cup) Mrs.
Margret Omonigho Obiefula, you are a suspect, the only way you can redeem yourself
from the calamity that is about to befall you is to offer this drink to Chief Obiefula or
you have yourself to blame. (Giving the drink to her) are you ready to accept Chief
Obiefula as your husband, boyfriend, or what have you?
MRS. MARGRET: God Forbid! I love my husband and there is no other.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (shamelessly) I told you. Boys chase her and her children away
and if any one of you ever set his or her eyes anywhere on her anywhere around this
building you have my permission to put a trye on her neck and burn her to ashes. (the
youths chasing her and her children away till their exit).
ACT FOUR
SCENE ONE

30
[The widow with the children in front and Chief Osakwe in front of his house.
Due to the injury melted on her in the previous incidence, she and her
children have come to seek solace in the Christian chief activist who believes
in the course of the word of God.]
CHIEF OSAKWE: Mrs. Margret I understand what you are passing through with your
children but as you can see my hands are tied and I cannot help you further. Because
of your issues I have lost my respect as a chief, I am only doing what I am doing
because we attend the same prayer ministry. You and I know that the only solution is
to accept Chief Obiefula’s demand and help yourself and your children.
MRS. MARGERT: Please help me, I am bleeding and my body is paining me; please
take me to any hospital, I am dying and I don’t want my children to suffer.
CHIEF OSAKWE: (unhappily) Mrs. Margret I am giving you the only solution that will
save your life and that of your children and you have refused to listen to me and at the
same time asking me to help you. What kind of assistance do you think a retiree like
me can render to you in this your condition than to tell you the truth? Okay (deeps his
hands in his right pocket and brings out two thousand naira and gives her) take this
and visit a nearby chemist or maybe you can visit the pastor if he can assist you
because I cannot abhor you and your children in my compound. I don’t want the
vengeance of Chief Obiefula and the entire cabinet chief of this land and you know
what I am talking about.
MRS. MARGRET: Oh so this is all about Chief Obiefula and the Cabinet chiefs that is
why you cannot render shelter to a poor widow who has been chased out from her late
husband’s house. Never mind you can keep your money, my children lets go (they exit
the scene).
ACT FOUR
SCENE TWO

[Few hours later the widow who is still bleeding and in pain visits her church
Pastor Wilfred Anozie with her children in a round table discussion, they sit
in the arm chair behind the building.]

PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: Mrs. Margret Omonigho Obiefula, I personally wish to

assist you but as you can see I am not the general overseer of this ministry. I am just
the branch Pastor and I have to send your report to the headquarters before the church
can render any meaningful assistance to you. Please try and understand.
MRS. MARGRET: Pastor what do you want me to understand in this condition me and
my lovely children have found ourselves into? I am a poor widow and I and my children
have been chased away from my husband’s house. The church is our only hope. When
my late husband contributed this two plots of land from his community allocation to

31
build the church, Pastor we did not write application to the headquarters. My husband
worked tirelessly as a bricklayer and I joined the team of women in the church to carry
cement and fetch water for the workers on board. We never asked for a dime. Man of
God, please help us. I and my children are very hungry and need medical attention.
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: I am not in a position to help you, that is the problem
(thinking of what to do) my salary has not even been paid and I still have to write to
the church treasurer and the letter will still pass through the church disciplinary
committee before they can approve that you will be given financial assistance.
MRS. MARGRET: (exclaims in urhobo dialete) Ibabo! Ogheneme biko! Is this life? Is
this what life is turning me into? God where are you?
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: Madam I suggest that you go to Doctor Sylvester Madu,
he is the head of the protocol unit in the church. I am sure you will be fine. Go to his
office and explain things to him while I prepare your letter. (Bringing out the sum of
five thousand naira) please accept this five thousand naira from me and I am very sure
it will help out in one or two responsibility. Make sure you put me on calls. I will be
praying for you. Trust me God does not fail.
MRS. MARGRET: (the poor widow has no other option than to accept the money
willingly as she put her trust in God) Pastor Wilfred Anozie you are more than this but I
put my trust in God. Thank you very much. My children lets go (they exit the scene,
Pastor Wilfred Anozie becomes confused, wondering how to go about the widows
situation he quickly started dialing the doctors number).

ACT FOUR
SCENE THREE

[Doctor Sylvester is sitting in his office dressed in white suit, a black sleeve
shirt and beneath the suit is a white tie. His medicated glasses is hanging
above his pointed nose, his office is the New General Hospital health Center.
He has being racking his brain while holding his big IPhone over what Pastor
Wilfred told him on phone concerning the poor Widow. Shortly, he hears a
knock on the door.]

DR. SYLVESTER: (adjusting his tie) you may come in (enters the widow and her
children looking rejected)
MRS. MARGRET: Good day Doctor Sylvester.
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: You may sit down Mrs. Margret. I just finished speaking with
Pastor Wilfred Anozie and I must be very frank with you, I can’t give you all the medical
assistance you need.

32
MRS MARGRET: (Sitting wither children furiously) Doctor what do you mean by that?
I am a poor widow and I have been chased from my late husbands house without
privileges. The woman I borrowed money from when my husband was alive just
collected four thousand from me out of the five thousand that the Pastor just gave to
us. The remaining one thousand is what we use in chattering keke to this place and
what is left with me is just five hundred naira. Please help me, all my body is paining
me and we are very hungry.
OBINNA: (Begins to cry of hunger while the mother console him)
AGHATA: Doctor please help us to treat our mother she is the only one we have.
MARY: (Crying as she kneels down) please Doctor help my mother.
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: You girls don’t seem to understand me and sure your mother
knows what I am talking about, here is a general hospital and everything we do here is
documented. Any assistance I offer to you here I have to pay and I don’t have such
money to admit you. The only assistance I can render to you is to prescribe drugs for
you and may be give you three thousand naira so you can go to nearby chemist to treat
yourself. It’s just bruises and this is harmmarthan period. I believe God the injury will
dry up soon. One more thing I heard that you were caught in witch craft practices and
they said that you are responsible for the death of your husband, is that true?
MRS. MARGRET: (She gazed at her children for a while and ignores the doctor as they
continuously stare at him)
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: Oh I am sorry (quickly picks a pen and a piece of paper
prescribing the drugs for her and brings out five thousand naira from the drawer giving
it to her) take this five thousand naira with one thousand naira you can buy this drug in
any chemist shop and do away with the remaining money.
MRS. MARGRET: (she had wanted to reject the money but she has no option, she
takes a deep breath and accepted the money and prescription from him) thank you
very much Doctor (she and her children leaves)
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: (soliloquizing) God forbid, I cannot render my hard earned
money to a suspect, who knows if this woman is actually innocent? You never can tell if
she is actually a witch. Anyways I have done my best I pray she finds favour in the
sight of God if she is innocent. Thank God she received the money from me.
ACT FOUR
SCENE FOUR
[One week later, Osadebe the youth leader visited Chief Osakwe in his farm
land to make a confession about his secret indulgence with Chief Obiefula
against the widow and her children. He wears a face cap over his farm
trousers and a black T-shirt with a design written “Asaba man” at the back
and holds a machete and a basket unknown to them, Chief Okorie is walking

33
 into the farm with his farm tools and stops, Videoing them unknown to
them.]
OSADEBE: (Almost kneeling down) good day Chief.
CHIEF OSAKWE: Oh Osadebe you are here. Stand up why are you kneeling down?
OSADEBE: I cannot stand up my chief because I am feeling guilty over the evil act I
carried out against the poor widow and her children. I have given my life to Christ that
is why I have come to confess to you because you are the only chief that has integrity
in Umuezeii please help me.
CHIEF OSAKWE: (Surprised) what offence exactly did you carry out against the widow
because I could remember that what happened is not your fault? It is Chief Obiefula
that is going about oppressing all our women that I blame.
OSAKWE: I accepted one hundred thousand naira from him to mobilize the youth to
rubbish the name of the widow and make people to believe that a certain prophet
reveal to me that she is a witch and she killed her late husband. I also sold the idea to
the Ofuobi women leader that is why the rumor was able to spread all over the
community. The day the youth gathered in his chambers, I also took another sum of
ten thousand naira from him that is why all the youth humiliated the widow leaving her
body with bruises and injuries. My conscience is judging me after the Pastor made an
altar call in his early morning “Operation Andrew Sermon” close to my house this
morning.
CHIEF OSAKWE: (Shocked) which of the Pastor prayed for you?
OSADEBE: Pastor Wilfred Anozie.
CHIEF OSAKWE: He is my friend and Pastor. On a serious note; so what you are now
telling me is that Chief Obiefula bribed you with money to accuse the innocent widow
and you did? So is Pastor Wilfred aware of this after he prayed for you? (At this point
Chief Okorie is already listening to their conservation and videoing them)
OSADEBE: No Chief I was afraid of telling him (Deeping his hands inside his pocket
and brings out all the money chief Obiefula gave to him as he stands giving it to him)
Chief here is the money Chief Obiefule gave me to rubbish the name of the widow.
CHIEF OSAKWE: why are you giving me this money?
OSADEBE: because I am feeling guilty and I am afraid of Chief Obiefula and you are
the only person that can help me talk to the widow to forgive me and give this money
to her.
CHIEF OSAKWE: you are afraid and yet you didn’t fear God before ganging up against
a widow. What did Psalm 9:18 says? It states “for the needy shall not always be
forgotten, the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever”. My happiness is that
you have given your life to Christ so you don’t have to be afraid of anybody if your
confession is genuine and is coming from the bottom of your heart. Take this money
and go to the Pastor that prayed for you and make your confession to him, he knows
34
what to do. (Osadebe puts the money inside his left pocket and makes a U-turn,
immediately Chief Okorie started running away).

ACT FOUR
SCENE FIVE

[Chief Obiefula driving into his mansion with his driver unhappily,
meanwhile, Chief Okorie is sitting on the chair apparently reading a
programme on a Vanguard Newspaper waiting for the Chief.]

CHIEF OKORIE: (bows) the youngest chief himself. The government himself, I salute
you chief.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I got your calls that is why I asked you to come and wait for me
here (sitting in his throne and lighting a cigarette) can you explain in details now. What
were you telling me about Osadebe?
CHIEF OKORIE: Of course your confidentiality with him has been leaked and if
nothing is done at the moment they will use the church to discredit you by the time the
youth leader delivers the bribe you gave to him to the Pastor. This is the open
confession he just made in Chief Osakwe in his farm land. I have the video. (As he
plays it to him) you can see for yourself.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Staring at the phone screen as he speaks) are you kidding me?
Look at this small boy I just did a favour by giving him one hundred and twenty
thousand naira just to do a small job for me and he is already going to leak the secret
to my enemy. I will teach him a lesson he will never forget.
CHIEF OKORIE: Whatever action you are taking just do it fast because as I speak to
you he is on his way to the Pastors residence or his office to give him the money in
order to rubbish your image and send wrong signal to our indigene that you are a bad
person.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Bringing a one thousand naira note) take this for your transport
and meet me in my hotel in few hours’ time, and I will give you any type of drink you
want, meat, sharwarma, barbecue and food like salad, fried rice, chicken pepper soup
with pounded yam with a cool bottle water to download but you must not let anyone
know that we had this discussion or you will regret it.
CHIEF OKORIE: I can trust myself on this, trust me (they exchange pleasantries as
chief Okorie exits).

35
 ACT FIVE
SCENE ONE

[The widow and her children has moved into the church where she and her
children are taking solace in the middle of the night. While they are sitting
inside the open church, they are eating from a loaf of bread and pure water.
The widow cries out and prayed to God to turn things around for her good.]

MARY: mama what is going on? How are we going to cope living in this open church
that does not have coverage?
AGHATA: (catching mosquitoes) mama this mosquitoes is becoming too much than I
can bear. Is it not better we go ad beg our uncle to accept us back than living in abject
poverty?
MARY: (cuts in) don’t ever mention that name to me again and make sure you don’t
ever step your foot in that house otherwise he will rape you.
MRS. MARGRET: (shocked) Mary (beginning to suspect that Chief Obiefula slept with
her) Mary I could remember that you told me that Chief Obiefula gave you money to
buy the drugs and food you bought for your father before his death, how come?
(Staring at her) he slept with you? Yes or no? Have you lost your virginity?
MARY: (crying) yes mama (Aghata and Obinna begins to cry with her, the mother is
consolidating)
MRS. MARGRET: He slept with you and gave you money to buy drugs for your father
after I warned you not to embark on such journey. Now where do I stand? How can my
daughter be stubborn and too big to follow my instructions at this age? I just received a
message from micro finance bank were your late father operated and worked as a night
guard for years that your father’s bank account has been closed. He slept with you that
is why he made away with the two thousand five hundred naira left in your father’s
account.
MARY: I am sorry mama, I have realized my mistakes and it won’t happen again, I
humbly repent of my sins
MRS. MARGRET: (Crying) Chief Obiefula my God will fight you for me and I shall hold
my peace, the rain does not need to fall before you go into hiding, God almighty will
expose you. Let us pray and put our trust in God (as they close their eyes) now let us
open our mouth and begin to ask God forgiveness. (They continued praying)

36
 ACT FIVE
SCENE TWO

[A group of people comprising of the youths, women and village men are
gathered before the kings palace for the summon of the widow, the wicked
Chief Obiefula has summoned Pastor Wilfred Anozie before King Osondu
sitting before the elders of the land in a round table. The widow and her
children are sitting between the Pastor and Chief Osakwe. Chief Obiefula
tenders his summon fees and all the traditional requirements required for the
summon but the widow could not tender hers because she does not have any
money.]

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Smiling) your majesty here is the five thousand naira for my
summon fee and my drinks is also here. (Greeting in Umuezeii traditional practices)
your majesty! Nna Agwu, Nna Agwu! Nna Agwu! Nna Ogbueshi! Akunna! Akunna nu
oh!
CHIEF RAYMOND: (Responds) Diokpa, Nna Ogbueshi Obuefula Dike Omeogor junior.
You are welcome to the disciplinary committee of the council of the elders forum;
comprising of the chieftaincy title men in this community. (Greeting the crowd of
women/widows/youths, and everyone present) Osodieri, Osodieri, Oyibo Nwanyi, Oyibo
Nwanyi, our youth Akunna Aknunna nu oh. By the grace of the gods of our land
Onitche Ahaba, I am the “Ayiwe” of Ahaba kingdom. I personally refused to be part of
your family problems until this matter was brought to the palace. I belong to this
kingdom and you and I know the truth. I am a chief, for that matter, higher than you in
rank of traditional council of “elder’s statehood”. This issues of the widows in this
community has been rendered for deliberation and you are the one representing us in
government. Don’t tell me that the rumors I hear about you is true. Can you please tell
us why you are dropping this drink and this money on this table?
CHIEF OKORIE: it is not right for you to preside over this matter because you and
Chief Obiefula are well described even by a layman as cat and dog in this community.
CHIEF OSAKWE: (cuts in) chief Okorie you are biased, I know you are not the one
sited here but money is the thing that is manipulating you not to see the truth about
your harmful devices against an innocent widow.
CHIEF OKORIE: You are a sadist chief! Step down and allow the king to be the over
judge.
MRS FREDRICKS: This is my family affairs for crying out loud, chief obiefule here is
the Igwe of our family and an aspiring village chief. Some things wrong is going on in
our family and we should be allowed to speak for ourselves. People of Umuezeii. This
woman here is shielding crocodile. Tears, she killed her husband, I am a member of

37
obiefule family and we don’t want her any were around this community that is why we
have summoned. She and this pastor to know why she is harboring this witch and her
children in the church. Your majesty Igwe, Nna Agwu! Nna Agwu! Nna Agwu!, Please
banish this woman from the entire land. (All the villagers and youth shouting and
abusing the widow and her children.)
KING OSONDU: Chief Osakwe you are a cutlass with two edges sword. Speak no
more or I walk you out. Why are you attacking a chief? He has provided his summon
fee before my throne? Let the defendant provide their requirement and hence forth, I
can preside over this matter, let us keep our personal differences apart. Pastor Wilfred
and Mrs. Margret, Chief Obiefula summoned both of you here? You are aware that the
woman you harbored in your church is under his care by the guiding traditional laws
and principles of custodians of our great land Umuezeii. Both of you are required to
present your summon fee before this matter can be decided.
MRS. MARGRET: your majesty chief Obiefula has closed my late husband’s account
and made away with the remaining two thousand five hundred naira, he left in his
account, he has ambushed all our farmlands that is where I intend to sell some crops to
get money to be able to pay my summon fees.
KING OSONDU: That is your family business. Pastor Wilfred can we have your
summon fees so you can be able to explain your own point, if it is true that you are
sleeping with the widow in your church premises.
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: Your majesty, the only money I am having here is the
one hundred and twenty thousand Chief Obiefula used in bribing a new convert in my
church to use the name of a prophet and the chief priest in perpetuating the rumor that
this woman here is a witch and that she killed her late husband. (bringing out the
money and puts it on the table) What has the widow done to the society? This is absurd
to the doctrine of Ahaba kingdom. Umuezeii community is known for traditions that
ogre well for its citizens most especially the security of our women most especially the
vulnerable widows in the society.
CHIEF OKORIE: Is that why you cannot give us our summon fee? And our traditional
drinks?
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: I do not believe in your traditions and customs of the
land and if you have respect for yourself and God almighty, you will realize that a cry
for the widow is a cry for all. The bible makes us to understand in the book James 1:27
that “religion that is pure and undefined before God, the father is this to visit orphans
and widows in their afflictions and to keep oneself unstained from the world”.
KING OSUNDU: I understand you quite alright, I am a Christian, a roman catholic and
a charismatic night of the holy cross of mother Mary. It is not my fault that I am a king,
God made provisions for it. I belong to the traditions and customs of Onitche Ahaba
which is the gods of the land. You have only one option left otherwise I will give my
38
judgment and it will not favour both of you because it is an insult for you not to pay
your summon fee, you must give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: Can I have the next option sir?
KING OSONDU: Go and bring the person that gave you that money here, let him pay
the summon fee and report this matter himself since you are to big to observe the
traditions and customs of the land. (Chief Osakwe nodding his head satisfactorily as he
whispers responsively to the Pastor)
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: I will do just that your majesty.
KING ONSUNDU: Within 24 hours and make sure you come back with enough fact.
Ahaba Igwe Igwe nu oh! Isamani Akunna, Ogbueshi, I hereby adjourn this summon to
be reconvened in the next 24 hours for my final judgment.

ACT FIVE
SCENCE THREE

[Osadebe the Youth leader is seen sneaking out of his house with his
traveling bag. He heard about the outcome of the king’s of decision over his
case and decided to run away to avoid the vengeance of the wicked Chief and
unknown to him, Chief Obiefula and some group of youths loyal to him is
ambushing the entrance of the road leading to his premises].

OSADEBE: (Soliloquizing) It is better that I run away to save my life and follow my
Christianity because I know Chief Obiefula will come after me. (he peeps and takes the
backyard escaping through a bending corner with his luggages, he meets with Chief
and his thugs)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: The gentle strides of the tiger is not a symbol of cowardice, you
just soil your hand but no one would be able to explain the true fact about how you
died.
OSUNDU: (Summon courage) I already know that you will come after me that is why I
am trying to escape, I stand for the widow (positions himself) It is appointed unto man
once to die after that judgement. Now come to the drawing board Chief. Man to Man.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (orders his boys to kill him) boys squeeze him to death (the thugs
appears from their hidden corner and grab him and press his neck to death) good, now
go to the church, dump his dead body, tell anyone who cares to listen that he caught
the widow and the Pastor making love in the church and they squandered him to death
in order to hide the truth. As soon as you are done, go to my hotel I will ask my
manager to give you one room each and supply you with any woman of your choice.
You are free to smoke Indian hemp, cocaine, Nkpuru Miri and what have you. You are
secured and save with me. (The youth jubilating and chanting his songs)

39
 ACT FIVE
SCENE FOUR

[As early as 7am early in the morning the dead body of Osadebe is already
lying dead in front of the open church. Aghata walking outside to urinate, she
noticed the dead body and exclaimed. The mother and Mary walks in
interactively.]

AGHATA: Blood of Jesus, Mama! Mary! Blood of Jesus,

MRS. MARGRET: (Examining the dead body) This face is very familiar. How come?
Blood of Jesus Christ help me. My enemies are at war with me but he that is looking for
my downfall shall fall for my sake.
MARY: Mama this is the face of Osadebe the youth leader.
MRS. MARGRET: (shouting) Jesus! Jesus! Blood of Jesus we are to appear together at
the palace as a witness in the matter at hand for the kings final judgment, how come? I
see the hand work of Chief Obiefula in this. God! The enemies of my late husband is at
work again (she kneels down) God please save me from this unending calamity that has
befallen I and my lovely children
MARY: This is murder charge and it is a treasonable offence
AGHATA: Yes mama let run away to grandma’s place in Sapele.
MRS. MARGRET: your grandmother has a high blood pressure and a stroke; if she
gets to hear what we are passing through she will die.
OBINNA: Let go to the altar and pray to God.
MRS. MARGRET: You are right my son, let go inside and pray

ACT FIVE
SCENE FIVE

[A group of young people are gathered in the front of Osadebe premises.

With two of the kings guard standing in the middle of the compound,
Osadebe’s mother is returning form the farm with her local bicycle tied with
a bush meat inside a trap at the back seat. She paused on noticing the
crowd.]

MAMA OSADEBE: (Noticing the crowd) what is going on here? What are you people
doing in my compound?
GUARD 4: Good day madam. I believe you are Osadebe’s mother, Osadebe the youth
leader of the community?
MAMA OSADEBE: (Engulfed with fear) Yes I am Osadebe’s mother, any problem?
GUARD 4: Take heart for what I am about to tell you.

40
MAMA OSADEBE: (Suspecting) Is my only son dead?
GUARD 4: Yes your son’s dead body was found in the church where the widow and
her children are putting up and the report we got is that your son Osadebe caught the
widow and the Pastor making love on top of the altar and they both joined hands
together and squandered him to death. So the widow is responsible for the death of
your son.
MAMA OSADEBE: (She exclaims) Onitche! Ahaba! My only son is dead? How come?
IHEME: (Iheme young and chubby, dark in complexion. He is the vice president of the
youth holding a Bible in his right hand and walks close to Osadebe’s mother) I swear
with this Bible that your son’s dead body is lying in the church; the widow is responsible
for his death.
MAMA OSADEBE: (Mama Osadebe jumps up and falls on the ground, the wrapper
flews away leaving her with an inner black concert skirt, she stands immediately
running to the church, the crowd running after her].

ACT SIX
SCENE ONE

[Church activity has just been rounded off, Pastor Wilfred Anozie picks his
bible and stepping outside with the widow and children to meet with the
other church members standing before the dead body of Osadebe imagining
what the outcome of the Community people will be if they find out that the
dead body of Osadabe the youth leader is lying in the church. All of a sudden;
Osadabe’s mother and a crowd of villagers with all the youths is running into
the church. She sees the son’s dead body and grab the widow and the pastor
on their neck.]

MAMA OSADABE: (She laughs in derision seeing that her only son is dead) Who killed
you (turns and grab the widow and the pastor) you people have killed my son, you
must provide my son for me ooh (she unties her wrapper and tie it tightly and putting
up a fight, the pastor and the widow ignored her) You must kill me today; I want to die
with my only son. He is all that I have in this world (she grabs the widow’s neck with
her two hands and bite her right jaw! She screams)
THE CROWD: That serves you right; witch! she is a witch, you must die (immediately
Iheme and his team of youth are walking into the church; they are giving eye signals
talking with a body language as they start beating pastor Wilfred Anozie accusing him
of befriending the widow. Some of the villagers grew angry and unhappy, they pick a
motor tire and gallons of fuel : parading the widow and the pastor: they are on their
way to the village square to burn the widow and the pastor to ashes when the notice

41
the king’s convoy with the guard driving into the church . some of the villagers are seen
using their phones to snap the incident ; while others are taking video recording) ; this
woman is a witch, we must kill her. And you pastor you are an idolatry; you are keeping
this woman in this church just to be sleeping with her? Two of you must die
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE/ MRS MARGRET: (They are crying and voicing out
conspicuously in unison); I am innocent; I am not sleeping with him; I am not a witch
and since my husband died, I have known no man.
VILLAGERS: (In unison) It’s a lie, both of you are lying and you know it. You must die
(They notice the king’s guards coming out from the king’s convoy)
GUARDS: (Stopping the crowd from burning the widow and the pastor) Bikonu were
nu nwayo-kaanyi settle nu iya buokwu (in Umuezeii dialeth) My people according to the
king; raising a mob against a widow is an abomination and injustice to the doctrine of
the traditional practices of Umuezeii community. Ahaba kingdom believes in the
emancipation of the widow’s welfare; that is why we don’t need to burn a widow to
ashes, this is wrong. Please calm down lets observe the traditions and custom of the
land on this matter so that we can know the truth.
IHEME: People of Umuezeii; this woman here has been burnished from Obiefula’s
family because she is a witch and prophet Jeremiah and the Chief Priest testified to this
effect that she is responsible for the death of her husband. Now the man that caught
her red handed sleeping with the pastor inside the altar of a living church is dead and
you are telling us that we can know the truth. People of Umuezeii this woman here is a
witch and she is responsible for the death of Osadabe. So which other truth do we need
to know?
GUARD 1: (Smiling) do you have any evidence just like the king is asking. The
Asagba’s are known for culture and ethics and we are hoping for the new government
of Delta State to reform the youth sector by empowering our young ones into skill
acquisition in entertainment to create a decorum for Delta State youth’s mobilization
scheme on the culture of the land. Please have mercy. It is the king’s decree that we
observe the traditions and custom of the land on any issues concerning the widow.
THE VILLAGERS: (Grumbling)
GUARD 2: Ogupulu orji na nnke Diokpa; we kpe onye wor ni; izu-ogbe (translating it in
Queens English) you have to buy kolanut and hot drink and bring it to the king and
table the matter before him. He is the one that will decide the final judgment on this
mater
GUARD 3: Are you people aware that a new government is in Delta State; the
Governor of Delta state HON. Sheriff Oborevwori’s more agenda on women affairs is
collaboration among all security agencies in the maintenance of law and older; Robust
engagement with traditional institution to bring peace and everybody in the state, most
especially our women and widows in the society. It is a fresh and fast growing agenda
42
where all security agencies under the state government will be giving listening ears to
the widows on any issues concerning the widows insecurity and we are hoping that our
community will be remembered.
GUARD 4: A cry of a widow is a cry for all. The king is interested in the issue of the
widow under the reform sector of the “M.O.R.E” agenda of his Excellency Rt. Hon.
Sheriff Oborevwori’s. More initiative in “ creating awareness against harmful widowhood
practice “ as an advocate of widows security scheme in organizing a literacy theoretical
and practical platforms for more audition by way of empowerment in the entertainment
industry in collaboration with the ministry of youth development. We all are youths and
charity begins at home.
CHIEF OKORIE: Will you shut up your mouth and stop telling lies; which government
are you talking about; there is nothing like that in our community. Let the traditions and
custom of the land be observed. (Shamelessly) well; let the youth drop their weapon
and carry the dead body to the late father’s compound to observe the tradition and
custom of the land till we give her summon notice ; meanwhile the king orders that we
arrest the widow and the pastor to the quarter guard for interrogation.
ALL THE VILLAGERS: Yes!
(The guards handcuffs the widow and the pastor pushing them inside the car and
driving away, the youth carries Osadabe” dead body, they are moving to the family
compound to observe the tradition and customary rite)

ACT SIX
SCENE TWO

[Chief Obiefula at 12 midnight visits mama Osadabe with a self-acclaimed

prophet Johnson to blackmail the widow in order for him to mount more
pressure on the widow to accept his proposal.]

MAMA OSADABE: My chief this one you visited me at this late hour, I hope that I am
safe.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Responded to her in a cunning expression) You know that I am
the chief in charge of this street you are residing. Many of the women including your
friend came to my palace with kolanuts to report you. They said you are a witch and
you are responsible for the death of your son Osadabe. Because you were named a
witch in your late husband’s house, that is why you left your community far away from
Akwa Ibom State and got married again in Umuezeii and had a son for your late
husband Chief Nduka my bossom friend; sorry about his death. This prophet says that
the widow who killed my elder brother killed your son. That is why I did not believe
what people told me about you.

43
PROPHET JOHNSON: I am a prophet, and I must tell you the truth; Mrs Magret
Omonigho Obiefula is responsible for the death of your son.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: If you do not agree to this effect, then you have yourself to blame
and I will use my position to tell everybody in community that you are a witch and you
used your son to eat pepper soup in the coven and I will banish you from this street. I
have all your report, you are a lesbian that is why you poison any man that discovers
who you are including your late husbands.
MAMA OSADABE: (Urinating on her body lustfully starring at the young gallant chief)
What exactly do you want from me? Why are you accusing me and at the same time
convincing me that your in-law is responsible for the death of my son.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I have settled this prophet already let him excuse us so that I can
make love to you. By the time I rough handle you in the bed you will understand
(robbing her with his white handkerchief; immediately the prophet excused them.
MAMA OSADABE: (Fluctuating and falling to his charms) You are killing me softly.
(lusting after the chief, she began to act under spiritual manipulation)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Bringing out a bunch of money from his pocket) This is for you;
just to console you for the death of your son and to inform everyone in this community
that Mrs Magret killed your son.
MAMA OSADABE: Ok sir; you are a wise man
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (kissing her) You have me tonight. My ancestors have sent me to
you. I am paying you a visit of charity to make you win your case and people will know
that the widow is a witch so nobody will accuse you (Rubbing her with the white
handkerchief as the woman keeps lusting after him)
MAMA OSADABE: (Confusedly) Chief take me to my bedroom and finish me. Your
words are strange and my son is no more; He is the only face that quenches the
memory of my late husband his father after I lost my first husband. I married for over
26 years without having any issues. How can my only son die? Onitche Ahaba, where
are you?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Taking advantage of her) I am here (kissing and luring her to
bed; the vulnerable woman succumbs and willingly started making love to the wicked
chief)

44
 ACT SIX
SCENE THREE

[Eke Market day is the final day set aside for king to take his final decision on
the widow’s matter. Unfortunately for the widow, Osadabe who is supposed
to be present to bear witness against the chief is no more. The widow and
her children is standing before the villagers in the presence of the king and
his kings men including Chief Obiefula sitting beside Osadabe’s mother who
happens to be the complainant. Pastor Wilfred and prophet Johnson are
sitting opposite each other meanwhile the dead body of Osadabe is lying
inside a curfew at the edge of the crowd.]

KING OSONDU: Margret Omongho Obiefula. You have become a threat because the
allegation of witchcraft practice labeled against you is too grievous to ignore and your
surmon fees are demanded to appease the tradition and custom of Umuezeii. (He
speaks in Umuezeii dialet) One-kuozor ozor ane-eme. I am for Jesus but I occupy an
important position as the authority of the gods in this kingdom of Umuezeii. I am a
proud Asagba man and a king for that matter, I cannot deceive you. Keep your
Christianity aside and give to Caesar what belong to Caesar or you have yourself to
blame.
MAMA OSADABE: (Immediately she bring out a kilo of red native kolanuts, put five
thousand naira on the table and a carton of beer) Nnaagwu, Nnaagwu ,Nnaagwu, Nna
ogbueshi akunna nu oh, Akunna, Akunna, Igwe, Igwe! (she weeps with tears all over
her face) here are all the requirement to include my case file for this summon my king ,
people of Umuezeii, I want you to help me and beg this witch that just killed her
husband to return my only son to me. There is this fact that she is sleeping with pastor
Wilfred in the church premises, I am a sanctuary worker of the church and I have
caught them severally having secret meetings in hidden corners around the church
premises (pretentiously crying out ) when I told my son about it I never knew that he
will go to find out himself. He told me he was going to the church. He told me when he
arrived the church that the pastor and the widow are making love in the altar and I
rushed to the church; what I saw was my only son’s dead body
KING OSONDU: Do you have a witness?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I am a witness, she killed my late brother, she has since then
refused me from observing my duties on her head. She packed out of her late
husband’s house with her children and she’s now having an affair with a man of God.
Abomination. This is appalling and a misdemeanor.
CHIEF OSAKWE: Do you have evidence to prove your claim that this woman practices
witchcraft with her children or you drove her and her children out of her husband house

45
because she refuse to date you .you cannot lay claim to a widow with children when
you have none for yourself.
KING OSONDU: (Cut him short) Speak no further Chief Osakwe allow me to decide
over this matter, in case you are not aware; I am totally in support of the widows
security and I cannot sit and watch anyone intimidate the widow but we have a duty to
protect the traditions and customs of the land we are born into; that every one of us
must adhere to.
CHIEF OKORIE: Your majesty, you are the king and you know the gravity of the
problem that has befalling our community over the widows witchcraft practices, we
have a prophet here to attest to what Mama Osadabe just said about the widow and
her church pastor.
PROPHET JOHNSON: (Hypocritically) Jesus Christ, my king she is a witch, As I speak
the Lord is still speaking to me about what happened. This widow is having a secret
affair with the pastor and they joined hand to kill this innocent man because he caught
them red handed
VILLAGERS ( All Shouting ) Yes she is a witch , she must pay with her life ( they try to
push the widow out of the middle of the crowd and started beating her but the kings
guard stopped them, Behold the king stands and calming every one down).
KING OSONDU: Pastor Wilfred Anozie and Mrs.Margret Omonigho Obiefula for the
very last time; are you ready to give us your summon fee and drinks for your case to be
decided.
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: It is against my belief. My king is there no other way
you can handle this matter without forcing us against our faith. I don’t believe in the
traditions and customs of the land. I am not by anyway having any affair with the
widow, she is my church member and God admonishes us to give shelter to the needy;
even to visit the orphans in their afflictions and to mourn with those that are mourning.
MRS. MAGRET: MY king I am innocent and the pastor has just told you the truth; This
dead body was brought into the church by unknown person, the foot mark of the motor
tyre is still there; I do not have a car neither do the pastor have, I know nothing about
witchcraft practices, all I know is the creator of the heavens and the earth; the Alpha
and the Omega; it is the eyes that sees in secret places and he knows the truth about
this matter; his name is Jesus Christ. I did not kill my husband; am a born again
Christian, and I will not succumb to traditions and customs of the land against my
religion. Please tamper justice with mercy.
CHIEF RAYMOND: Mrs. Margret Omomgho Obiefula there is a strong allegation
against you and everybody seems to be against you, if not for our intervention you
would have been dead by now. Your summon fees are demanded (turns to the pastor)
Man of God it is an insult or a sign of disregard not to give the king a summon fee and
our traditional red kolanuts with a carton of alcohol or local schnapps. (the people of
46
Umuezeii maintain calmness, everybody is silently waiting for the kings final decision
over the widow and the pastor’s refusal to pay the summon fees and all the necessary
requirement for their case to be proceeded)
CHIEF OKORIE: (Breaking the silence) Your majesty do something about this insult,
since they don’t want to pay their summon fees , Let us proceed to the shrine of
Umuezeii for them to swear an oath that they they know nothing about the dead body.
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: Chief I am a righteous man and it pays to live righteous
life. I belong to light not darkness. I cannot enter that shrine because I am a product of
his greener pastures, Christ in me the hope of glory (All the chiefs grumbling and
feeling insulted. The villagers complaining about the king’s patience and non-
persistence, Just as the king excuses Chief Raymond and Chief Obiefula in a secret
discussion, they enter a bending corner and returns back to their sit. The king
responding to the crowd)
KING OSONDU: A summon is ongoing and be it as it may, there must be a judgment.
Mrs. Margret Omonigho you will go with Chief Obiefula and settle your differences
amicably so that you can join hands together to visit the family of the deceased and
take care of the burial expenses. As for you pastor Wilfred Anozie, No one shall hence
forth set his or her eyes on you anywhere around the widow in this community or will
be banished from the land.
MRS. MARGRET: My king what my late husband brother is demanding from me is
impossible, I love my late husband even till death, Here is my son , each time I look at
him I see the face of my late husband and I am ok. Two, I cannot settle any issue with
him because I did not kill Osadabe, we have nothing in common. Light and darkness
has no resemblance.
ALL THE YOUTHS: (shouting) you must comply you this witch, witch evil woman (they
conspicuously continue to pour all manners of insult on the innocent widow)
CHIEF RAYMOND: (Unhappily) Woman what we are doing here have nothing to do
with church doctrine .Your majesty stand on the ground of tradition and customs and
give a distinct verdict on the matter before we incur the wrought of the gods because
of a widow.
CHIEF OKORIE: My king! Agwunna. Do something before this gathering will turn into
a mob against the king and his cabinet. It is clear that the widow is guilty. (All the
villagers chanting in song, give us justice)
KING OSONDU: (Deep breath) I have done my best as the king to settle this mater in
accordance to the traditions of our land but the widow is not helping matters. My final
judgment for the safety and security of the widow, I here by decree that the widow be
banished from the land until she is ready to make peace with chief Obiefula. Guards
(The guards quickly push the widow out of the crowd, they are forcing her away; The
youths tries to beat her but the guards shielded her and her children. The pastor
47
started to cry, the pastor tries to escape but some the youths grabs him and started
beating him. The king and the cabinet consoling mama Osadabe with the assurance
that the community will take care of the burial right of her son.)

ACT SIX
SCENE FOUR

[The widow is lying down almost dead in the car pack between the
boundaries of Umuezeii community and Ogbeuzoma community junction
with her children dying of hunger. A bowl of rubber plate positioned in front
of the widow who is pleading who is pleading and begging money from
passersby. Pastor Robinson drives in; later to see Agwu Okei a native doctor
from the neighboring village driving in, immediately Mr. Stephen a taxi
driver is driving in and have compassion on the widow].

MARY: (Crying and begging for money) Please help, my mother is dying; she is a
widow and we have been chased away from Umuezeii, we have been driven from our
father’s house please help (some passersby dropping huge amount in the bowl)
MRS. MARGRET: Thank you my children, stop using that word. Just I am a widow and
I am sick and need money to go to hospital and we are dying of hunger. Stop telling
people that we have been chased away (She notice’s Pastor Robinson driving into shot
and stops)
MARY: Please help my mother
PASTOR ROBINSON: Just come into the car and explain to me what happened
(Opens the door as Mary enters) So what is it?
MARY: My mother is a widow, she is dying of sickness and we have no money to take
her to the hospital.
PASTOR ROBINSON: (Trying to take advantage of her) can I take your mother to the
hospital while you spend the night with me. Then I will let you people to stay in my
church yard.
MARY: (Unhappily) Stop! (Opens the door and steps out) Leave this minute Mr. Pastor
I don’t need your help.
PASTOR ROBINSON: See this small girl I am trying to help. I don’t blame you
(driving away)
MARY: Mama Can you imagine he want to sleep with me so that we can be staying in
his church yard. Mama eeh a pastor for that matter.

48
MRS. MARGRET: Not everyone that has the calling that are pastor. Some are in just
to make fame so they engage in dubious means to hold their ministry supper natural.
(They notice the native doctor driving in) Good evening sir.
AGWU OKEI: I am Agwu Okei and you look very beautiful. Are these your children?
MRS. MARGRET: Yes and I am a widow, I am very sick and I and my children are
dying of hunger, please help us I need medical assistance.
AGWU OKEI: I am a chief priest. A servant of the oracle of the fathers in Ogbeuzoma
here. (Immediately the gods appear and speaks to him).
gODS ELOKUN: (V.O) She is an ardent enemy to the traditions and customs of
Umuezeii where she has been named a witch, Driven out of her late husband’s house
and banished from the land, she has no other option. Defile her and kill the spirit of
Christianity in her. She is a treat to the kingdom of darkness, distract her (Disappear
immediately)
AGWU OKEI: I see; you are very sick and they named you a witch and they banished
you from the land of Umuezeii. Now you are on your way to OgbeUzoma community
my community and I am ready to give you shelter if only you agree to be my wife. My
wife is late and I need a beautiful woman like you to be the mother of my children I
promise to be the father of your children too.
MRS. MARGRET: (Surprised) who are you? You seems to be a prophet.
AGWU OKEI: I am a native doctor and I can help you talk things out with chief
Obiefula your late husband brother to forgive you and accept you back, if you prefer
we just make love; no problem but you must promise me that I will be visiting you once
in a while to have it. Do you agree? The choice is yours.
MRS. MARGRET: (Angrily) God forbid! Blood of Jesus! May the Lord rebuke you, this
native doctor. Mary allow him to go; God will send us our divine helper
AGWU OKEI: (Unhappily) I don’t blame you. We shall see, And you are welcome to
my territory. (Driving away, they frown at him as they notice Mr. Stephen driving in)
MR. STEPHEN: (Parking his car, he steps down and walk close to the widow) This the
first time I am passing this road and you have been here all alone with your children. Is
anything the matter? Talk to me, I am just a taxi driver but I can try my best.
MRS. MARGRET: (crying) I am Mrs. Margret Omonigho Obiefula from Okpe local
government Sapele, Married to an Umuezeii man, My husband is late, this is where life
has brought us into. His family has disgraced and left us in the wilderness, I am very
sick and I and my lovely children are dying of hunger.
MR. STEPHEN: Let me quickly take you to a hospital that belong to my church
member, after which I will take you to a place where you and your children can relax till
you find your feet (Assisting the widow to stand, takes her to the car, the children
taking the back seat, Mr. Stephen enters the sterling driving out from scene)

49
 ACT SIX
SCENE FIVE

[Mr. Stephen Taxi is parked outside ,He is returning from the supermarket
where he went to buy some beverages for the widow and her children, He is
walking into the female wards to meet with the widow and her children with
the members of the widows Evangelical movement of Delta State
interviewing the widow].

MR. STEPHEN: I great you sir.

EVANGELIST JEREMIAH: You are welcome Mr. Stephen. We appreciate your
services in the widow’s welfare. But never mind we have taking care of her hospital
bills. we shall follow her report and reach out to the appropriate authority to see how
we can assist further. We are glad that she and her children is now living in a good
health condition. The son has been diagnosed of Autism and he is free.
MR. STEPHEN: But are you trying to say that you have paid the hospital bills? What
about the 20 thousand naira deposit I made before they agreed to put her in the
hospital bed.
EVANGELIST REUBEN: They will give it to you back, The churches in Delta state has
made contributions for it. We get slot from ministries social empowerment programs,
N.G.O’s. Nonprofit and non-governmental organization, so we have to assist now that
we met you here. We have our info with government approved specialist hospital both
private hospitals to involve us in the health insurance scheme of my ministry to foot
widow’s hospital bills.
EVANGELIST JEREMIAH: (Giving her a fat envelop) Here is the sum of a twenty
thousand naira. Please let us know how we can help you when you leave here. The
management will give you our details.
MRS. MARGRET: The Lord has indeed come to my aid, thank you my Evangelist, I
hope to join this ministry and contribute to the work of God when I am back to my feet.
EVANGELIST JEREMIAH: Let us say a word of prayer (They close their eyes) in Jesus
name we pray…………

50
 ACT SEVEN
SCENE ONE

[King Osondu visits Chief Obiefula in his chambers to inform him about the
dangers of oppressing the widow and denying her of her privileges in her late
husband’s house. Immediately the king is coming out from his convoy, the
guard excused him, Chief Obiefula standing from his chair, they exchange
pleasantries while sitting].

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Greeting the king) Okpala aka-eze you are the first born child of
the kingdom and may you reign forever.
KING OSUNDU: The next of kin to his late father’s worship. I have come before your
presence to have an important discussion with you.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Go ahead my king I am all ears
KING OSUNDU: I called you to have a rethink on the widow’s issues. Ahaba kingdom
does not believe in the practices you are practicing in the way you are maltreating the
widows of Umuezeii. Many of them are complaining that they are not receiving their
benefits from the government and you are the only one that is representing us in the
government house as a senior special assistance to the traditional ruler’s council of
elders in the delta state secretariat. What is going on and why have you refused to
consider the widows, most especially your late elder brother’s wife?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Unhappily) You that is a king; are you not getting your own
benefit? The last car I bought for you where do you think I got the money from? I sell
all the 30% slot of the communities derivation in DESOPADEC, C.D.s, and converted all
the government empowerment into financial exchange and you have your own share so
why are you complaining? Why is it that some part of Umuezeii quarter don’t attend
meeting in your palace? Because they also know that we are birds f the same feathers.
This land you built this palace, is not an inherited land? So why do you want to be a
hindrance to my inheritances and others?
KING OSUNDU: I have repented and I also want you to repent. Let’s give the people
what they deserve especially the widows.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Give me the honour and recognize me as a village chief and I will
succumb or I expose your secret deals.
KING OSUNDU: I didn’t come to quarrel with you or either exchange words with you.
Our tradition does not permit your practices and they are harmful against the widows;
enough. Let’s give to the widows what rightfully belongs to them. (Standing
immediately the guards quickly open the convoy, as he enters, they drive off)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Stay away from my family matter, if you don’t need your share; I
know how to make good use of it. We own the government and we rule the society. I

51
am well learned I made first class in Caplan training institute of management studies
U.S.A. don’t dare me.

ACT SEVEN
SCENE TWO

[Mr. Stephen taxi is parked in the front of his wife’s shop. They are returning
from the hospital. Mr. Stephen thought it twice to inform his wife before
taking the widow and the children to his house; they are driving in to meet
the wife attending to customer.]

MR. STEPHEN: (He summons courage and moves into his wife shop) Honey excuse
me.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: Hold on let me finish attending to my customer.
MR. STEPHEN: just come we need to talk (the wife quickly rounding up with the
customer as she walks closer to him) I ran into this widow three days ago. She is a
widow under affliction, so today I decided that I should give her a shelter to live with us
with her children for some time. She is a convalescent and I discovered she is a born
again Christian.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: Honey how sure are you that this woman is a born again
Christian? If she is actually a widow; then she is supposed to be in her late husband’s
house mourning no to take shelter under another man’s roof.
MR. STEPHEN: Honey it is a long story, just bear with me, my conscience could not let
me abandon the widow after listening to her own side of the story, I want you t close
on time so you will come home with me to prepare food for them.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Uncomfortably) Madam good afternoon, we are very sorry
about your situation.
MR. STEPHEN: She is my wife (they all greet her)
MRS. MARGRET: Thank you for your concern and may the god lord bless your
marriage in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
MR. STEPHEN/MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (They respond in unison) Amen. (Mr. Stephen
quickly usher the widow and the children to the car and drives away, the wife is not
comfortable with the arrangement from the expression on her face staring at the car
exiting)

52
 ACT SEVEN
SCENE THREE

[As early as 7:45 am on eke market day when many of the farmers are
expected to be in the market, madam Lizzy has gone to the road junction
leading to the widows farmland at the express junction between the
boundaries of the Ogbe-uzoma and Umuezeii farm land to collect the loan of
about twenty thousand naira the widow and her late husband were owing
her while the widow and her children are sneaking in to meet with].

MRS. MARGRET: Madam Lizzy, I am very sorry, how much did you say my late
husband was owing you in a round figure.
MADAM LIZZY: (Angrily) Are you asking me? Is it not you and your husband I
borrowed the sum of twenty thousand naira. And when I called you on phone what did
you tell me?
MRS. MARGRET: Haba it hasn’t gotten to this extent. I and my late husband
borrowed the money from you for our farm production and it’s almost harvest, Chief
Obiefula has taken away everything, we don’t know if he will allow us sell the crops and
realize back the money we invested.
MADAM LIZZY: (pissed off) that one concerns you (holding her shirt neck) you thin I
don’t know some people came to give you money in the hospital. The distance between
Ogbe-Uzoma where you are hiding is not far from Umuezeii so you have no hiding
place. Give me my money you witch.
MRS. MARGRET: Please I actually want to plead with you to accept fifteen thousand
naira, the only money I was given is twenty thousand and I and my children have been
managing five thousand naira. We are on or way to the farm and peradventure we are
able to sell the crops I will give you the remaining balance.
MADAM LIZZY: Don’t let me remind you. Now give me the money you witch.
MRS. MARGRET: (Giving her the fifteen thousand naira).
MADAM LIZZY: (Grabs the money from her) Useless witch. I give you three eke
market days and I will be here to have my balance. I will show you that I am serving a
living God far above witches like you Hu! Hu! Witch (exit)
MRS. MARGRET: (started crying) my children don’t worry all will be fine
AGHATA: (unhappily) when mama, everyday things are going worst (they notice
movement of people and ran into hiding)

53
 ACT SEVEN
SCENE FOUR

[Unknown to the widow and her children on arriving the late husband’s farm
land, Chief Obiefula is already in the farm with the native doctor while the
surveyor is already measuring the plot of land 50/100ft he promised to give
the Chief Priest for his victory over the widow’s issues. Immediately they
notice the widow and her children].

CHIEF OBIEFULA: I am not surprised, what are you doing here with this stupid
children of yours? Haven’t I warned you to desist from this farm land or are you not
aware that everything your late husband lived for are all mine including you and your
children as my slave.
MARY: (Angrily) Uncle or Chief Obiefula or whatever you call yourself, your intimidation
has taught me a lesson that I am about to teach you back if you do not stay clear from
this farm land belonging to my late father.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: My land you say your father land; look here if you don’t leave here
I will call my boys to beat you.
AGWU NNAM: The gods forbid you; so speak no more and run for your dear life
before you lose it, you cannot challenge or question his authority.
MRS. MARGRET: Not in my late husband’s property, surveyor stop now.
SURVEYOR: Madam you have been banished from this land; don’t let me call the
youth to come and burn you to ashes, you know you are a known witch.
MARY: (Rushes and grabs the cutlass from the surveyor) Young man you have biting
more than you can chew.
AGHATA: (Quickly rushes Chief Obiefula and grabs the cutlass from him and tearing
his shirt) You too enough, now all of you leave. (The stubborn girls threatening them
with cutlass as they ran away; they run after them) that serves them right (returning
back to the farm)
MARY: I am so happy what we did to them, next time he won’t try nonsense.
MRS. MARGRET: let hurry up girls you never can tell. That your uncle has too much of
criminality in him.

54
 ACT SEVEN
SCENE FIVE

[In few hours’ time the widow and her children had already finished
harvesting the cassava crops inside 5 big cassava sack while Mr. Steve is
seen driving in; they carry the bag inside the boot, just as Chief Obiefula and
Agwu Nnam the Chief Priest is already seen walking into the farm with two
thugs, the widow and her children noticing their entrance sneaks into hiding
as Mr Stephen is letting down from his car].

CHIEF OBIEFULA: Young man who are you ad who asked you to harvest cassava in
my farm land?
MR. STEPHEN: I guess you are Chief Obiefula. I have heard so much about you and I
just want you to calm down and take things easy with the innocent widow. What will
become of me if I cannot render a simple assistance to a widow? Chief what will I tell
my children? What seed am I sowing for my generations? I am only rendering
assistance to the widow.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Slaps him four times with both hands) That is the answer to your
question. Stay away from the widow. Next time you learn the manner of approach to a
titled man (Mr. Stephen trying to retaliate, the thugs beat him up, he later over powers
them; as they fight to stupor, Chief Obiefula and the Chief Priest stylishly sneaking
away knowing fully well that Mr. Stephen is dog headed. The boys quickly up turns Mr.
Stephen with constantly blows leaving him with bruises and blood stains all over his
body and ran away. The widow and her children sneaks out and ran inside the car)
MRS. MARGRET: let leave please, I am so sorry, please I am sorry.
MR. STEPHEN: (In pains) Never mind it’s one of those things (They drive away)

ACT EIGHT
SCENE ONE

[Early in the morning the following day Mrs. Stephen Rose is seen pressing
her husband’s body with a rag from a bowl of hot water meanwhile Mary is at
the kitchen boiling hot water for the mother and Aghata is sweeping the
front of the compound].

MR. STEPHEN: (Admiring the widows children) Mary please come and pour some hot
water here. Take it easy honey. It is paining me (Mary pours the water inside the bowl
returning back to the kitchen) thank you very much my daughter.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: Why are you always calling her your daughter? I don’t
understand and how long are they staying here before they get back to their feet?

55
MR. STEPHEN: (Adoring the widow’s children) They are hardworking I pray that God
will give us such children.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: Is that the answer to my question?
MR. STEPHEN: Have you forgotten that the prophet asked us to give charity to the
widow so God can answer our prayers. We have been married for 12 years and no
issues. We have a spiritual instruction from the prophet so stop asking me nonsense
questions.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Surprisingly) Now I see why you automatically sustained this
injury because you like to dabble into people’s problems you know nothing about. You
have to take it easy with whatever lies this widow told you so that we can investigate
and know her true person, (whispering to him) my friend told me that she is a witch.
MR. STEPHEN: (Shunning her) Speak no more, woe mongers you cannot deny me my
testimony, get behind me. I am not driving the widow and her children until the
fulfillment of the prophecy, once you get pregnant I will settle her period.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Unhappily, she enters the house, ties her wrapper and head
tie, carrying her bible; she is on her way to seek the interpretation of the prophecy from
the prophet).
MR. STEPHEN: Mary don’t mind her please come and continue from where she
stopped.

ACT EIGHT
SCENE TWO

[At around 7:55pm in the evening, the prophet Olisa visits Mr. Stephen and
family to rejoice with them over their faithfulness in giving help to the widow
but Stephens’ wife is not happy].
PROPHET OLISA: You see Mr. Stephen, you have done a very wonderful thing by
giving this widow and her children a roof to put their head. I am a member of the
widow evangelical movement of delta state and I can assure you that in 9 months’ time
you will hear the cry of a child in your family in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Cuts in) Prophet is there no other way God can give us
children without the widow and her children living in my matrimonial home?
PROPHET OLISA: No, it’s a divine task the widow is innocent.
MRS. MARGRET: (Happily) Thank you great man of God.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: Will you shut up there? Prophet you have to wait. I have to
make proper enquiries to know if you are lying to me or not. How can God tell me to
harbor a witch and her children in my house before he will give me a child after 12
years of marriage? You are lying; and I don’t think you heard God properly. (She angrily
stands) I will get to the bottom of this. (She walks away).
56
PROPHET OLISA: You are free to do as you like but don’t forget a stitch in time saves
nine.
MR. STEPHEN: Please prophet, man of God, don’t mind my wife. She is biased. Don’t
mind her, just make sure that you help me continue to pray for the widow and my
family.
ACT EIGHT
SCENE THREE

[The widow and her children are eating a very well prepared meal in the
compound. The widow and Mary are holding a new phone that Mr. Stephen
bought for them in order to communicate because of the incident that took
place in the farm land, the wife of Mr. Stephen is sneaking in from the shop
at the middle of the day thinking that her husband would be far asleep. Mr.
Stephen walks into the sitting to meet his wife interrogating the widow and
her children].

MRS. MAREGRET: (Notices her) Madam good afternoon, you returned early today, I
hope there is no problem?
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Viewing the plate of soup, the widow’s children became afraid
and greeted her but she ignores their greeting) so; it has now gotten to the extent that
you and this your naughty children now enter my kitchen and prepare delicious meal
from my hard earned money and you have the effrontery to serve my husband food.
MRS. MARGRET: Haba! Why are you sounding like this? I was taking you as one
family. What has come over you? I am a born again Christian and you don’t need to be
scared please calm down.
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: I am not calming down and don’t you ever tell me to calm
down you family destroyer. You think that I don’t know that you are a witch? You killed
your husband and the youth leader that caught you sleeping with your church Pastor.
You must leave my house before you destroy my marriage.
MR. STEPHEN: (Opening the cotton door) Honey what has come over you?
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Cuts in) Do not honey me you coward, I just recorded a call
from a chief from Umuezeii and the story I heard about this woman is disgraceful. She
is a witch, she killed her husband, she also killed a church member, she seduces
peoples husbands with her witchcraft powers and kills any one that speaks the truth, I
don’t want to die. She must leave this house this minutes. (She hurriedly rushes to
throw away the widows bags of cloths, the husband held her hands and slaps her) you
slapped me?
MR. STEPHEN: And I will do it again if you don’t respect yourself. Our divine
assignment is to care for the widow and the lord will give us our own children and you

57
are poke nosing. What is my business with witchcraft if she is a witch, God will expose
her but I can tell you from what the prophet told us that this woman is innocent. (The
widow and her children smiling as she becomes jealous).
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: Young woman, I can see that you have used your witchcraft
powers to charm my husband and has turned his eyes against me. I will show you that
I am Olukun worshipper from Ogbe-Uzoma and I will teach you how to respect
traditions and customs of the land, just because I gave you a free hand you have
started performing my duties and your children posing as my husband children. I will
find out. I will teach you a lesson you will never forget. Witch we shall see. (she enters
the house, picks her hand bag as she dials the chief’s number. She is on her way to
conspire against the widow).
MR. STEPHEN: Don’t mind her continue eating your food
MRS. MARGRET: Thank you sir (The children greets) how is your body?
MR. STEPHEN: I am better than yesterday.

ACT EIGHT
SCENE FOUR

[Chief Obiefula’s car parked at an edge between the boundaries between

OgbeUzoma junction and Umuezeii, the chief is standing at a bending corner
to see the taxi driver driving alongside with Mrs. Stephen Rose seated at car
owner sit driving into shot, chief Obiefula brings out his pistle gun from his
pocket and walks close to her].

MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Bowing) Greetings my chief, Nna Ogbueshi Akunna.

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Bringing out a bundle of money giving to her) Here is the hundred
thousand you requested for. Make sure you do as we discussed else I will kill you. My
agent will call you as soon as I get to my palace.
MRS. STEVN ROSE: All this for me just to drive the widow out of my house? Chief I
believe your weight and consider it done. (She is smiling and talking too much) I hate
her because she is already sneaking out to make love to my husband in the night.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Unhappy with her response) I want you to come inside the car
with me just for short time that is why that money in your hand is up to a hundred
thousand. Driver.
DRIVER: Sir (Bows and excused both of them to a bit distance)
MRS STEPHEN ROSE: (Fearfully and fidgeting) I am a married woman.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Rubbing her with a white handkerchief) Your husband is also a
married man that is sleeping with my wife. By tradition and ethnics nothing goes for
nothing “you do me, I do you God nor de verse”. Let’s go in so you can feel the pain of
58
what your husband is causing me by harboring the widow that is suppose to be
warming my bed. common do the needful (Grabs he inside the car after a while the
woman walks out from the car tying her wrapper, holding her pants in her hands, the
chief just finished making love with her, while she is putting on her pants the driver
immediately rushed to the car and zooms off, Mrs. Stephen immediately ran mad and
flings the pants away. She later unties her wrapper and flings it away, she is going
about with her naked body talking like a mad woman).

ACT EIGHT
SCENE FIVE

[As at 12 midnight the widow is at the middle of the compound wondering

the whereabouts of Mrs. Stephen Rose, just as the husband is returning from
the shop worriedly, it is assumed that the widows children are fast asleep
inside, after a while they see some group of villagers bringing the mad
woman into the compound].

MRS. MARGRET: (Soliloquizing) Where could this woman have gone to? We have
searched everywhere for her and she is nowhere to be found. (Noticing Mr Stephen)
How did you go?
MR. STEPHEN: Everywhere, I am just returning from her neighbor’s house, the owner
of the shop next to hers and she just confirmed that my wife never returned to the
shop after she left this afternoon (dialing her number) the worst is that all her lines are
switched off.
MRS. MARGRET: (Noticing the crowd) Who are this people? Jesus, blood of Jesus.
MR. STEPHEN: My wife! What happened to her (the widow quickly unties one of her
wrapper trying to use it to cover Mrs. Stephen Rose’s nakedness)
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Insanity) You witch, give me back my number six, you took
my number six away because you want to snatch my husband. (Madly) Chief Obiefula
told me everything and did me something sweet and honey, it was a big joke but at last
you took my brain (grabs the widow as the youth separate her)
MR STEPHEN: (Shocked) What happened?
YOUTH 1: We met her in the street running mad and I was able to recognize her, I am
one of her customer and the driver that used to distribute ice block to her.
YOUTH 2: I suggest you take her to the chief priest or a prophet to find out the root
cause of this madness, now that it still fresh, take heart (exit as others exit one after
the other leaving Mr. Stephen and the widow)
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Started pushing the widow) You witch, you used me to cook
pepper soup in the coven that is why my brain is empty (pursuing the widow).

59
MR. STEPHEN: (confusedly) what is she talking about? Are you by any means
responsible for this insanity?
MRS. MARGRET: God forbid, why are you saying such to me? Let us pray first
(running as Mr. Stephen grabs the wife, forcing her to relax, but she keeps vibrating)

ACT NINE
SCENE ONE

[At exactly 1:45am in the midnight of the incidence that occurred to Mrs
Stephen Rose. Chief Obiefula is in his compound; he is holding a day old
black native cock with red kolanut and local drinks pouring libation before
the Ogungun shrine, the strange gods he secretly worship and uses to
oppress the poor in the Umuezei most especially the widow]

CHIEF OBIEFULA: Ogungun the gods of the iron. Ever since the days of my national
youth service in sanubi where I met my wife, I have never left a stone throw in
worshiping you in line with the gods of Umuezei, which is why people call me Nna
Ogbueshi Akunna! Diokpa omeagor Obiefula Junior the lion of my family, after me there
is no other. I remain the strong man in my family and nobody can do better than me as
long as I live. Here is my sacrifice (he immediately puts the white handkerchief he used
in charming Mrs. Stephen Rose on the floor, he turns the black cock round his head 7x)
Ogungun the great. It is the oath of secrecy of our founding father that whoever carries
the family tradition stool is the head of the family but the widow is denying me access
to my dignity as a chief. I want you to go and pollute the mind of the people of Ogbe-
uzoma to believe in the accusation that the widow is a witch and she killed the woman
whose glory is before your presence, I bow to you in worship (chief is bowing and
pouring the drink on the handkerchief, he splits the neck of the cock and spills the
blood on the white handkerchief, he quickly breaks the red kolanuts and splitting it into
four pieces on the floor; he picks one and started chewing and dancing round the
shrine for a while) go and manipulate the minds of the people against the widow and
she will continue to suffer in abject poverty and incurable sickness that she will be
unable to meet up with their daily needs, make her unsafe until she denounces her God
Almighty and accepts the traditional gods of our land Umuezeii and I will finally lock her
and her children destiny under your torture and shall be honoured and recognized with
the title of the “village chief of Umuezeii” after the king it’s my turn. When government
calls for resolution or engagement among chiefs; I am their representative and I swim
in stolen money because no successful man succeeds in life without Deeping his hands.
Thank you Ogungun for giving me answers to my prayers. (Chief Obiefula immediately

60
switch his phone connecting to a speaker; playing an Urhobo marine traditional music;
and begins to play and dancing; sweating profusely).

ACT NINE
SCENE TWO

[At about 2:30am that same midnight early morning time, Mr. Stephen has
gone with some of his family members who escorted him to the shrine of
Agwu Okei with Mrs. Stephen Rose who is tied with chains. Among the
people present with Mr. Stephen in the shrine is Madam Okukwe Mrs.
Stephen’s Senior Sister and Chief Obi Mr. Stephen’s senior brother and the
only titled chief of the family. The mad woman continue to mention the
widow’s name and that is baffling everyone. After a while chief Obiefula is
appearing on trance].
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Madly) The widow has destroyed my family and you people
are responsible, why did you allow her to make me mad? She killed her late husband
and slept with a Pastor and killed a member of a church, now she has made away with
my brains. She ia a witch oh, big witch.
CHIEF OBI: (Worriedly) Great one, you are one of the greatest dibia that everyone
knows in Ogbe-Uzoma, what is this woman trying to say? And what is the cause of this
madness.
AGWU OKEI: (Immediately he is bringing out a cowries tied on a rope string and
draws it as a circle on the floor, he picks a small mirror and puts it in the middle of the
rope of cowries, he picks a woman native chalk and splitting it in the surface of the
mirror and he stares at every one with deep breadth) Hmmm!
MR. STEPHEN: (Tears coming out from his eyes) what is the gods saying concerning
this situation? Wise one please help me out. If you help me I will never forget you.
AGWU OKEI: (Flashes a smile) The gods are silent on this matter but if you want the
truth to prevail in this matter, go and bring that widow here, if she refuses force her,
she is the cause of the problem. Go and bring here before this abnormality will
deteriorate into a full blown madness.
MR. STEPHEN: I will do just that, I will kill that widow ozugbo-ozugbo (In native
dialeth) so this woman knows about this madness befalling my wife?
AGWU OKEI: Obedience is better than sacrifice, (they exit; the chief priest smiles, the
ground shaking like a thunder storm with the footstep of Chief Obiefula appearing on
“truance” all with his soul travelling uniform. He is wearing a black garment and a red
cap with feather as they begin to dialogue)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: “Folly is built up in that of a child; but the rod of discipline will
drive it away”. Dog don’t eat dog.

61
AGWU OKEI: I understand you my supreme. We are members of the congregation of
water spirit and an adherent worshiper of the gods of the land, but I must tell you the
truth, Umuezeii community is a peaceful community since the inception of our fore
fathers. The youth of Umuezeii took an oath before the shrine and swore by the gods to
maintain peace and order amongst all stake holder. Our women are our greatest
priority and their security is paramount to the traditional section of the M.O.R.E. agenda
of the new government in power. You are secretly serving “Ajuani” called Ogungun in
Urhobo land; the gods of iron where you married your divorced wife from. Nature has it
that you would have settled the Ethiopia Rivers and ask Ogungun to leave so that the
traditions of Umuezeii will give you your own children instead of frustrating our women
most especially the widows. You and I know that you divorced your wife because of her
inability to bear you children, denounce the altar from river Ethiopia because you
belong to the high sea.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: It is my oath of secret of the ancestor that nobody succeed in my
family till I die, if I die tomorrow her children will inherit my properties and all the
family heritage and my time is almost due, just 10 years remaining. I don’t want to
waste my time in making any amendment and set confusion before the congregation.
So all I want is the physical and spiritual possession of the widow and her children. I
am already holding their destiny. Help me to make good use of it. It is either she
becomes my wife or I enslave her children “none of them will ever make it in life while I
am alive”.
AGWU OKEI: Dog don’t eat dog like you said; but I cannot deliver justice to you free
of charge, so tell me; what do you have to offer for this task?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I will connect you to government house and make you a member
in the council of traditional herbalist as a native doctor and your works will be showing
on the national television station and dignitaries will all begin to patronize you. I will
make a physical transfer of 200 thousand naira to appease the gods to act speedily in
my favour.
AGWU OKEI: (Smiling at him) That is not what I need, I need a young virgin from
Umuezeii since you have taken one from Ogbe-Uzoma to appease the gods with the
sum of money. Forget about your connection, then I can make a summon and use the
traditions and the customs of the land of Ogbe-Uzoma against the widow. I will
frustrate her and automatically make her to come and beg you and you will surely taste
her onions and fulfill more years on earth.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Smiling) Action speaks louder than voice. (he stretches out his
right hand as a pigeon egg appears as he is breaking the egg on the ground, a flame
like dark porch appears and the chief disappears).
AGWU OKEI: (outburst into laughs and speaks) Okiri ke-ana-kpor uku osisi

62
 ACT NINE
SCENE THREE

[At about 4:15 am in the morning, the widow is just waking up from sleep.
She receives a revelation that something harmful is about to happen to her
and her children, she stands and walks round the building for a while and
couldn’t find Mr. Stephen; she immediately wakes her children up, later to
see Mr. Stephen and his family members returning from the shrine with
sticks to molest the widow; but they couldn’t find anyone. The widow and her
children is already in an unknown destination running away for their safety].

MRS MAGRET: (Soliloquizing) I don’t like what I saw in my dream. This is strange
(After walking round and could not find Mrs Steve and the mad wife; she wakes the
children up) Mary, Aghata, Obinna! Wake up! Wake up!
MARY: (Dizzily) Mama the cock is yet to crawl, I am still feeling sleepy.
MRS MAGRET: Stop sleeping, I don’t like what I am seeing.
AGHATA: From where mama?
MRS MAGRET: I am seeing danger (Confusedly as she picks the nylon bag containing
their clothes; she holds the children’s hand as they run away sneakishly just as Mr
Stephen and family is running into the compound with long wooden sticks to intimidate
the widow and force her to follow them to the shrine).
MR STEPHEN: Where is that evil widow? come out here and answer for your sins. You
witch. I must kill you today (They enter inside in search of the widow and her children
and they couldn’t find her. They search around the neighbourhood as the widow and
her children is nowhere to be found).
ACT NINE
SCENE FOUR
[As early as 6:45 am in the morning; the Chief Priest from Ogbe-Uzoma Agwu
Okei is already sited in front of his compound while Mrs Stephen rose is tied
with chains sited in front of the shrine in a wide range. The shrine is built
under milliana tree in front of a mini duplex with the Chief Priest car parked
at the edge of the building. All of a sudden Stephen and family members are
returning to the shrine unhappily.]

AGWU OKEI: (Pretending to be angry in order to twist the matter) Why are you all
here by this time? I taught I asked you to go and bring the widow to me? What
happened and why are you here without the widow?
MR STEPHEN: (Crying watching the wife behaving abnormal) Agwu before we got to
my place; the widow and her children is nowhere to be found.

63
AGWU OKEI: How do you mean by the widow and her children is nowhere to be
found. What type of grammatic error is that?
CHIEF OBI: Agwu you and I knows that I am a chief and I can sense some senses in
this situation. Tell us what it will cost you to consult the gods properly so that you can
tell us the were about of the widow so that you can tell the entire community of Ogbe
Uzoma why you asked us to bring the widow before your presence.
MADAM OKWUKWE: Oh yes. Is the widow responsible for my younger brother’s
wife’s madness? Tell us and if so; why don’t you revoke it and return this madness back
to sender?
AGWU OKEI: Error. Go back and search for the widow and bring her here or you go
with your wife. I am only trying to help but heaven help those who heflp themselves.
MADAM OKUKWE: I have told you since. Let me take them to my prophet but you
insist that you are a chief and you must follow the traditions and customs of the land.
Now look at it. (Drew close and holds Mr Stephen with her right hand in his shoulders).
Leave this native doctor alone let me take you to my prophet and you would find
solution to your wives madness.
AGWU OKEI: Look here woman, I serve oloku and I can tell you vividly that if you
take this matter out of this shrine; you problem will increase. Don’t joke with me; go
and search for the widow and bring her here immediately or you face the
consequences.
MADAM OKWUKWE: I am Madam Okwukwe from the Living Faith Ministry and my
God is more powerful than you. If you are truly a powerful native doctor; then heal her.
I don’t want to know who is the problem.
AGWU OKEI: You cannot force me to heal her until you do what I say. Obey
MADAM OKWUKWE: (Drawing Mr Stephen’s waist trouser) Let us go to my prophet.
This man does not have solution to your problems; or rather he will succeed in using
your problem to gain favour. That is the only thing they do to innocent people all in the
name of traditions and customs of the land
MR STEPHEN: No, I will not take any decision till I see the widow. (Angrily walking
away; the woman walking towards the shrine to carry Mrs Stephen Rose)
CHIEF OBI: (Interrupted) Look here woman, I am the eldest in this family and I am a
chief. I don’t believe in your Christianity. Don’t touch that woman. You can go if you are
not interested in this matter.
MADAM OKWUKWE: I am interested in this matter but the power of the Almighty
God muct intervain in our family.
AGWU OKEI: Women are not valued in the place of a title chieftaincy man in Ogbe
Uzoma, Okpanam community, Delta State but if you have decided as a family to seek
solution elsewhere; you are free to untie this mad woman and take her wherever you

64
feel but if she ever recovers; then you will know that I am not worshiper of the
ancestors
CHIEF OBI: If you dare touch her; I will beat you like a child. (Drew close to her and
pushing her away) Go with your Christianity and leave the traditions and customs of our
land alone.

ACT NINE
SCENE FIVE

[The following morning rising sun in the following week; the widow and her
children are dying of hunger in an uncompleted building in a middle of a thick
forest, when Chief Obiefula appeared at the extreme tail of the entrance to
the road hollow leading to the building. Aghata is walking outside to buy
food for the family; the chief immediately turns to a born again Christian
woman; dressed in a black long skirt and white suit with red hart and a cock
shoe; they both are meeting at the middle of the farm forest building.]

MRS MAGRET: (Under the influence of hunger) Mary we cannot continue to remain in
this farm forest and be dyeing of hunger. I still have some money with me but now to
go to the town to buy food for us to eat is the greatest problem we are having in the
midst of this hunger that is killing us softly.
MARY: Let me go into the farm road and pick any okada to carry me to town and buy
some food stuffs; we could get some fire wood in the farm forest to make some food.
MRS MAGRET: Whose pot are you going to make the food?
AGHATA: Mary people already know you in this town. Let me just go to the road block
and look for an okada rider that will carry me to town to get us some mama put food
take away to eat or Hausa spaghetti and beans portage to eat first and then we can
settle down and think of what next to do.
MRS MAGRET: (Succumbing) Yes you are right. Take this five thousand naira; go look
for an okada at that spot we met okada men; ask them to take you to any joint in this
farm settlement were you can buy food. I and your late father have been here before
to do a seed planting for the king of this land, in this portion that we are residing.
OBINNA: The king owns this land, and this uncompleted building. Father came to me
in my dream and told me
MARY: (Cuts in) Will you shot up your mouth
AGHATA: (Cuts in) Stop! I saw the same thing in my dream; father also came to me in
my dream and told me that we are in a safe hands.
MRS MAGRET: Aghata go and do what I asked you to do.

65
AGHATA: Yes mama (She is walking outside and immediately Chief Obiefula turns to a
woman as described and boldly interrogating her)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (In a woman’s voice all through out the conversation) Your mother
has been accused as a witch and banished from the land of Umuezei. You are residing
in. the king’s building.
AGHATA: How do you mean? Who are you?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: This is the only territory where the Ogbe Uzoma and Umuezei are
dragging and the matter is still in the court of law. The village chief of Ogbe Uzoma in
collation with the youth development council has mapped out this land to build a farm
event center to create a boundary for farmers to have a leisure park but the youths of
Umuezei pulled it down.
AGHATA: I and my family are suffering from the harmful devices that speaks against
my mother as a widow; that is why we are here. Who are you?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I am a prophetess sent from God to protect the widows from the
maltreatment from their late husband’s family; the report I have from the Holy Spirit is
that you just escaped a community mob that would have burnt you and your family to
ashes and if you don’t listen to me now, your mother Mary, and Obinna will die
AGHATA: (Shockedly) God forbid.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: God sent me to pray for you (Drops a bunch of money on the
ground) pick this fifty thousand naira, the Lord said I should give it to you and more will
come where this money is coming from once you pick the money.
AGHATA: (Confidently bends down to pick the money as she turns into a tuber of yam
and disappears).
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (He smiles; picks the yam and disappears)

ACT TEN
SCENE ONE

[The Chief Priest of Ogbe-Uzoma sleeping in the hotel room covered with a
white blanket as the Chief appears with the yam in the room. Not quite long
Chief Obiefula appears].

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Appearing in the room) I have brought the widows second
daughter; she is the only virgin remaining in my family
CHIEF OKEI: (Smiling) Thank you chief. I want to make good use of her in the rising
of my morning sun

66
CHIEF OBIEFULA: To gods be the glory. (Drops the yam on the bed and disappears;
immediately the yam turns to Aghata sitting on the bed)
AGHATA: What am I doing here and who are you?
CHIEF OKEI: (God is working in his mysterious ways; Aghata is physically conscious
and the Chief Priest is trying to find out) Do you know where you are?
AGHATA: Yes; you are in the bed and I am sitting in front of you. Who are you and
what am I doing here?
AGWU OKEI: (Sadly shocked) You must be out of your senses (He immediately brings
out a white handkerchief and begins to rub it on her face
AGHATA: Blood of Jesus! Blood of Jesus Christ. I rebuke you in the mighty name of
Jesus Christ (A flame like a white smoke signifying the presence of the Holy Spirit
fuming as she disappears; the Chief Priest immediately seats up)
AGWU OKEI: See this small rat. What! (He sprinkles the white handkerchief to revoke
her but lifeless; He stops and brings out a native chalk; spill some particle in his left
hand, puts it inside his tongue and spit in air. The room shook and vibrating; quickly
brings out a small mirror from his pocket trouser and raising it up) You this small girl, I
command you to return here; your glory belongs to me (A cloud like a thunder strikes
as the mirror breaks; the native doctor quickly picks his staff of diety; a wooden carve
statue with cowries and disappears).

ACT TEN
SCENE TWO

[Aghata with the money the mother gave to her is appearing at the same
spot where she turned into yam in the uncompleted building in the middle of
the forest and disappeared soliloquizing]

AGHATA: (Been herself) What happened to me (Trying to remember) I can’t really

figure out. Haha (Turns around and feels herself coupling up as she pockets the money
an exit to buy the food her mother sent her to buy).

67
 ACT TEN
SCENE THREE

[Chief Obi and some cabinet members of Ogbe-Uzoma community both boys
and and girls, men and women in different pedestal alongside with Mr
Stephen crying is all sitting before the Chief Priest. Mrs Stephen Rose still on
her chain sited besides the shrine exhibiting madness.

MR. STEVE: Wise one; I do not know any were else to go in search of the widow and
her children. I have searched everywhere but she is no where to be found.
AGWU OKE: So what do you want me to do?
CHIEF OBI: My Chief Priest I don’t know if the gods of our land are silent on this
matter. My family is already divided. Tell us what the gods is saying concerning this
matter
AGWU OKE: You cannot question the gods or if you want to know what the gods is
saying concerning your matter. Then respect my priestly ordination. According to the
traditions and customs of Ogbe-Uzoma you are not meant to appear in the shrine
empty.
CHIEF OBI: I am sorry my Chief Priest. Let the traditions and customs of Ogbe-Uzoma
land be observed in this matter henceforth. I am a high chief and all I want is justice
and equity. I want to know if the widow has a hand in my junior brother here; his wife’s
madness; because you have sent us to search for her for days without telling us her
offences or likewise as a Chief Priest you are suppose to know her were about.
MRS STEPHEN: Go to Chief Obiefula in Umuezei and ask him about the widow.
CHIEF OKEI: You are one of the strongest noble chief in Ogbe-Uzoma. Give me the
requirement necessary for your consultation so that we can consult olokun our river
gods and know what they are saying on this matter.

68
 ACT TEN
SCENE FOUR

[At moonlight rail; the resonance of the early morning rising sun with the
shadow of the rainbow in Ogbe-Uzoma river is the Chief Priest making a
consultation before the river with a white he-goat, cowries, snake fat, goat,
white handkerchief, packets of a white candle and pork corn; he is throwing
them into the river. The goat is sinking at the middle of the river shouting;
the voice degenerating to the voice of the gods; he is the man gods of the
Ogbe Uzoma river appearing at the pale entrance of the river; immediately
the goat disappears].

gODS OLOKUN: Why are you disturbing me with these nonsense you call sacrifice?
Have I not warned that no one should bring a sacrifice that is harmful against women
most especially widows to my kingdom?
AGWU OKEI: I am sorry my king; I know that the sacrifice of the glory of a virgin
failed because of what I cannot find out and I have done my best to revoke her but she
has refused to appear for the great sacrifice. I am sorry my king (He is staring at the
man God of the river; awesomely smiling; the gods is short; very dark plumpy man with
golden eyes always sparkling with black rays to show the expression of the dark
kingdom)
gODS OLOKUN: When you get back to your altar tell the people the truth and support
the emancipation of vulnerable widows in the kingdom.
AGWU OKEI: But I do not have the power to restore the mad woman if I speak the
truth; that is why I have come before your presence. I ask for more powers to defend
the truth because you know the person involved.
gODS OLOKUN: The power to heal her lies in the truth and only the truth can set you
free. Once you speak the truth; I will tell you what to do; I stand for widows; I stand
for equity, fairness and justice for the widows and the vulnerable women in the society
and you are not permitted to take sides with anyone to offend any woman in Delta
State and don’t you ever outgrow the effrontery to come before my very presence.
(shouting) Leave the widows alone and let them be; we have a lot of widows and
vulnerable women from the river kingdom and they are suffering from oppressions all in
the name of traditions and customs of the land and making our widows insecure.

69
 ACT TEN
SCENE FIVE

[Agwu Okei call Chief Obiefula right before his shrine to inform him of the
decision of the gods of Ogbe-Uzoma against his next move about the widow
on phone calls. The mad woman sleeping].

AGWU OKEI: (On phone calls) I have been communicated by the gods and the Ogbe
Uzoma council of elders have fixed date for the hearing of the matter at hand.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Responding inside his car with the driver on Umuezei express
road) What! That is not a nice message. So what date has been picked by them?
AGWU OKEI: (Staring at the sky speechless for a while; he is thinking of what to say
in response to Chief Obiefula’s question) The next Afor market day and everybody’s
concern is to meet at Obele Afor town hall. You know all the rudiment; you know the
game and you are card player as widows expert, so find other solutions
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Smiling) Well; your gods is crazy because my rank of honour as a
chief permits me by the traditions and customs of the land to offer my sacrifice and get
anything I want. I gave you a fresh virgin so what more do you want?
CHIEF OKEI: I don’t want anything from you because you are a wicked man; the gods
told me what you do with women in your land. You are responsible for the death of
your elder brother; you want to destroy the widow and responsible for the mad
woman’s predicament.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: If I am responsible and you think you have a gods then I challenge
you and your gods to heal that woman. Me and you have already sworn the oath of
secrecy and we have limited time; we are both going to die young; no gods can stand
on my way because I have paid the price with my life. I do not have a child of my own;
my wife and our adopted child favour are in Liberia on exile; and the only thing I have
to offer is the virginity of the widow’s daughter and that of her glory. So you don’t have
a say in the premises of the congregation because we are one; your gods only wants to
use you to settle “Ogbanje vulnerable women; most especially the widows”, and you
are loosing out. Are you for me or you are against me?
CHIEF OKEI: I stand for the widows; I stand for justice and I stand for equity.
(Cutting the call)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Unhappily) What is wrong with this idiot. Woman wrapper Chief
Priest. I will teach you a lesson you will never forget; If you interfere

70
 ACT ELEVEN
SCENE ONE

[At the uncompleted building in the middle of the forest, the Chief Priest of
Ogbe Uzoma is coming from his shrine to visit the widow; He is meeting the
widow with the children clearing the farm land at the backyards; the widow
noticing him is about to run when he stopped them.]

AGWU OKEI: Don’t run; I guess you can remember this face; I came to help you
MRS MAGRET: You don’t need to help me; I know you as a womanizer. Please any
how you got to locate this place just go back please; I don’t want to have anything to
do with you.
AGWU OKEI: Park your things and leave this community because the truth about your
story has been revealed and Ogbe-Uzoma will not favour you.
MRS MAGRET: Who told you? Are you my God; Jesus (The Chief Priest immediately
disappears)
MARY: Mama, is he a ghost?
MRS. MAGRET: He is a devil’s advocate come my children let join our hand together
and begin to Pray, pray against the enemies of your fathers house, pray that God will
touch the heart of your wicked uncles harmful vices against us (They begin to pray,
singing and waxing in song; speaking in tongues Mrs. magret cries out with a
bible quotation) who is that mountain that will say a things and it shall come to pass
when the lord has not said (she and her children continued to pray)

ACT ELEVEN
SCENETWO

[Mr. Stephen and madam Okukwe are silting in the scornful chair. Madam
Okukwe is dressed in a red head tie and a bible in her right hand, while the
mad woman Mrs. STEPHEN Rose is stili sleeping. The Chief Priest still in a
soul travelling, is sleeping unconsciously on the shrine chair. They are
waking him up to no avail, after several attempt; they leave as he suddenly
wakes up].

MADAM OKUKWE: Let us untie this our wife that is lying here like a log of wood since
the Chief Priest have refused to wakeup.
Mr. STEPHEN: (Unhappily as he tries to wake the chief Priest but to no avail) Agwu
Okei, wake up, wake up (he observes his breathing capacity as he places the five finger
on his chest I don’t think this man is alive)
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MADAM OKUKWE: I can see that you are confused; this is the only opportunity I will
give you to deliver your wife from this madness and save our family reputation. Stand
up and carry your wife let’s leave here.
(Mr. STEPHEN immediately brings out bunch of keys form his pocket and opens the key
tied to his wife and throwing the chain away)
Mr. STEPHEN: (Confused) I am not a born again Christian; you told we that your
prophet gave you a message that I must repent by giving my life to Christ. I belong to
traditions and customs of Ogbe Uzoma; so stop behaving like a witch. How on earth do
you want your prophets to heal my wife when I don’t believe the works of the prophet.
MADAM OKUKWE: (In tears) If I am serving a living God; oh Lord set confusion and
separate my brother from this shrine (she exit as Mr Steve tries to plead with her,
he suddenly turns and notices the native doctor waking up)
Mr. STEPHEN: Agwu we have been waiting for hours and yet you are just waking up
AGWU OKEI: (Angrily) Why did you loose the chains? Who ask you to touch her, you
have tempted the gods and you must pay for your sins
Mr. STEPHEN: Haba! I helped you to loose the chain and I want you to heal my wife
or else I will believe what my elder sister is telling me that you are a fake native doctor
AGWU OKEI: You are out of your senses now wake that fool you call your wife and
get out of my alter before I kill you
MR STEPHEN: Now I believe that you are a fake native doctor; I will go round the
entire community and tell them that you are responsible for my wife’s madness
(pointing his right finger at him) You will see. (He quickly touch the wife to wake her
up; the wife suddenly wakes up and bite him (He screams)
AGWU OKEI: That serves you right; let me kill you before you will kill me (hits the
staff of deity on his forehead; Mr. Stephen became abnormal and speechless; he turns
back and started vomiting blood; he died instantly; just as chief Obi is running into shot
to see his younger brother lying on the ground)
CHIEF OBI: (Inquisitive) What’s going on; Mr. Steve what is going; (touching him to
confirm that he is dead; he stairs at the Chief Priest) Agwu what happened to my
brother? (A sudden calm as he exclaims in Ogbe-Uzoma dialet)ozemena . (He drew
close to the chief priest and shouted) Agwu okie what happened to my brother? He is
my only brother thst I have in this world
AGWU OKEI: He committed a sacriledge against the gods by loosening the chain and
using a wrong autrances against the gods dispositions
MRS. STEPHEN ROSE: (Insane) The widow is cause of his action. She used witchcraft
power to manipulate him by trying to loose me and I bite him and now he is dead. Are
you not seeing the dead body (she stands and ran away)
AGWU OKEI: You have heard for the hoses mouth. Take the dead body away and let
the dead bury the dead (He walks into his house and bangs the door after him)
72
CHIEF OKEI: (confusedly) Am I dreaming at the day time? (tossing around thinking of
what to do)

ACT ELEVEN
SCENE THREE

[Enter the town crier Afamefula and Chief guard who then sit in the arm
chair to discuss with king Ajah in his palace. Shortly Chief Obi and other
cabinet members enter with the youth carrying the dead body of Mr. Stephen
and his insane wife on chain with some of the villagers].

CHIEF GUARD: Your majesty I and my team have search everywere most especially
the street where Mr. Stephen and his wife resides but we could not find the widow and
her children.
AFAMEFULA: Yes your majesty. But I wonder how possible it is for a stranger who
was granted shelter to commit such as havoc.
CHIEF OBI: (Unhappily) My king, our chiefs, it is with great displeasure the I stand
before you with the dead body of my younger brother Mr. Stephen and his mad wife
and the chief Priest is not doing anything. The mad woman has been mentioning the
name of Chief Obiefula from Umuezei and the widow who happens to be the wife of the
late elder to the said chief of Umuezei. My investigation shows that the said widow was
accused of been responsible for the death of her late husband, a youth leader in her
church and several atrocities such as sleeping with the church pastor and destruction of
several marriages. Your majesty; if we cannot find this woman in Ogbe-Uzoma here; I
suggest that we use your office to delegate our able warriors to Umuezei community to
search for her.
KING AJAH: Afamefula you are one of the town crier in this community go and
announces to all the residence of this community to go in search of the widow both in
the river, farm land, uncompleted buildings and environs; after which you begin to
search individual houses. This matter is not to be deliberated till I see the widow. I shall
put a call to the king of Umuezei at the right time mean while chief should proceed with
the burial rite of his younger brother and take the woman to psychiatric hospital.
CHIEF AGWU: Your majesty this matter is spiritual and until we found out truth I
suggest the dead body be taken to the mortuary.
KING AJAH: Let chief Obi decide that I have spoken and my words are irrevocable.
CHIEF OBI: I am not burying any one nether will I visit any psychiartric hospital until I
found out who is responsible for this arm that has be falling I and my family.
KING AJAH: Guards go to Agwu Okei, the chief priest and inform him that his
presence is highly needed urgently.
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GUARD: Yes your majesty (exit)

ACT ELEVEN
SCENE FOUR

[Church activities have just rounded off and the people of Ogbe Uzoma
community are returning from church; meanwhile; some are on their way to
the church for second service ministration, Afamefula the town crier stepping
into the middle of the crowd of villagers; he started beating his drum,
making the announcement about the widow. Ngozi and Ashinedu are
retuning for the stream and suddenly they entered into an argument
resulting to fight that attracted the attention of some of the youth returning
from the palace].

AHAMAFULA: People of Ogbe Uzoma a mysterious widow has invaded the land of
Ogbe Uzoma with witchcraft practices, the widow’s name is Mrs. Magret Omonigho
Obefula form Umuezei. The report we have is that she killed her late husband, killed the
youth leader who caught her red handed sleeping with her church pastor and was
banished from the land because of her religious false pretence against the traditions
and customs of the land of Umuezei. It is suspected that she is responsible for the
death the younger brother to high Chief Obi who gave her and her three children
shelter after it is rumoured that she is responsible for his wife’s madness; based on
these (the village reacts) His royal majesty king Ajah Oriakwu has decreed that
everyone shall henceforth beginning from this minutes go in search of the widow and
her children. You are free to go to streets, farmlands, river roads and your uncompleted
buildings in search of her and anyone that shall deliver the widow and her children
before the palace of Oche Ajah Oriakwu shall be handsomely rewarded (as he
proceed further making announcement to everyone who cares to listen, the
two passersby retuning from the stream carrying a bucket of water paused
and started discussing; Ashinedu trying to pretend as if she does not know
the widow the town crier is talking about)

NGOZI: (Held Ashinedu’s trouser with her left hand while stiff necking the bowl of
water with right hand, the water pours) Don’t pretend as if you don’t know who the
town crier is talking about?
ASHINEDU: (A tall dark in complexion young looking man with red lips who angrily
removes her hand from the trouser) Is that why you are holding my trouser or don’t
you know that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?

74
NGOZI: Stop pretending. I know the widow and were she is hiding; she comes to
Ndoromiry or she send her children to buy food stuffs whenever the day is getting dark
when farmers must have left the farmland
ASHINEDU: (Opens up) Wait a minute; don’t tell me is that beautiful young woman
with those 3 children I met in my mother’s farm you are referring to and how did you
get to know any information about there were about?
NGOZI: You think I don’t know the tricks you played the other day I was coming to
visit you in your mother’s farm land. You vehemently asked me to wait at the boundary;
you even went as far as borrowing one thousand five hundred naira from me to give
assistance to them (immediately she drops her bowl of water and held his clothe and
his Ashinedu’s bucket falls on the ground and breaks) You must give me back my
money; I don’t want to have anything to do with a witch.
ASHINEDU: (Retaliating with deep anger) You this monitoring spirit, so you’ve broken
my bucket. (Kicks her own rubber bowl with his right leg as it breaks; he quickly drags
the wrapper from her leaving her with pant, Ngozi quickly tears his own trouser
showing his nackedness resulting into a very deep fight just as the youth are already
walking in as they separates them)
ABEL: (A tall fair handsome looking man with hair plated in Brazilian style; who is one
of the youth leader) Young lady you look so beautiful; and you both are naked. Why
you are fighting?
OKWI: What is going on here?
NGOZI: The widow is hiding in his mother’s farm forest building.
(The youths reacting)
OKWI: Are you sure of what you are saying?
NGOZI: I will prove it right away
(Ashinedu tries to run away as the youths held him)
ABEL: Lets take them to the king but first of all; young lady take us to wherever you
know the widow is residing; don’t forget you will be handsomely rewarded by the king.

ACT ELEVEN
SCENE FIVE

[Ngozi and Ashiedu leading all the characters in the previous scene into the
uncompleted building in the middle of the feast; the widow and children are
sitting on the farm bench apparently watching a programme on the widows
phone screen].

MRS MAGRET: Good day

MARY: Good day
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AGHATA: Good day
OBINNA: Good day sir and to all of you
(The people amazed by the overwhelming respect the widow and her children is giving
to them)
ABEL: (Staring at the widows phone as he speaks)
Are you Mrs Magret Obiefula?
MRS MAGRET: Yes I am. Is there any problem sir?
ABEL: Incase you are not aware; I am the youth leader of Ogbe-Uzoma and this two
girls fighting because of you. Now tell us the truth because only the truth will set you
free. Are you a witch?
MRS MAGRET: I am a member of the Living Faith Ministry. A born again Christian; I
am not a witch my son.
ABEL: (Confused and had compassion; staring at the children) Who harbored you; I
mean who permitted you to stay in this building?
NGOZI: Ashinedu.
MAXWELL: (Dark short like a dwarf and fat bony structure) look here Ngozi respect
yourself. Do not speak until you are a asked to speak. Mrs Magret is it true that
Ashinedu permitted you to leave in this premises? Tell us the truth; I am the financial
secretary of the youth. Go ahead.
MRS MAGRET: Yes I am not a witch
ABEL: I like your boldness but there is an allegation against you that shows that you
are a witch. When you get to the palace; you will know why we are here.
FREDRICK: Everyone will want to praise his church. Let me see how your living faith
will save you from all the atrocities you have committed in this land. You are a witch.
ALL CHARACTERS PRESENT: (Unhappily they raise their voices) yes; lets take this
woman to the king
OBINNA: Ashinedu is your mother aware that you kept this witch in this place?
ASHINEDU: (Unhappily) What are your gains with the harmful devices you are using
to intimidate widows? If not for the traditions and customs of the land; I for show all of
una when deh claim traditions and customs of the land say; I go school what has single
mothers; most especially the widows done to you? My mother is not aware because I
am matured enough to render assistance to the widows, the poor and vulnerable
women in the society. I already have her story; you have the gods to challenge the God
of the Living Faith. I will prove to you that the God that I serve is at work; I am a
member of the Living Faith and I just returned from Shiloh
MRS MAGRET: Oh you never told me; (Greets in the Living Faith’s Doctrine) Bless you
sir
ASHINEDU: Don’t mention

76
ABEL: You have now provoked me by superimposing your Christian religion against our
traditions. Mrs Magret; you are needed at the palace.
ASHINEDU: I’m the first born child of my late father. This is my property. She is my
tenant; go and tell the king that I said so.
ABEL: Are you trying to take sides or intimidate us with your Christianity or what.
Arrest this woman and her children; let’s take them to the palace; as for you; you have
some questions to answer before the king.
(They bungle both the widow, her children; Ngozi started laughing and Ashinedu. They
are on their way to the palace of king Ajah).

ACT TWELVE
SCENE ONE

[A group of young people are gathered in the palace waiting for the crowd
bringing the widow, her children and Ashinedu into the palace few minutes
before now when the king got the information that the hide out of the widow
has been seen; he has sent his chief guard accompanied with other guards to
go in search of them; the rumour led to the large crowd waiting for them. All
of a sudden the chief guard with other guards led the villagers to the palace;
the widow and her children at the middle of the crowd in asylum; gazing like
one who is no longer fanatic about clinging to their illusion.]

ABEL: Your majesty; here is the widow. Ashinedu here is the one that has been
habouring this witch in this community.
ALL XTRS: Yes! And she must be made to answer for his sins.
CHIEF GUARD: You are in the presence of the king. Let’s maintain absolute silence.
No one should speak further until the king speaks.
KING AJAH: Young woman; there is only one question I want to ask you.
MRS MAGRET: Your majesty; it’s my honour and I am delighted to be in your
presence.
KING AJAH: (Surprisingly; he stare at the widows good manner of approach and had
pity on her) Are you Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula and are you in any way related to
tChief Obiefula the late son of the high priest Obiefula from Umuezei in Asagba
kindred?
MRS MAGRET: Yes your majesty I am Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula and Chief
Obiefula is my late husband’s younger brother but I must confess that I am not happy
the manner the youths brought me to your palace; I am a widow; I met this young man
when he was distributing Shiloh flyers and I am a member of the Living Faith. I told him
77
my condition and he rendered me a shelter in the forest farmland belonging to his
mother.
KING AJAH: I have nothing against any one who rendered you a shelter. Ashinedu;
just go; go! I said just go. I said go away! (The youths pushing Ashinedu away) there is
an allegation leveled against you in this land with fact from the office of the chief priest
of this land; even from Umunezei where your late husband hails from. Guards! Take her
to the guard room for interrogation.
Chief Guard: What about her children?
KING AJAH: I have not received any petition against her children.
MARY: We are with our mother on this your majesty; if you have decided to put our
mother in the guard room; we would love to be there with her.
KING AJAH: Guards lock all of them in the guard room. (they push the widow and her
children to the guard room with hard labour)

ACT TWELVE
SCENE TWO

[Mrs Brate Oghene Brume Okoro visits the king to defend his son rendering
assistance to the widow and her children. She knocks at the gate twice; the
guard open and she enters to meet with the king sitting at an edge in front of
the palace.]

MRS BRATE OGHENERUME OKORO: Your majesty; you sent for me.
KING AJAH: Please sit down. (She sits) I believe you have heard the story about your
son and the widow?
MRS BRATE OGHENERUME OKORO: And what about it my king. My son is a
Christian and he met them on his way for WOFBI operation Andrews outreach and
discovered both of them attend the same church and rendered assistance to her. I am
the one who is supposed to be angry that he didn’t inform me; so how is it your
headache my king?
KING AJAH: (Feeling insulted) The woman in question is a witch; she is a widow from
Umuezei
MRS BRATE OGHENERUME OKORO: Says who?
KING AJAH: The chief priest attest to the accusation from chief Obi over the death of
his younger brother and his wife’s estranged madness.
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: Lies; that same chief priest accused me of
killing my late husband and if not for my gratuity that has been paid by the present
Delta State Governor; I would have been begging for food; so I don’t believe you;

78
please release the visitor that came to my house and do not name an innocent woman
on my head your majesty.
KING AJAH: How do you know that she is innocent?
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: Her prophecy has been giving to me for my
lifting; I will stand as a witness in her case; I will pay all her dues; (Dropping 20
thousand naira on the table) here is the financial exchange for her summon
requirement; give me her children; I want to take them to my house; I am an Urhobo
woman but not all the Urhobos who are Christians believes in the traditions and
customs of the land. I stand for the widow or do you want me to consult my lawyer on
this? Why would you allow those your useless youths you people are deceiving with the
traditions and customs of the land to beat my son. I am a retired headmistress and
many of my school children are advocate of the land; don’t push me your majesty.
KING AJAH: And you think that you can use the law to intimidate me?
MRS BRATE OGHENERUME OKORO: If you will not give me access to the widow’s
children.
KING AJAH: Guards!

ACT TWELVE
SCENE THREE

[At 12 midnight the following day; the widow and her children are seen sited
in front of the guard room singing songs of sorrow; they enter into prayers
speaking in tongues. They are surrounded by the night guard who burst into
tears staring at the widow and her children in sorrowful mood but could not
render any assistance. They notice the king in a distance and immediately
wipe their tears when they saw him walking into the guard quarter.]

MRS MAGRET: (In tears as she is singing with her children) Bia rulu oru enyi oh
Chukwu bia rulu oru enyi oh] 4x owele oge ike madu ga kali Ikechukwu
Ewele oge ike onye iwe gakali ike Chukwu
Nnanulu eh, onye kenuwa bianulu onu onyi eh.) 2x. olise binigwe (They continued
singing for a while the guards begins to share tears; the widow rembers the memories
of her late husband and stand; holding her children; she prays speaking in tongues
ontop of her voice.
KING AJAH: (Walking out from the front door of the palace to wards the quarter
guard quarters and paused for a while soliloquizing) why is that widow always making
noise? I taught they said she is a witch; so why is she disturbing my peace of mind? I
don’t need disturbance. (Walking towards the quarter guard room the guards quickly
wipes their tears) young woman; you are in the quarter guard and you are still
79
disturbing my peace. Did I offend you? Are you not aware that his is the territory of the
gods?
MRS MAGRET: The rod of the wicked will not prevail against the righteous; let’s the
righteous deeps his hand in iniquity. My hands are clean so what am I doing here?
KING AJAH: Until your matter is decided; you will henceforth remain silent. I am at
peace with you because your matter has not been precided; your summon fee has been
paid for and your matter is under my panefenarial; short your mouth or I change it for
you. (The guards giving the widow and her children sign to shut up; the king exit)
GUARDS: Pray and sing silently; we are not fully in support of harmful devices against
the widow but we are slaved to traditions and customs of the land; that is why we are
not beating hell out of you and your children. I hope that the rumour about you is fake
because what the traditions and customs of the land will do to you if they find out that
you are a witch? It is death by burning you to ashes.
(The widow exclaims and started praying silently and speaking in tongues; the king
turns back staring at her)
KING AJAH: (Soliloquizing) I hope this woman is not a trap for me. I jump am pass.
(Thinking of what to do)

ACT TWELVE
SCENE FOUR

[The king of Ogbe-Uzoma in his majesty is sited in his throne; the villagers
are all standing before the cabinet chiefs of the community. Chief Obi is
leading a team of his family members with his wife; the widow and her
children, Ashinedu and her mother Mrs Brate Oghenebrume Okoro and the
youth carrying the dead body (perfumed) of Mr Stephen and his insane wife
Mrs Stephen Rose into the middle of the crowd; when Chief Obiefula and his
personal body guard walks in; the entire Ogbe-Uzoma began to chant his
songs of praise.]

ALL XTRS: [As soon as they notice chief Obiefula; they started chanting) Obiefula)3x
ke anyi ge so;)3x one jeje ona bia bia Obiefula ke anyi gesso.
ABEL: Hip hip hip
ALL XTRS: Hurray
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (He Opens his brief case and brings out bunch of money) My king
this is for you; youth leader; this is for all the youths (He sprays flips of money among
the villagers; all rushing it.)
KING AJAH: (Extending a hand shake to Chief Obiefula) my village chief; you are
highly welcome to Ogbe-Uzoma palace.
80
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Droping a hundred thousand naira note on the table) My king; I
join in this summon; this woman here is shielding crocodile tears; she killed my late
brother, rejected the custodian that was used to perform her traditional marital rites
before she was accepted to be a wife to my family; she used her witchcraft powers to
set confusion between I and my late elder brother; after which she killed him; denied
me of my traditional duties. Killed a church member that caught her sleeping with her
pastor. (The villagers reacts and started calling the widow a witch; oh yes she is a
witch) But I am ready to forgive her if she can swear the oath of innocence; she made
this woman mad because she wanted this man and when she refuses; she killed him.
That is what my prophet told me and all the native doctors I have consulted. That is
why I decided to honour you invitation your majesty.
(Villagers reacting)
KING AJAH: Mrs Magret do you realize that these people before you are saying that
you killed this man lying dead and this woman who is insane? Now the only person that
is supposed to defend you is the one bearing witness against you. Why?
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: Your majesty; the palace is not a law court
and this widow is leaving in my building. I am an Urhobo woman and I cannot deny her
in public but I will not support evil. What is this woman’s offences? How did of all these
accusations leveled against her; how can she become a victim overnight?
CHIEF OBI: Women are not recognized in the midst of noble elders. This woman here
is a witch and the witness is here; a noble chief from Umunezei attesting to this fact.
Let the traditions and customs of the land be observed.
KING AJAH: Mrs Magret you are a suspect and everyone seems to be against you.
The people of Ogbe-Uzoma owns me and my duty is to protect their interest. Are you
ready to appear before the shrine and swear that you know nothing about the
accusation leveled against you by your late husband’s family and that you have no hand
in the death of Mr Stephen and his Wife’s insanity?
MRS MAGRET: It is against my religion.
(Everybody complaining and grumbling).
KING AJAH: Mrs Magret I have found no fault in you; but there are so many
discrepancies regarding the traditions and customs of the land that is not favourable to
the Christian religion and the only price you can pay at this minute is to swear and free
yourself of the consequences of our traditions and customs that you are innocent. For
the last time. Mrs Magret are you ready to swear?
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: Why don’t you swear; later you ask God to
forgive you.
MRS MAGRET: Thou shall not bow to any other God but God Almighty himself (crying)
I am innocent, I and my children have no hand in any man’s misfortune and if the gods

81
truly have eyes, the chief priest or any one will not lay claim the death of anyone by
tarnishing the image of an innocent widow like me or any other widow.
KING AJAH: This summon is hereby adjorn till 4’Oclock this evening. I advice every
one to go home and come back till the final judgement meanwhile; I want Chief Obi,
Chief Obiefula, Chief Agwu to see me privately; guards! Go to the shrine and ask the
chief priest to see me immediately
(The guards excusing the crowd they open the gate for them; Mrs Brate Oghenebrume
Okoro applauding the king; the chief guard and the quarter guards taking the widow
and her children to guard room. Stephen’s dead body and mad woman still on the floor)

ACT TWELVE
SCENE FIVE

[In a secret meeting]

[In a secret meeting the king is silting with Chief Obiefula, the Chief Priest,
Agwu Okei, Chief Obi and Chief Agwu at a bending corner in the palace axes,
some of the villagers are standing outside the palace gate; while some are
still waiting to hear the final judgment of the King against the widow. they
refuse to go home]

KING AJAH: All of us are members of the Landlords society of Chiefs and we know the
game; Chief Obi who is responsible for the calamity that has been falling your family?
CHIEF OBI: I should be asking you because you commune with the gods even more
than the Chief Priest.
KING AJAH: My Chief Priest is the widow responsible for all the acquisitions leveled
against her by Chief Obiefula and Chief Obi.
AGWU OKEI: The gods are silence.
KING AJAH: I am happy to hear this, I am a King but I belong to Jesus. Chief
Obiefula, you can go back to your community, the people have taken your testament; I
will write you with a copy of the judgment; I promise you; it will be in your favour
because dogs eat dogs; It is for “Security Reasons”. I King Ajah organized this private
meeting to let you know that we are one.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (PROUDISHLY) I will keep the spoon. (Opening his brief case
and brings out 500 thousand naira) All I want is for you to barnish the widow from the
land; that’s all
CHIEF OBI: (Now realizing that the widow might be innocent due to the bribe Chief
Obiefula is presenting before them) I don’t understand what is going on her.
AGWU OKEI: We are only trying to do you a favour by acknowledging your title as a
high Chief if not you excuse us.
82
CHIEF OBI: (Angrily stands) your majesty; I am highly disappointed in you. So if the
widow is guilty why are you collecting bribe to name her a witch and banish her from
the land? Count me out of this (walking out)
CHIEF AGWU: I am warning you not to open your leaking mouth when the judgement
will be passed; otherwise….
CHIEF OBI: (Cuts in) other wise what?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I will kill you and nobody will cough; since you have forgotten how
many souls you wasted to clinch to the position of a high chief
(The king and everyone mocking at him as he exits).

ACT THIRTEEN
SCENE ONE

[It is exactly 4:pm in the same day where the king is set to give his final
verdict against the widow who is already in the middle of the crowd; the
dead body of Mr Stephen and his insane wife has been taken away by Chief
Obi; the chief priest; Chief Obiefula; Chief Agwu absent at the final sitting]

KING AJAH: My final judgement; anyone who wishes to assist the widow should not
hesitate. The issues of false accusation in the custodian of our dear Ogbe-Uzoma land is
not subject to “fetishness”; we all have the right to protect our religion. Christianity is
not a curse in our land and I owe nothing against anyone who does not belive in the
traditions and customs of our land. It’s a choice and since the widow has choosen God
Almighty; let no man put asunder. (The widow in tears of joy) if I be a king (pours
libation on the ground) let the widow disgrace herself within seven eke market days if
she is guilty and this judgement will be reviewed; for now; the widow is innocent and
she is free to relate with anyone.
MRS MAGRET: (She outburst in an Urhobo native Christian song) Oghene fejiro
warejirokevwe; Osolobue fejiroh, ware jiro kevwe… (she fell into worship) who can
battle with Lord) 3x I say nobody
(The crowd began to grmble against the kings judgement; Mrs Brate Oghenebrume
Okoro immediately walks up to embrace the widow and her children in tears of joy)

83
 ACT THIRTEEN
SCENE TWO

[The widow and her children singing and dancing in the farm forest building
over their victory; unknown to her; it was just a game of financial exchange
between the King Ajah and Chief Obiefula to have a proper arrangement to
set the widow up; Mrs Afelunwa walking in to jubilate with the widow in
false pretence.]

MRS MAGRET: Who are you?

MRS IFELUNWA: I am so sorry I baldged into you, people have been telling me that
you are a witch; Ngozi is my daughter; the man who puts you here is his friend. Please
forgive my daughter. I am glad your case has been decided; you are now free.
MRS MAGRET: The sun will not let down on my anger; unless I’ve offended the Lord.
I hope you have been able to settle the riffle between Ashinedu and your daughter?
MRS IFELUNWA: Yes of course I have a contract of about a hundred thousand for
you.
MRS MAGRET: (Shocked) Jesus Christ! Truly, so what is the nature of the business?
MRS IFELUNWA: To harvest cassava farm land; accommodation; feeding is free; are
you available? This is you Shiloh testimony; let’s go there.
MARY: Praise the Lord; mama, let’s just start going.
MRS MAGRET: I need to seek the face of God first
MRS IFELUNWA: (Pretentiously) I am a member of Living Faith too and the Bishop
gave me a prophecy to help you out of poverty. I just came back from WOFBI; I want
you to flourish in hard times: praise the Lord
MARY: Mama let’s go there. (They quickly carry some of their clothes and follows her)

ACT THIRTEEN
SCENE THREE

[Mrs Brate Oghenebrume and her son Ahinedu searching round the farm
forest building for the widow and her children; but they were no where to be
found.]

MRS. BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: I don’t even understand what is going on.
Did you ask them to leave or did you drive them away?
ASHINEDU: No mother; let me call her (Dialing the widows line; she picks) hello.
MRS MAGRET: (Voice over) my son; we done commot for your place oh; thank you
eh; God richly bless you.
84
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: (Grabs the phone from the son) you behaved
like a stranger woman. Are you sure that you are an Urhobo woman? A widow for that
matter. Did you know how many prophet I consulted; I was told that you are in danger;
come back let me take you to my church pastor. Leave that place you are now
MARY: (VOICE OVER) No madam; we are working for us to get money to take care of
our daily needs and they are giving us accommodation there.
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: Okay oh (cuts the call) Let’s go; next time be
careful and always let me know before you accommodate anyone.

ACT THIRTEEN
SCENE FOUR

[In a new farm land; a porch is built in the left wig with a shade; the widow
and her children has harvested almost ten bags of cassava; she is dialing Mrs
Ifelunwa’s number to see Mrs Loveth and Mrs Ifeyinwa with the guards
walking into the farm land.]

MRS LOVETH: (Shocked) you; (clapping her hands) what are you doing in my farm
land; you are rooting my cassava? Who asked you to enter my farm land?
MRS IFEYINWA: Are you not the witch that killed Mr Stephen and turned his wife to a
mad woman? You killed your husband and yet you are still poor; so you are now
stealing our cassava because the king granted you pardon. Now you have met your
dead end.
MRS LOVETH: (Shouting) people of Ogbe-Uzoma they have invaded my farm land.
MRS MAGRET: I am not a thief (other farmers within the farm running into shot)
There is a woman that says that she owns the farm and she asked me to harvest the
cassava; which we agreed on term of payment.
ALL XTERS: (All Questioning her) Which woman you this witch; so you are a thief
also? (They drag the widow and her children to show them the woman that asked her
to harvest the crops but Mrs Ifeyinwa was no where to be found) can you show us the
woman: thief (They kept beating her)
MRS LOVETH: I can’t really tell which is her farm land but she brought me and my
children here.
MRS LOVETH: Brought you were; to steal from my farmland? (The widow quickly
rushes to the farm hot and picks the nylon containing her clothe) people of Ogbe-
Uzoma come and see thief oh; she has taken over my farm with her witchcraft activities
(Other farmers around and passersby running into the scenario; they bungle the widow
and her children).

85
MRS MAGRET: (Crying) What have I done? Please leave me alone; a woman
employed me to harvest the crops so me and my children can see food to eat; I am not
a thief (They are beating the widow on their way to the palace).

ACT THIRTEEN
SCENE FIVE

[The king is standing before the troupe that has brought the widow and her
children to the palace; Mrs Brate Oghenebrume Okoro and her son Ashinedu
standing besides the king; Chief Agwu and other carbinet members are all
sited exception of Chief Obi; the king is delivering his final judgement.]

KING AJAH: The butterfly that petches on the wrong wound is faced with a high risk;
I have petched on the wrong wood by vindicating the widow not knowing she is a
green snake under a green grass. I have revisited the issues of the widows’ and I can
vividly say that she is a suspect and as such can no longer be condoled in Ogbe-Uzoma
community. She is a threat and hereby banished from this land. Guards!
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: I am sorry my king; I taught I was been
helpful; I never knew I was abhorring my enemy; please forgive her.
KING AJAH: I have spoken and my judgement is final.
(The people bungle the widow; tearing her clothes and stripped her naked; they flog
her; the children crying)
MARY: (Crying) Have mercy on my mother.
AGHATA: (Pleading) Please my people my mother is innocent; have mercy on her.
OBINNA: (Seeing his mother’s nakedness he outburst into tears) mama
(The widow and her children where paraded by a mob set of villagers with her
nakedness; the people videoing her with phones; camera; video and every other means
of media communication; she wept).
MRS MAGRET: (She cried out) Oh Lord why have thou forsaken me? I am a widow in
pains; I and my children are hungry; we have been chased out of my Late husband’s
house with nothing; help the poor woman in your society; help the widow; what has
the widow done to the society?
(Several phone calls going on no response to the internet post ongoing and the
response from the people of Ogbe-Uzoma is that the widow is a witch and mysterious).

86
 ACT FOURTEEN
SCENE ONE

[The widow and her children have been driven from Umuezei community.
They are sighted by eye witnesses in Ogbe-Uzoma village coupled with some
of the youths from Umuezei community; while she and her children are
roaming about until they got to the Koka fly over Asaba where some of the
passersbys saw them sleeping.]

ADAEZE: She is the person we are talking about; she is a witch: (she brings out her
phone; showing the pictures of her nakedness)
OKEI: Please I have this video in my twitter handle, what actually is the story of this
widow?
AMOS: She is a witch from Umuezei; she was banished for killing her late husband, she
ran to Ogbe-Uzoma and killed the innocent man that gave her shelter and turned his
wife into a mad woman; that is why she was banished from Ogbe-Uzoma; her story is
already trending on social media.
(The people groan and started spitting on the widow; she suddenly wakes up; and
wakes her children; they ran away; the people calling her witch.

ACT FOURTEEN
SCENE TWO

[The widow and her children are looking very sick; the are standing at the
Ibusa Federal Polytechnic begging for money to eat. The students who are on
their way travelling for the Christmas celebration had compassion on the
widow].

MRS MAGRET: Please help the widow; I and my children are hungry
MARY: We have been chased away from our late father’s house; please have mercy on
us
AGHATA: Help the children of the poor widow.
OBINNA: (Crying) I am hungry. Help us please
(The students who are passing bye had compassion on the widow and her children and
started giving them money; after a while Ambrose is seen with a nylon food take away
walking towards the widow and the children).
AMBROSE: Young woman; I understand that you are a widow and you and your
children have been chased away from your late husband’s family.
MRS MAGRET: Did they tell you also that I am a witch?
87
AMBROSE: Take this food; whether you are a witch or not it’s not my business. I have
been going through series of post about you on facebook and so many people have
been placing curses on you why some are of the opinion that you are innocent; I
suggest you take your children to a Living church for proper counseling and
deliverance; you never can tell the effect of the negative utterances so many people
have used against you.
MRS MAGRET: My son I know and I am personally praying about it; I am a born again
Christian and I have confidence that God will intervene in my situation and no weapon
formed against me shall prosper and every mouth that have risen against me in
judgement must be condemned.
AMBROSE: Amen (surprised to see the widow expressing herself as a Christian) God
will see you through (leaves and immediately the widow and her children entered a
bending corner eating the food like a hungry lion).

ACT FOURTEEN
SCENE THREE

[A number of people are entering the car; some returning from travel; the
buses and taxi drivers calling for passengers while the job men are loading
the car with truck of loads in Kwale park; Koka junction. The widow and her
children are seen carrying a bowl begging for money amongst the passengers
and passersby. Mary is holding the bowl backing Obinna looking very sick
while the mother is also backing Aghata looking very sick.]

MRS MAGRET: (Crying) Please help a poor widow. My name is Mrs Magret. I was
accused by my late husband’s family and sent parking with my children empty handed.
Everything that my late husband and I labored for has been taken away by my late
husband’s brother. Please help me… I and my children are very sick and hungry
(Passersby and passengers drops money on the bowl)
MARY: God bless you sir, bless you ma; thank you ma; we are very grateful.
MRS MAGRET: (As a passenger drops one thousand naira pieces of note) thank you
sir; may God meet you at the point of your need. As you have done for me, so God will
do for you.
PASSENGER: Amen (leave)
(Because of the way the widow is crying and explaining herself; the passengers and
others had compassion on the widow and they gave the little they can to the widow
and her children)

88
 ACT FOURTEEN
SCENE FOUR

[The widow is in a dream; she and her children are lying down unconsciously
on the floor of an open shade opposite the Kwale park, Koka Kola junction. In
this dream , the widow is returning from a provision store in Umuezei
community where she bought a raw egg she is holding right in her right
hand. She walks down to the untarred road leading to her late husband’s
house; she is wondering how she got to the environment until the raw egg
falls with an unusual sound; the yolk splashes on the earth surface and
metamorphosed into a particle in form of a written note and produces
“M.O.R.E AGENDA” in alphabetical order and ascends to the sky and form a
rainbow; the Governor drives in; the widow reacts; the Governor wyns down
the front of his car glass to speak to the widow].

GOVERNOR: What are you thinking that made you to stand in the middle of the road
and now you have lost your egg and you don’t know what it means?
MRS MAGRET: (Crying) How do you mean by I don’t know what it means for a poor
widow like me to have lost the only egg I just bought with my last money to warm the
only remaining soup that I and my children will eat before we die of hunger because we
do not have any other means of livelihood.
GOVERNOR: (He picks two bunches of money) Come and take (the widow is shocked
and afraid) come don’t be afraid. Take. It’s for you.
MRS MAGRET: (Receiving the money, she confirms it) who are you sir?
GOVERNOR: I am “M.O.R.E”. You will get to meet with my consultant because you are
my client.
MRS MAGRET: What is more; I am confused sir?
GOVERNOR: M.O.R.E means Meaningful Development; Opportunity for all; realistic
reforms and enhanced peace and security. My More Agenda for widows like you is to
“robust engagement with traditional institution and collaboration among all security to
maintain peace and order and to give you the opportunity to be financial independent”.
MRS MAGRET: How did you know that I am a widow?
GOVERNOR: (Giving her a flyer from Winners Chapel) I know that you are a widow
because God has sent me to help the widows. Make sure that you come to church on
Sunday
MRS MAGRET: (Bowing) thank you sir (The Governor driving away as the widow
waves. She suddenly wakes from sleep and exclaim) Jesus Christ. What kind of dream
is this? (She covers her children with wrapper and sleeps back)

89
 ACT FOURTEEN
SCENE FIVE

[In a sequence the widow and her children are still lying in the floor of the
open shade opposite Kwale Park, Koka Junction while the daughter Mary is
dreaming; in this dream the widow and her children are looking very sick and
hungry; they are sitting under a mango tree in Ogbe-Uzoma farm forest with
a bowl begging money from the villagers going to farm but no one rendered
any assistance to them. They notice a team of about five police officers
walking towards them and they ran away. The police ran after them.]

MRS MAGRET: (Singing a sorrowful song crying) Binulu Onu enyioh Chukwu bianule
onu ekwamo) 4x owele oge ike madu ga kali ikechukwu, owele oge ike onye iro ga kali
ikechukwu. Nna nulu oh; olise bini-igwe bianu onu ekwam; nna nulu oh onyekeni-uwa
bianulu onu-enyioh.
(The children join her singing and crying and all of a sudden; they notice the police
men)
MARY: (Pointing at them) Mama see police
(They stood immediately and started running; the police officers running after them;
they got to a point where Aghata and Obinna could no longer cope; they pause and the
police officers meet them; the widow and her children surrounded by lifting their hands
up)
MRS MAGRET: (Fidgeting with her children and breathing fast) Please! Please am not
a witch; don’t kill me
OFFICER 1: We are here to help you.
MRS MAGRET: Help me?
Officer 2: Yes, the Governor has made provisions for you and your safety is our goal.
OFFICER 1: Come let’s take you to the police station so we can listen to you and take
your statement. Sorry for all that you have gone through with your lovely children. The
Governor is creating awareness campaign on the “Widows Police Security Scheme
Project”.
MRS MAGRET: (Confusedly as she shocks and faint; about to fall on the ground and
immediately the police rescued her from falling and all of a sudden Mary wakes up)
MARY: (Shouting) Jesus Christ! Blood of Jesus.
MRS MAGRET: (Suddenly wakes) what is it?
MARY: I saw the police pursuing us from Ogbe-Uzoma farm road and they said the
Governor is there for us. They were about taking us to the police station mama when
you fainted.

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MRS MAGRET: Jesus Christ, I also saw myself in a dream were the Governor was
giving me huge sum of money. Let us pray and ask God for interpretation of this dream
and to council every works of the enemy and give us the enablement to flourish in this
hard time. (The widow and her daughter praying silently while Aghata and Obinna are
still sleeping).

ACT FIFTEEN
SCENE ONE

[Two days after, the widow and her children are sitting in front of Winners
Chapel State Headquarters close to Koka Junction begging for money; it got
to about 7:45 am thereafter; the church members were trooping into the
church in different costumes; car owners driving in; the protocol officers are
on duty; directing the cars and ushering the church members into the
auditorium; John; the leader of the ushering unit is walking towards the
widow. All of a sudden; the widow and her children started walking up to the
road where they met the Governor’s convoy with his wife, children, escorts
driving in; the widow and her children quickly lie down in front of the convoy
crying for help; the church members videoing the incidence with their
phones.]

MRS MAGRET: Help the poor widow; please help the widow; I and my children are
dyeing of hunger and we are very sick. I am a poor woman with children; my late
husband died and his younger brother took everything we labored for all through our
marriage and sent me out of my husband’s house without benefits, thereafter connived
and bribed the chieftaincy and chased me out of the community. He monitores me
everywhere; turning my helpers against me
JOHN: (Walks up to the widow); I am trying my best to help you but it seems you
don’t want to help yourself; this gate is not your muster point; go to the road entrance
and do your begging. Be fast before you put me into trouble. (The widow not very
happy about the situation; she moves her children towards the road entrance; they
notice the Governor’s convoy; people are waving at him; calling him your Excellency;
the widow and her children realizing it is the Governor’s convoy; quickly lies down and
the Governor stops the car; the ushers trying to pull her away but she became
calculative and resisted all forms of distractions).
GOVERNOR: (Wining down his car glass) don’t touch her. (He opens the car door and
letting down, he extend a hand shake to the widow) Madam who are you and what do
you want?

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MRS MAGRET: I am a poor widow from Umuezei. My late husband’s younger brother
Chief Obiefula accused me of been responsible for the death of my late husband;
named me a witch; subjected me to fetish traditions all in the name of traditions and
customs of the land; took away all that I and my late husband has labored for; drove
me from my late husband’s family and bribed the chieftaincy to banish me from the
land. I and my children are not safe, we are very sick and we have no food, no shelter,
nobody to listen to my story; your Excellency you are the only former speaker that
lasted for 8 years since the inception of Democracy in Delta State; I am from Sapele in
Okpe Local Government but I was brought up in Osubi, Warri Delta State; I know how
many youths you have empowered or is it the construction of block of classrooms;
many women today are singing your praises on your double agenda for the women in
our society; most especially the widows. I am a widow; please help me, here are my
children, I have no money to take care of them; since my husband died; I know no
man; God is my husband; He is my shepherd and I shall not want.
GOVERNOR: (Had pity on the widow and her children) I understand that you are a
widow; you and your children are sick; you have been chased away from your late
husband’s family and banished from the land that is why you are crying for help. My
Government has made provisions for your upkeep. (He quickly signals the escorts)
madam you have to be in good health condition first. You and your children will be
taken to a medical equipped hospitals approved to give free treatment to widows like
you and I have granted a waiver for your children to be given medical attention free of
charge?
MRS MAGRET: (Surprisingly) just like that
GOVERNOR: One thing at a time gives each and everyone of us the opportunity to
listen more because when you listen more; we can achieve more.
ESCORT 1: (Ushering the widow and her children to the car; while they are driving
out; all the church members standing by and others entering the church with the
Governor).

ACT FIFTEEN
SCENE TWO

[Church activities has just been rounded off. It’s about 9:45 am; when the
residence pastor is rounding up the closing prayer and he ended up by saying
“happy Christmas in advance”. The choristers immediately followed up with a
carol song while the Governor and his wife moves to exchange pleasantries
with the pastor; immediately the press interviews the Governor. The widow
and her children at this point is already in the Government medical approved
centre taking free medical treatment.]
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PRESS 1: Your Excellency; so many people who are not members of this church; so
many of them are here for second service because they want to confirm the widow’ Mrs
Magret’s story that is trending on social media. How true is it?
GOVERNOR: It is part of evangelism for people to gather in the church because of my
interest in the issues of the widows of Delta State; this automatically has given birth to
the Widows Evangelical Movement so we can reach out to the vulnerable women, most
especially the widows in the society. So it is true.
PRESS 2: So what is the condition of the widow as it stands.
GOVERNOR: The widow and her children is already in the hospital in my approved
“widows medical centre” with a waiver for her children to be treated free. It is a
manifesto in my political line to deliver the key to unlock the developmental potential of
Delta State youths, elevate the standard of loving for the poor and vulnerable ones,
women and most especially the widows. It is an upmost priority and I am not relenting
till I get an “advance Delta” I have double the widows standard of living from the
phenomenon to “Sherrif is doing more for the widows”.
PRESS 1: Wau, many people are of the opinion that you are trying to convert the
widow to your church by rendering assistance to her and her children. What do you
have to say about this?
GOVERNOR: It is not a personal affair. It is an initiative and it is for all concern
Deltans. I have put institutions available to do more for all Deltans; irrespective of your
religion, ethnicity or political affiliation once you are a residence in Delta State and you
are verified widow, you are free to partake in the ongoing social investment
programmes ongoing in Delta State. So I repeat any widow that is residence in Delta
State; whether you are Hausa, Urhobo, Yoruba, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Igbo, Calabar just to
mention a few, in as much as you recide in Delta State, you and your children are free
to undergo a free medical treatment in the Government approved medical centre. The
more you look; the less you see (The Governor moves with the wife; accompanied by
escorts; they enter the convoy one after the other cars they drive away).

ACT FIFTEEN
SCENE THREE

[Chief Obiefula is sited unhappily on the chair right before the chief priest of
Umuezei Agwu Nnam watching the Governor’s end bits in the previous scene
in an ancestral marine ancient mirror. The mirror on the floor in the middle of
circle drawn with native chalk, surrounded with a rope made of cowries.]

AGWU NNAM: (Afraid) there is fire on the mountain

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CHIEF OBIEFULA: Set a cousion among the Winners Church members and make
them to believe that the widow is a witch; turn the face of the Governor against the
widow and stop the Government from helping the widow.
AGWU NNAM: You can only send a letter message to the widow by spiritual invocation
and kill the widow before the Governor will move his Government to her favour because
the Governor does not want to hear that a widow is crying. He listens to all Deltans and
he is achieving more for the widow. It is a diary behind his victory against the rod of his
enemies and there is nothing anybody can do about it. Even the witches are happy with
the Governor’s manifesto because many witches who actually killed their husbands and
both the innocent are also benefiting from the More Agenda of the Governor of the
State.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: You are a great chief priest of Ahaba kingdom and there is nothing
impossible with the gods. Agwu we don’t want the Governor and his widows project in
my community. (With all boldness). If the widow dies now I will be a suspect; Agwu
just do what I asked you to do.
AGWU NNAM: (Nodding his head) Chief Obiefula you will not understand. You cannot
mention the name of that Living Faith Church here or else you will die a shameful death
and you will loose everything we have been fighting for from the onset.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: So what do we do?
AGWU NNAM: I have told you what next to do or may be we could think of a better
option but I will not mention the name of that Living Faith man and his church here.

ACT FIFTEEN
SCENE FOUR

[A number of women are sitting in the entrance of the widows medical

approved centre; some already sitted at reception with the movement of
nurses, doctors and hospital attendant rushing several widows into their
different wards. The commissioner for women affairs convoy is parked at the
car space in the hospital; meanwhile she and some Government official, chief
medical officer with the widows enumeration team and members of women
on mission support group moving from one ward to the other visiting widows
in their wards; they moved from ward 3 where they met a Fulani widow on
oxygen with the nurse giving her proper medical attention.]

COMMISSIONER: Nurse; how is she coping?

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NURSE 1: We hope that she would be fine; she encountered a mob lead by some
members of her late husband’s family. After the death of her late husband; it was
discovered that she was bringing young boys into her matrimonial bed.
COMMISSIONER: Is there any evidence or police report to the accusation?
NURSE 1: No ma! (They move to the next ward 5 were they met couple of about 4
widows from different religious background; two nurses in antecedence. The widows
are all looking healthy; they have finished taking their medical treatment and about to
be discharged)
YORUBA WIDOW: (Noticing the commissioner for women affairs; she awesomely
reacted) widow alert)2x
AKWA IBOM WIDOW: Sheriff is doing more for the widows)2x
ASABA WIDOW: Sheriff deh double am
ALL THE WIDOWS: (Responding in unisom) We deh see am.
COMMISSIONER: (Happily) Omo Yoruba! Akwa Ibom! Asaba woman! Madam were
are you from?
LIBERIAN WIDOW: I am Liberian widow residing in Delta State. My late husband is a
retired soldier from Umuezei
COMMISSIONER: (Smiling) Good! You can see the proof that the Governor is for
everybody no matter where you are coming from as long as you are a residence in
Delta State; you are free to benefit from all of these. Congratulations I can see that you
are now living in a good health condition and you are about to be discharged. Nurse
thank you; I can see that you people are doing a nice work.
NURSE 2: Yes ma
NURSE 3: Please help us salute the Governor. (They move to the nex ward 6 were
some of the widows children are diagnosed of “Autism” by some team of medical
doctor)
COMMISSIONER: How is it going?
DOCTOR 1: We are on it and I believe that they will all get better.
COMMISSIONER: These are widows children including the vulnerable women in the
society; Governor has receive an overwhelming support from non-governmental and
no-profit organizations to diagnose children with Autism and His Excellency is
encouraging us to achieve more because the provisions has been made.
DOCTOR 2: That is true madam and as you can witness; work is ongoing; you have
our programmes and we have crowds of people testifying to our achievement so far
and we promise to put in more effort.
COMMISSIONER: (Smiling) I am happy to hear that; I tell the Governor that you are
putting your best and please don’t relent. (They proceed to ward 9 to meet with the
widow and her children eating from different take away of fried rice and chicken with
can juice. The widow and her children are very happy as they greets)
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MRS MAGRET/MARY/AGHATA/OBINNA: Good afternoon ma; Good day Doctor
(They all respond)
COMMISSIONER: You are Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula; I can see that you and
your children are now healthy.
MRS MAGRET: Yes ma (expectantly)
COMMISSIONER: I am Mrs Ibusa the commissioner of women affairs in this state and
the Governor is aware that I am here. Here are my enumeration team, members of
women support group and widows evangelical movement. We are all from Government
house and we are here because of you. Congratulations the Governor heard your cry
(Giving her the widows alert form) Fill this form; it is called the verified widows alert
form; please state your account details clearly because any moment from now; you will
be receiving double monthly stipends above your expectation
MRS MAGRET: Jesus! Really! The Governor is really a nice man (They quickly gives
her biro as she I filling the form)
COMMISSIONER: (She carries Obinna) How are you?
OBINNA: Am fine; thank you ma
COMMISSIONER: Has he been diagnosed?
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER: Yes ma. He has been diagnosed and he is not suffering
from autism. (The widow giving her back the widows alert form as she carries Obinna
from her)
COMMISSIONER: Hope your phone number is here
MRS MAGRET: Yes ma
COMMISSIONER: Good, very soon you will be invited to government house to take
your finger print and you will be added to the widows data base for you to be verified
so you can be eligible for training under the widows skills acquisition training in hair
dressing such as braid, washing and setting, then industrial soap making such as proper
treatment and handling of chemical materials, safety standard, chemical requirement,
composition, desired end product, or tailoring on how to cut clothes, how to sew, you
can also be trained in baking; all kinds of cake, small chops, corn dog, you can also be
trained and empowered in trade.
MRS MAGRET: How much will the training cost ma?
COMMISSIONER: It’s free, you are not paying for it. The Government has made
provisions for you. (Bringing out a fat envelope containing huge some of money). This
is for you, by the time you are discharged from this hospital with your children, with the
money in your hands, you can go to the nearest police station within your area and
make your entry and arrest the people accusing you. We will be glad to have your story
in details. The Governor is behind you in as much as you are a widow.
EVANGELIST JAPHAT: I am a peace ambassador and a widows advocate. I am here
on behalf of my group to support you with this sum of money (Giving her another
96
envelope; the widow’s mouth wide open without altering a word; she stands
overwhelmed)
MRS RUKEVWE: Mingwo
MRS MAGRET: Vrendo
MRS RUKEVWE: I am a member of your matter charity organization under the women
on mission support group. This envelope is for you
MRS MAGRET: (The widow explain in Urhobo dialect) Ibabo! Igbunu oh! Ibabo!
Oghene rukevwe! Oghene wado (She raises her wrapper showering praises on the
Governor of the state) help me thank the Governor; Ebruwiyor, economic developer,
infrastructural developer, human capital developer, environmental sustainer; my
financial independence. God bless you Governor. Who am I that you are mindful of o
Lord? From the mouth of the babes and of the nursing infants you ordained strength
that you might inhabit the praises of your people. I return all the glory to you o Lord.
(All of a sudden; the widow and her children started crying in tears; the commissioner
consoling them).

ACT FIFTEEN
SCENE FIVE

[At 12:00am midnight the following day, the widow and her children are far
asleep in the hospital bed when two black cats appears and started
manipulating. The entire hospital vibrating, ; the widow suddenly wake; she
carried the Bible and started pleading for spiritual assistance; the two cats
immediately turn to the Chief Priest of Umuezei and Chief Obiefula and
disappears.]

MRS MAGRET: Blood of Jesus; I cover this hospital with the precious blood of Jesus.
He that dweleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of
the almighty. Oh Lord you are my refuge and my fortress; the Lord in whom I trust; not
my head, not my children’s head; (Touching their forehead with the Bible; immediately
the cats turns to Chief Priest and Chief Obiefula and disappears and she notices the
Doctor’s entrance)
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER: I overhead you shouting and I felt something wrong was
going on; I never knew you were soliciting for the hand of the Almighty
MRS MAGRET: Oh thank you Doctor for you understanding. Matthew 18:19-20 says:
“Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that
they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my father which is in heaven. For where two
or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them”. Thank
you for agreeing with me.
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CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER: No problems but please you will have to bring down your
voice a little because of the other women and widows in the next two wards please.
MRS MAGRET: God is able; I will Doctor.

ACT SIXTEEN
SCENE ONE

[The widow and her children sitting on the chairs apparently before the chief
medical officer signing a discharge receipt. The widow and her children are
looking different in a new Asagba-Umuezei native apparel. They are looking
sound and healthy; they are very happy.]

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER: Mrs Magret; here is your receipt. The Governor has heard
your cry.
MRS MAGRET: Thank you
MARY/AGHATA/OBINNA: (In unison) Thank you Doctor
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER: You and your children is now medically fit to resume
social duties and I hope that you will do what is required of you to gain back your
freedom.
MRS MAGRET: I lay bold on it by faith. It is a principle set out in Mark 11:23-24.
Believe it in your heart and confess it with your mouth.
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER: (Bringing out a fat envelope) This is for you from my
pocket, please manage it. Congratulations
MRS MAGRET: (Their mouth is wide open) Doctor! You again?
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER: It’s nothing; we get package from the Governor on the
assistance we render to the needy and even from God, cooperate bodies, individual
donations; so it is just a token. Congratulations. Once again (He stretches his right
hand to shake the widow and her children)
MRS MAGRET: (Shockedly) When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion; they
were like those that were dreaming and behold their mouth was filled with laughter and
they said the Lord has done a great thing. May His name alone be praised (she started
crying with her children).

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 ACT SIXTEEN
SCENE TWO

[The widow with her children in tears of joy inside a keke driving inside the
Area Command Police Station; the keke driver quickly brings down their
backo bag while the widow and her children are coming down from the keke.
The widow Settles the keke driver who is driving out. They walk interior to
meet with two Police Officers on duty. Some suspect sitting at the counter;
immediately the Director of Police Officer is walking with other Officers in
the Police Operation Unit and asked.]

D.P.O: Madam who are you? And why are you crying with your children?
MRS MAGRET: I lost my husband and his younger brother named me a witch because
I refused his sexual harassment and drove me out of my late husband’s house. He took
away all my children’s inheritance. Now we have no home. We have been advised to
come to the Police Station.
D.P.O: What does he have against you apart from witchcraftism because the police
have no business with spiritual affairs. What we are after is your safety and through the
“Governor awareness against harmful widowhood practices”, in his new advocacy on
widows police security scheme. The police is here to listen to your complaint and we
shall take all necessary steps in maintenance of law and order to guarantee your
freedom. You will go with Officer Yusuf to take your statement. He is your I.P.O
OFFICE YUSUF: Yes sir.
D.P.O: No follow him and pit down your statement. I want every details. You know
what I mean?
OFFICER YUSUF: Yes sir. Madam oya follow me (The widow’s children sitting at the
counter while she joins the Inspector Police Officer at the Divisional Crime Branch.
While they are sited, the I.P.O provided a report sheet for her)
I.P.O: Madam take this paper and biro and give me all the details about your
experience with your husband’s brother, meanwhile don’t forget to put your full name,
local government, and make sure you don’t write outside the margin.
MRS MAGRET: Thank you sir. Please how much is the case file?
I.P.O: (Laughing) It is free as much as you are a vulnerable woman or widow residing
in the Delta State, the Governor has made provisions for police to give you listening
ears under the widow’s police security scheme, irrespective of your political affiliation as
long as you are living in Delta State. If we don’t listen to you, we can’t achieve more, so
you don’t need to pay any level. Just make sure you say the truth because police works
with facts and only the truth will set you free

99
MRS MAGRET: (Happily) Governor too much oh. (The widow begins to write her
statement).

ACT SIXTEEN
SCENE THREE

[The I.P.O standing unhappily before the D.P.O in his office. The D.P.O is
reading the statement of the widow in tears as he quickly sign.]

D.P.O: (Wiping his tears) I got a call from the Commissioner for Women Affairs and
several Government officials concerning this matter. The news on my table is that the
Governor is interested in this matter.
I.P.O: (Sadly) What baffles me in this case is that Umuezei – Traditions and customs
that I know does not discriminate widows in as much as their late husbands are
indigenes of Umuezei land. They respect and value their women with regards in
according them the respect of “Osodierin” which means it is their rites and privileges to
enjoy their late husband’s money or source of income, whatever he left before his
death.
D.P.O: (Giving him back the file) Go and make photocopies of about 2 and prepared an
official report to the Ministry of Women Affairs.
I.P.O: Sir she has already filled the widow alert form and has also be taken to the
widows medical hospital and any moment from now she will be verified for the widows
skill acquisition training.
D.P.O “I am aware but it’s our responsibility to make it an official report.
I.P.O: Yes sir (Salutes in the police tradition, holding the case file and exit)

ACT SIXTEEN
SCENE FOUR

[One hour later; guest are seated under the mango shade with some officials
of the police anti-squad talking agitatedly while police activities is ongoing.
The widow, alongside her children steps out from the interior of the police
station with their bag to join the D.P.O, I.P.O and other police officers well
armed. They are standing besides a brand new Russian car. They open the
car and ushers the widow and her children in.]

D.P.O: (Opens the car for her and her children and put the bag in the boot). Madam
enter inside the car (They does same as he quickly picks his radio message and
respond to it) we are on our way to Umuezei community to make an arrest of a chief
100
with harmful devices against a widow alleged to have killed her husband. The matter is
still under investigation. (Let the radio message as the police officers enter the car; they
zoom off).

ACT SIXTEEN
SCENE FIVE

[A group of villagers are gathered in Chief Obiefula’s compound. The D.P.O

leads the officers to the front door of the chief while the widow and her
children are sitting inside the car. The villagers wondering what is going on,
the Chief main body guard walks in from the backyards.]

D.P.O: (Bringing out his ID card) I am Divisional Police Officers from A Division. Is this
the house of Chief Obiefula?
BODY GUARD: Yes but he is not on seat now. He went out for a traditional function
and I don’t know when he will be coming back
D.P.O: When he comes back, ask him to report at A Division. Tell him that it is very
urgent.
BODY GUARD: Yes sir (They enter the car and drive away; the villagers continues to
wonder)
ACT SEVENTEEN
SCENE ONE
[King Osondu is in a secrete meeting with Chief Obiefula, Chief Okorie, Chief
Raymond, Chief Osakwe, the drunkered Chief Okwudili and the Chief Priest
right in front of the palace, all sitting in a round atable containing a plate of
broken red kolanuts and money with alchoholice drinks both local mixture,
the king is interpreting the letter sent to him from the office of the Governor
concerning the widow and other widows in the community. While they are
deliberating; the drunkard Chief Okwudili is busy drinking to stupor. The
guards in a far distance with the gate man opening the small gate for the
D.P.O and his troupe in the car horning. The guard in charge of the gate
quickly rushes to inform the king and immediately Chief Obiefula and the
Chief Pries went into hiding; the gate man returns to the gate to open for
them while they enter. Many of the villagers gathered.]

KING ASONDU: (Reading some parts of the letter from the Governor) The petition on
my table is too grievous and I as sitting Governor can never tolerate this nonsense. The
report I have here is that you intimidate the women in your community; most especially
the widows. You name them witches, force them to fetish tradition and customs of the
101
land against their religion; giving bribery to frustrate them with close relatives to drive
them from their late husband’s family and banish them from the land, after which you
partake in the shearing of their late husband’s properties. This is nonsense
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cuts in) Who could have petitioned the Governor? Chief Osakwe
you are a suspect.
CHIEF OKORIE: I taught of that; who ever that is behind this will face the wrath of
the gods of our land Onitche Ahaba
CHIEF OSAKWE: (Cuts in) Is it the gods that I know that asked you to intimidate our
women or another gods?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cuts in) I said at; I said it that Chief Osakwe is responsible for all
these petitions coming from the office of the Governor.
CHIEF OSAKWE: Chief Obiefula go and burry your pride in shame and repent before it
is too late.
CHIEF OKWUDILI: (Drunk) My King; please read this your letter to the place where
the Governor mentioned Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula; as a case study. “You all know
who the Governor is referring to and you cannot continue to cover the anus of a busy
old school native fowl shaking the bombom when the wind is blowing”.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Angrily) Look at this drunkard Chief who claim to be a pensioner
and yet cannot spell his name; even the names he single handedly named his children.
Let me change it for you. Now listen; if you don’t stop talking; I will kill you. You dead
among the living.
CHIEF OKWUDILI: That letter is already in social media and there is no hidden place
for wicked people like you. Pray without season to your gods repeatedly because the
God of the widow is about to expose you.
CHIEF RAYMOND: (Cuts in) My king; are you done? Who is the Governor referring to?
KING OSONDU: (Reading a clause in the letter) where is Mrs Magret Omonigho
Obiefula? I want you to revisit her case and bring just her matter. As a matter of fact I
have approved her story to be published for people to know what widows go through
after the death of their husband and I am sure you will not like what the law will befall
on you if you refuse to do the needful. (Folding the letter) Can you imagine.
CHIEF RAYMOND: Imagine what
KING OSONDU: (Reacts to the D.P.O’s troupe honing at the gate) Who are those
people at the gate?
GATE MAN: (Opening the small gate) What are you people looking for?
D.P.O: (He comes down from the car and showed him his I.D card) I am the D.P.O of
A Division. We are here to see the king.
GATE MAN: (He looks straight inside the car and notices the widow and her children;
he quickly locks the gate and ran to the king) Your majesty; the widow is here with the

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D.P.O and some other Police Officers; they said they are here to see you. (Chief
Obiefula and the Chief Priest afraid; the King confused; Chief Osakwe laughing)
CHIEF OKWUDILI: Go and open that gate or I open it myself. They have come to
arrest Chief Obiefula and the Chief Priest here is a suspect.
GATE MAN: (Confusedly) What do I do my king? They are still outside waiting?
KING OSONDU: Open the gate for them. (Immediately Chief Obiefula and the Chief
Priest ran into hiding; the gate man quickly opens the gate as they enters with the
widow and her children.
D.P.O: Your Majesty.
KING OSONDU: My D.P.O (shamelessly hiding the letter) you are welcome; please sit
down and make yourself comfortable.
D.P.O: No sir. I and my men are here on the account of this widow. There is a strong
allegation against you. Do you know this woman?
KING OSONDU: (Responding in a trickish way) Hmm! Yes of course and what about
her?
D.P.O: The report we have is that you supported one Chief Obiefula who happens to
be her late husband’s younger brother and you single handedly sent this woman out of
this village after collecting bribe from Chief Obiefula.
CHIEF OKWUDILI: (Drunk) Exactly D.P.O you must be correct. Are you a prophet or
a native doctor police officer?
KING ODONDU: I didn’t receive any bribe from Chief Obiefula and I am not aware
that Chief Obiefula did so to this widow; please forgive him; I am the king and now that
the matter has been brought to my table I can assure you that the security of the
widow is guaranteed henceforth.
VILLAGERS: (Shocked as they starting murmuring one after the other)
CHIEF OKWUDILI: (Drunk) My king you can lie.
D.P.O: We have orders from above to arrest Chief Obiefula for all his harmful devices
against this widow.
CHIEF OKORIE: I hope you know you are in the presence of the king and tittled men
and the chief in question is not here. We are about to commence his coronation as the
village chief of this community and he is a staff of Government house Asaba.
D.P.O: Nobody is above the law since your traditions and customs can not guarantee
the safety of its citizens; let the law take his course; your majesty; please put a call on
Chief Obiefula now because I am sure you know his were about. Let him meet us here
or we take all of you here to station to take your statement and take the matter to
court.
KING OSONDU: Haba D.P.O; it hasn’t gotten to that; the Governor has also written
me on this matter and I am preparing my letter to respond to him; that is why we are

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here. The widow could not pay her summon fee, that made me handicap over her
matter. It is our tradition to do so irrespective of your religion.
MRS MAGRET: (Quickly deep hand inside her left brazier and brings out ten thousand
naira note and drops it on the table.) Here is my ten thousand naira for my summon
fee and drinks.
D.P.O: You have it now; she never had it before, that is why you took sides with her;
not that she was not ready to pay
CHIEF OSAKWE: Over to you your majesty (Immediately the villagers stated
grumbling; some are bringing out their phones videoing the king; they are all waiting
for the king’s final verdict on the widow’s matter)
CHIEF RAYMOND: Let the king speak; your majesty; the entire people of Umuezei are
watching us and it is a thing of shame to cajole us to the station because of the issues
of the widow. it is unfair to take sides at this point in time; my hands are clean and I
owe nothing against this widow.
CHIEF OKWUDILI: (Lying on the floor) Even me; if you want me to show you where
Chief Obiefula and the Chief is hiding to prove my innocence; I will.
D.P.O: Save yourself and show us now before we arrest all of you.
KING OSONDU: (Cuts in) Don’t mind him; he is drunk
VILLAGERS: (All shouting) it’s a lie (All grumbling; while some are chanting in song)
All we are saying; give us justice (They sang continuously as the king could no longer
with hold justice against the widow).
CHIEF OSAKWE: Withhold the widow nothing or you face this embarrassment
yourself.
KING OSONDU: (Raising his left hand to calm the crowd) People of Umuezei; the
widow has finally brought her summon fee. I have found out that the widow is innocent
of the allegation leveled against her by her husband’s family after a re-examination. I
king Osondu Osadebe Kingsley Odogun hereby revoke the consequences of traditions
and customs of the land of Umuezei (pouring liabation on the ground) against Mrs
Magret Omonigho Obiefula and the people of Umuezei will hence forth begin to see you
as a widow mourning her late husband and they will begin to associate with you and
render all necessary assistance to you. I restore all your privileges and I accord you the
respect of osodieri as a widow enjoying the privileges of her late husband.
MRS MAGRET: (Shouting and crying) Praise the Lord; praise, praise, praise, praise the
Lord
POLICE OFFICERS: Hallelujah.
KING OSONDU: As for Chief Obiefula; I will personally speak with him and inform him
of your visit. If he wishes not to yield to my instructions; them let the law take it’s
course

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D.P.O: The Governor has warned that henceforth no hand should touch this widow and
every other widows in this community (Exchanging pleasantries with the chiefs as the
viillagers begin to embrace and snap with the widow and her children,the D.P.O quickly
leads the way to the gate as they usher the widow and her children to the car and
drives away. They are taking the widow and her children back to her late husband’s
house)

ACT SEVENTEEN
SCENE TWO

[At the mini uncompleted building belonging to the late husband of the
widow, the widow and her children with the police officers and the d.p.o
awesomely rejoicing over the victory of the widow; non of the villager were
present there because of fear of police; the widow has opened her door
offering the officers a long bench but the d.p.o objected to such comfort
based on official duty while the police were about leaving; some of the
widows in Umuezei ran in to meet with them].

MRS MAGRET: D.P.O sir, please have your seat.

D.P.O: We are on a special duty; (He picks the radio message and respond to voice
message) The King of Umuezei intervened and the chief is no where to be found. The
widow is now back to her husband’s house. Investigation still on going; thank you
(keeping the radio message in his pocket.)
MRS MAGRET: Okay let me send Mary to get you people drink.
D.P.O: Madam James 1 verse 27 say, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God,
the father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep one self
unstained from the world”. I.P.O over to you.
I.P.O: Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula. What the D.P.O is explaining to you is; The
Police don’t need any favour from you. It is our responsibility to secure you; feel very
free to report to the police on this matter. We know his office in Government house; we
already know he is hiding in that palace; the Governor already knows the truth; we are
only investigating.
MRS MAGRET: Wau! So?
D.P.O: (Cuts in) Let me come in; open the car boot; I am talking to you Mrs Magret.
MRS MAGRET: Oh sorry sir; (She quickly opens the car boot to see gas cooker; bag of
rice; a bag of beans; 3 cartons of tin tomatoes; 4 cartons of indomie; a sack of garri;
clothes and other food items) Don’t shock me D.P.O

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D.P.O: You are lucky because you have a Governor that have a listening ear; He listens
to the cry of the vulnerable women in the society most especially widows like you.
Officers bring those things out (They do as instructed)
I.P.O: (Bringing out a fat envelope from his pocket) I am your I.P.O; I know how many
northern widows the Governor is empowering. Take; I give back in return for His
Excellency’s advocacy on the widows Police security scheme initiative. (They quickly
assist the widow and brings out all the food items.)
D.P.O: We will send your report to the Governor. We are happy for you. The police is
always there at your beck and call. (He notices the women walking in fear) who are
you?
MRS MABEL: I am a poor widow under the bondage of my late husband’s elder
brother; He sleeps with me every night; I have done many abortions for him and my
womb is damaged and yet he does not talk about the welfare of my children; I respect
the God of this widow; I heard about your support towards her issue and I want you to
help me and I want you to also beg the Governor to help me
MRS MAGRET: Oh praise the Lord; Hallelujah
D.P.O: Go ahead; the Police is there for you.
ASHINEDU: (Holding a fat nylon containing 500 thousand naira notes and a house key
as he kneels on the floor pleading) Please D.P.O help me beg her to forgive me. I am a
poor widow; when I lost my late husband; things were so difficult for me; even to put
food on the table for I and my children to eat became a problem.
I.P.O: Go straight to the point
ASHINEDU: When I visited Chief Obiefula for assistance as my late husband’s bosom
friend; he offered me the job of a caretaker in her late father’s family house where the
widow’s late husband is suppose to be managing as the first son because according to
the traditions and customs of the land; her husband is meant to be occupying the main
building as the first son of Obiefula family. Instead Chief Obiefula gave me and my
children the family house to live while the widow and her children have been suffering
D.P.O: What do you want us to do for you?
ASHINEDU: I have given my life to Christ. I will no longer connive with Chief Obiefula
to intimidate a poor widow like me. Here is five hundred thousand naira I received as
rent from the new tenants that just parked into the compound. Here is the keys to the
main building
D.P.O: Were are your properties?
ASHINEDU: I did not park in with any property apart from the clothes I and my
children wore the day we where chased out from my late husband’s family. (Crying) All
the properties in the house belong to the Obieful Please forgive me
D.P.O: Accept them in good faith. It’s your rites; you can see that with the help of the
Governor and the support of the police your hope is restored.
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MRS MAGRET: (Receiving the money and the house keys from her; she was filled with
joy and she began to speak in tongues for a while with a Bible recitation) Oh Lord; thou
has lifted my spirit by wipping away my fears; you have restored the joy of my
salvation and has renewed the right spirit within me. Who can battle with you? No
wonder Lamentation 3 vs 37 says “Who can challenge you? Who is that mountain that
will say a thing and it shall come to pass.” You have indeed visited me in my affliction
and has turned my sorrows into joy. Colossian 2 verse 2 – 3 says “That their hearts
might be comforted, being knit together in love and into all riches of the full assurance
of understanding to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God and of the father, and
of Christ. In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and understanding. I have
forgiven you. (Lifting her up and embracing her)
MRS ADINEBO: (Tall dark with red lips. She is heavily pregnant) D.P.O since my late
husband died; i have been under the bondage of my late husband’s brother; a younger
brother for that matter. The reason he did not sent me parking from my late husband’s
house is why I am pregnant; he has driven all my daughters away from my late
husband’s house is because everyday he comes to make love to me. I have just three
weeks left to put to birth and he does not care about my welfare. I have not gone for
antenatal or registered in any hospital; please help me.
MRS MAGRET: You will be taken care of by his grace.
MRS ADINEBO: Amen. Our late husband’s family will come after us if they find out
that we reported their matter to you sir
D.P.O: You people will follow us to the Police Station and your security will be
guaranteed.
ASHINEDU: (Surprised) You mean that as the Governor has done for Mrs Magret; he
will also do for us?
D.P.O: Yes; we shall be on our way to the Police Station. We are expecting you. (They
exchange pleasantry with the widows; enter the car and zoom off; Mrs Magret and her
children waves.
ASHINEDU: Mama Mary how much will the Police collect for us to make an entry?
MRS MAGRET: It’s free (Giving out some money to them) Go and make your report
and lets see the outcome. God is able (They thanked the widow and left. The widow
and her children begins to smile and praising God).

107
 ACT SEVENTEEN
SCENE THREE

[At the governor’s office is the governor making a phone call with the
Commissioner for Women Affairs in the presence of King Osondu, D.P.O,
I.P.O, King Ajah, Chief Raymond, Chief Obi and Mrs Brate Oghenebrume, they
and Lady Joy. they are representatives from the two communities where the
widow was maltreated. The Governor has surmoned them through the Police
restore peace.]

GOVERNOR: (Well dressed in suit and has lens hanging above is spoted nose. He has
a small pot belly too) I want you to begin plans for the widows national day celebration.
I want to make my manifesto known to all the widows in Delta State that I am turning
the widows welfare scheme into a realistic reform that will engender the double
monthly stipends, the inclusion of the widows children in the health insurance scheme
and skills acquisitiuon training global with high propensity of the widows.
COMMISSIONER: (Voice over) Your Excellency I believe in your vision for women
generally in Delta State and I am overwhelmed that you are reforming the widows
sector in the appropriate channel. You areleading by doing more and we follow. I will
sir
GOVERNOR: Thank you. (He keeps the phone) As I was saying, you said you are a
king and what have you. Introduce yourselves let me hear from you. You are what?
KING AJA: King of Ogbe-Uzoma in Okpanam village Your Excellency.
CHIEF OBI: The spokes man and the high chief to the king of Ogbe-Uzoma
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: I am Mrs Brate Oghenebrume Okoro the
women leader of Ogbe-Uzoma community
GOVERNOR: Mingwo
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: Vrendo ose…
GOVERNOR: (Pointing at King Osondu) you
KING OSONDU: King of Umuezei community
LADY JOY: I am Lady Joy, I am a widow with 6 grown up children; I am the women
leader of Umuezei. (She quickly kneels down) Please forgive me; I am the one Chief
Obiefula paid to connive with my excos to name the innocent widow a witch. Please
help me; I have seen more finger print in the life of the widows that is why I am here; I
am happy that it has come to stay in my community. I have given my life to Christ
because of your character. (Crying)
GOVERNOR: (Surprised) stand up; I want to ask you; is your king aware that Chief
Obiefula bribed you or any other person in that community?
LADY JOY: There is nothing Chief Obiefula does without the king.
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KING AJAH: (Cuts in confidently) Yes your Excellency; the chief in question spoke with
me and gave his phone to the king to confirm the mayhem unleashed on her and it was
after I banished the widow; that was when I had a second taught. Now the Police has
done their investigation and has digged out fact about this whole chronicle about the
widow. I am sorry my king and on behalf of my spokes man, who represents all my
cabinet chiefs and we as the entire people of Ogbe-Uzoma (He quickly brings a golden
crown decorated with nylon from the bag, a carton of whisky wine and fat envelope on
the table); I present this crown to you as a humanitarian award and to observe the
traditions of the state council of chieftaincy. You are the king of the council of Delta
State kings. Our anger with Government is the non establishment of the “council of
kings”. You are the Governor and you are engaging me to protect the interest of
women in my community; most especially widows; one of the ways you can succeed in
creating the awareness against harmful widowhood practices is what you are doing and
we are happy that the police is in support.
CHIEF OBI: Yes; and that is why I never took the issues of the widow serious because
my younger sister has already told me that a prophet told him that the widow is not
responsible for the death of my younger brother and his wives insanity and the Chief
Priest knows about it; when I consulted the Chief Priest; he did nothing meaningful to
prove to me that the widow is guilty of the charges leveled against her by her late
husband’s family; I was surprised the manner in which the king took his decision; we
are indeed ver sorry Your Excellency sir
GOVERNOR: King Osondu; did you hear that?
CHIEF RAYMOND: Your Excellency; according to the traditions of Umuezei; we
believe in the strength of our deity and only the worshipers are enthroned as leaders in
our various families in regards to chieftaincy. Chief Obiefula is not guilty by the
traditions of our land. All he wanted is to observe his duty as a husband and all he
requested from the widow is submissiveness.
KING OSONDU: Simple as ABC. Your Excellency call the widow to embrace Chief
Obiefula now and this matter will come to an end.
GOVERNOR: (Opening the drawer; He brings out a plate of traditional Urhoboh white
kolanuts; He puts an expensive wine on the table and bunches of money; up to the
sum of a five hundred thousand naira) Tradition has nothing to do with paganism; but
the way I robust you brings us into an agreement. The Bible says that two heads are
better than one. I respected you by engaging you as a stake holder and you maltreated
a widow when you know fully well that my government hates the intimidation of
women most especially widows. I accept this award but I want to ask; are you for me
or against me.

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KING OSONDU: You won in my village massively sir and you will win again; we voted
for you despite the noise of opposition. We are the diary of your victory; please forgive
us
GOVERNOR: I have forgiven you because how I get facts and I know how much you
where given to lie against the widow; all your petitions are here (pointing at Mrs Ekaite
Oghenebrume Okoro) She is a retired head mistress and a widow; she reported all of
you with a petition from her lawyer.
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: Oh yes. I was not happy when I heard the
rumour that a certain chief from Umuezei is going about sharing money to discredit the
widow; my own blood nativity for that matter; I am an Urhoboh woman; we don’t
discriminate women. The furniture in my house was given to me by the Governor’s wife
through her Foundation; with Christmas bonanza; any time I write to them; they give
me assistance on every side. When I heard you won the election sir; I was happy
because I know the security of women in Delta State have come to stay. What is the
benefit of monthly allowances; health insurance, skills acquisition when our widows are
insecured? Your Excellency you marvel me with your widows police security scheme
GOVERNOR: I thank the Lord (Immediately; He breaks the kolanut and open the wine
and pray) I am engaging you to go and create the awareness against harmful
widowhood practices and please stop intimidating widows and every other women or
citizens of Delta State in Jesus name we pray.
ALL XTRS: Amen
D.P.O: (Quickly opens the fridge and bring out some glasses; He pours the drink and
serves them; the Governor hands over the plate of kolanut to him as he shares
amongst all)
GOVERNOR: Chief Osondu you are king; stop supporting evil or I will leave no option
than to allow the law take its due course. Tell everyone in your community who has
offended the widow to go and apologize to her or get ready to face the law and what I
am doing for Delta State; I want Nigeria to recognize it, as I hope to also do for all.
(Immediately the two king gives signs to each other; they quickly go on their kneels;
others does the same; the Governor not finding it funny with them)
KING OSONDU: Forgive; lets go back and liase with the Police but let our secret be
our secret.
GOVERNOR: Stand up. (Governor making a phone call) Is the food ready now; okay
you can start serving now my visitors are on their way to the canteen. D.P.O take them
to the canteen so that they can take their refreshment before they leave; I’ve made
arrangement for some palliatives for them; my escort will accompany them back home.

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 ACT SEVENTEEN
SCENE FOUR

[At the canteen; the Governor’s visitors from Umuezei Community and Ogbe
Uzoma Community are eating a well prepared owo soup and starch; the
D.P.O serving them bottle water and a replacement of washing hand basin.
the bunch of money the governor gave to them is on the table].

KING AJAH: This is indeed a festival. I have once again tested the owo Urhoboh oil
native soup with dry meat and stock fish.
KING OSONDU: You are correct; my interest is this money that is on the table; I
suggest that we take hundred thousand each; then the rest should share the remaining
three hundred thousand among themselves
KING AJAH: You are correct.
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME: We are widows and there is no discrimination here we
shall all share the money equally by taking fifty thousand each; then we use the
remaining one to beg Mrs Magret. (She and Lady Joy immediately started sharing the
money amongst them)

ACT SEVENTEEN
SCENE FIVE

[In the front of the Governor’s lodge, the Governor is taking a photograph
with the visitors. they have rounded up and the Governor’s excort is loading
different bags of rice, beans, and food items inside the car boot; everyone
looking so excited.]

PHOTOGRAPHER: (He is tall, fair and very handsome; he is positioning the camera as
he snaps) jeez! Take one, take two, I’m okay
GOVERNOR: (Exchanging pleasantries with them; they enters their different cars with
theirs and zooms off; the Governor waves)

111
 ACT EIGHTEEN
SCENE ONE

[The widow and her children have moved into the late father’s main family
building to join the ten tenants already occupying a room self contain. It is
an open compound. Pastor Wilfred Anozie is pouring anointing oil in the
fetish substances gathered in the middle of the compound and burning them
to ashes when the convoy carrying the visitors arrives; the widow surprised
to see the king and Chief Raymond in the midst of the king of Ogbe-Uzoma
and Chief Obi himself.]

PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: (While the fire is burning) I anoint this compound with
the blood of Jesus (They notice the xtrs coming in; Mrs Brate Oghenebrume Okoro
quickly embraces the widow)
MRS MAGRET: Mingwo
MRS BRATE OGHENEBRUME OKORO: Vrendo! We are just returning from the
Governor’s office on your matter; I went to your late husband’s house and the lady we
met said you have returned to your late husband’s father family house. (Deeps hand
inside her bag and bring out a bunch of money) This is our support for you. We are
sorry; please forgive your king; he has admitted his lapses and the Governor is behind
you and every other widow in Delta State who are verified widows
KING OSONDU: “To err is human and to forgive is divine” please accept my apology.
KING AJAH: Please! Osendieri! My beautiful Urhobo woman
MRS MAGRET: Because of the Governor; I forgive all of you. D.P.O you are really a
nice man
D.P.O: Thank you; please receive our token. The Governor made the provisions for
you.
MRS MAGRET: Again? (She sings) Governor na big man)2x who nor know am call am
small boy; Governor a big man; who nor know am call am small boy (she sings
continuously and receives the money) Hehe; I have now belong to class. (Immediately
she receives widows alert; she checks her message inbox; she screams) Alert; wow, I
just received my widows double alert; Jesus; I forgive you all in the mighty name of
Jesus Christ; wow … the Governor is too much.
ALL XTRS: (Exchanging pleasantries with her) (Saying) Congratulations.

112
 ACT EIGHTEEN
SCENE TWO

[Mrs Adinebo, Ashinedu, Mrs Mabel and Mrs Magret are in the government
house with other widows across the state. the enumeration team are taken
their finger print to add them to the data base. they are done with about
three of the widows who are standing waiting for Mrs Magret Obiefula why
she is been ushered in with a seat who heard about her story.]

ENUMERATOR 1: (Happily seeing other widows ushering Mrs Magret to her desk)
widows alert) 2x
ALL WIDOWS: (Responding in unisom) Sheriff is doing more for the widows) 2x
ENUMERATOR 2: (Cuts in) Sheriff is doing more for the widows
ALL WIDOWS: Our eyes deh see am. (As they burst into song) Governor imarama
mbombo) 2x onyechimereze……, mbombo J2x
MRS MAGRET: (Overwhelmed with joy) Widows alert is a reality. Oh my Goodness, I
received my alert yesterday; guess what; it was double of what it use to be. All thanks
to the Governor RT HON (ELDER) SHERIFF FRANCIS OROHVWEDOR OBEREVWORI, the
executive Governor of Delta State.
ALL WIDOWS: (Chanting the songs of the Governor) Sheriff)3x ke anyi ge so)2x ona
jeje ona mamma Sheriff ke anyi ge so.
MRS MAGRET: (Cut in with another song) All I am saying, thank you my Governor;
thank you my Governor (All the widows join; some laying their wrappers on the floor of
Government house) All we are saying thank you Governor
ENUMERATOR 5: (All in Unison) widows alert hip hip hip)3x
ALL WIDOWS: (Responds in unison) Hurray!) 3x (Immediately they all started
exchanging pleasantries, the widow sits while the Enumerators resumes taking the
ginger prints of the widows who are sitting in front of them. A commentor walks in front
of the office making a television broadcast)
COMMENTATOR: The Governor of Delta State is indeed doing more for the widows,
thousands of widows all over Delta State have attested that are currently receiving
double monthly stipends. The latest in our news headline is the widow from Umuezei
Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula who just testified that she just received a double of
what she was expecting. Her late husband’s younger brother who happen to be a high
profile chief in Umuezei chased her out of her late husband’s house; connived with the
community chieftaincy and banished her from the land (Turns to the widows
undergoing their verification) As you can see thousands of widows are undergoing their
verification exercise after which they will be made to undergo a skills acquisition
training in different pedestal such as baking, fish farming, tailoring and cosmetology.
113
For the widows that are sick and their children the Governor is giving them free medical
treatment in the widows approved medical centre. To crown it all Governor is creating
awareness against harmful widowhood practices. The Police is there to support the
widows irrespective of your political affiliation as long as you are residing in Delta State;
you are free to benefit from all of these. Indeed the Governor of Delta State is doing
M.O.R.E for our women in the society; most especially the widow.

ACT EIGHTEEN
SCENE THREE

[Chief Obiefula is sitting in his parlour watching the life broadcast of the
widows in the government house undergoing their verification exercise.]

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Unhappily) What kind of insult is this? What kind of

embarrassment is this (He quickly switch off the television and stands tossing around;
He quickly picks up a wrapped marijuana and lights up) Arrant nonsense; I am Chief;
and I belong to the traditions and customs of the land. Come rain come sun shine. Mrs
Magret Omonigho Obiefula; you have touched the tiger’s tail. Let me see how
Government will save you from my wrath. You fool; you imbecile; you betrayer. I will
teach you a lesson that you will never forget for insulting me with your Christian
religion.

ACT EIGHTEEN
SCENE FOUR

[Chief Obiefula visits Agwu Osueh at midnight in his shrine at Cable Jarret.
he comes down from his car leaving his driver and knocks at the door twice
and enters to meet with him.]

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (With pride) Good evening Agwu Osueh (He seats)
AGWU OKEI: I got your text message and I have been expecting this visit.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I can’t stand the shame coming out in day time for people to
identify me as the Chief Obiefula they are talking about. I am too big for nonsense.
Have you prepared the charm?. I want to harm that widow and the only thing I can
damage in her body is her legs, then I want everyone who sees me to suddenly begin
to discredit my enemies and begin to shower praises on me. I am meeting the Governor
any moment; you will give me do as I say so that I can convince the Governor that she
is a witch; a household witch for that matter.

114
AGWU OSUEH: Those where the things you sent to me on test message and we spoke
at length. The charm is ready. I told you hundred thousand naira. Do you have the
money with you?
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Sure! (Quickly deep hands into his pocket and brings out the
hundred thousand naira in five hundred naira notes and gives to him) Here is the
money.
AGWU OSUEH: Good! (Rushes to the room and returning with two small container;
containing both charms) This container in my right hand is the one you will use before
you meet with the Governor, leak it and make sure you rub it on your tongue. After
your meeting with the Governor; you will go to the house of the widow; rub it in your
private part before you visit her. This charm will subdue her after you make love to her;
she will automatically have stroke after which she will run mentally sick and she will
begin to make negative confession against herself and you will be finally vindicated.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Smiling) More will come if I get adequate results and bruises will
follow if it fails; you know what I mean; you refund my money. Thank you (Holding the
containers; he puts them into a different pocket and walks straight to the car; they
drive off while the Chief Priest is soliloquizing)
AGWU OSUEH: Pride goeth before a fall. May the gods forgive me if I have done
wrong against an innocent widow. I just have to receive this hundred thousand naira to
clear my depth.

ACT SIGHTEEN
SCENE FIVE

[Chief Obiefula is seating with the Governor in his office with King Osondu
and Chief Raymond; Chief Obiefula is leaking the charm the native doctor
gave to him inorder to manipulate the governor.]

GOVERNOR: (Unhappily) I just don’t want to present your report from the Police
Criminal Investigation Office, Area Commandant. Chief like you should be kept in the
prison for violating human rights. How can you tell me that your elder brother died and
all you could do is to ask his wife to go to bed with you; you connived with the Chief
Priest and lied against her, you went to the King and bought him over and other chiefs
just for an innocent widow.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Unhappily) Your Excellency you don’t need to take sides because
of your new advocacy in your widows empowerment scheme. She is a witch and the
King is and the entire Umuezei people is aware of this fact; that is why they are with
me here. This is not a case of value judgement.

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KING OSONDU: (Cuts in) You lier; I followed you here to plead with the Governor to
forgive us most especially you for using me to lie against the widow. All the other
people you bribed has confessed already; your petition is so annoying and it posses a
threat to the society and it is a racial segregation to the vulnerable. I am not a racist. I
am in support of the mother child and woman development.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Stylishly rubs the charm again as the Governor and the other
characters notices him) I am sorry; it’s just a herbal medicine for my tooth ache.
Anyways Your Excellency don’t forget that I am a card carrying member of our great
party in my Local Government and I supported you; I mobilized all stake holders and
we voted massively for you. All I want from you is to stop interfering in my family
matters and I will continue to support you to the next level.
GOVERNOR: I am glad that you supported me but I am against your harmful devices
against the widows. My Government has come to stay with a new advocacy on
awareness campaign against widowhood practices. It’s a reality and my major interest
is the security of women generally most especially our widows. Stay clear from our
women; stay away from the widows; stay away from evil. It’s a warning to those of you
who intimidate the poor in the society
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Dogs don’t eat dogs Your Excellency; the King is my relative and if
peradventure that I am evil; he won’t be sitting here with me.
CHIEF RAYMOND: (Cuts in) Stop misinterpreting our presence here Chief Obiefula
and kill your pride. Apologize to His Excellency and let the widow be. Simple.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I am an indigenous chief and our traditions and customs cannot be
buried because of women or widow
GOVERNOR: Every dog has it’s day; I am for Jesus and as long as I live; Jesus Christ
remains my source of inspiration to Govern Delta State with the fear of the Lord. I am
engaging you to make peace with the widow with immediate effect. I stand for the
widows; I stand for the poor and vulnerable women in the society; I stand for the youth
and I welcome the E’ series from the Hon. Commissioner; Ministry of Youth
Development so I will be able to unlock the developmental potential of Delta State
Youths. Go and bring the widow here. I want to talk to both of you (Chief Obiefula
maintained his pride; he immediately stands and walked out of the Governor)
KING OSONDU: (Opening his bag and bringing out an achostic carton of wine and a
fat envelope on the table) Your Excellency; we are here to plead on his behalf so you
can order the Police to allow me run my community the way it is suppose to be without
inteference. I am a destined King not by appointment. We have our traditions and I
cannot lie to you. Peace will never be restored until the widow honour our traditions.
The coronation of Chief Obiefula as the village chief is barely 4 months and he has no
child of his own. All he wants is to co-habit the widow in order to legalize his position as
a father and the lord of Chief Obiefula’s family.
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GOVERNOR: This is fetish tradition and I cannot support it against an innocent widow.
keep your drink and your money. The only person I can listen to is that widow you
humiliated. Let him do what I asked him to do first.
KING OSONDU: Your Excellency; we have heard you. We will do our best.

ACT NINETEEN
SCENE ONE

[Chief Obiefula returns home unhappily; a lawyer who has come to deliver a
letter of warning to him is sitting on the chairs apparently watching a
programme on his phone screen.]

BARRISTER SUNNY: (Noticing the chief as he comes down from his car)) Good
afternoon chief
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Who are you and who offered you a seat in my chambers?
BARRISTER SUNNY: I am a law shield partners, Barrister and solicitor of the supreme
court of Nigeria. One Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula is my client and I am here to
personally serve you this paper. (Giving him an envelope)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Quickly opens the envelope and started reading the letter) Desist
from illegal claim and entry into houses and landed properties of late Mr Uche Obiefula
finally decided upon a sermon before the king of Umuezei community and the D.P.O of
the land. We are solicitors of Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula of Umuezei in Oshimili
South Local Government in Asaba, Delta State here after we have her consent to warn
you not to touch any properties that belongs to her and her late husband. Desist from
further sexual harassment against the widow. Stop using fetish traditions and customs
of the land to intimidate an innocent woman who just lost her husband; stay away from
the widow or we meet in court. (Angrily staring at him) What kind of nonsense letter is
this? Are you mad?
BARRISTER SUNNY: I am not mad sir; (Giving him a sheet) Sign this
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Slaps him) Get out of my house you scaliwa. I am well read and I
can see that you have suddenly developed madness in your brain; leave my chambers;
take this your letter and get out.
BARRISTER SUNNY: You will regret this chief.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: I will give you one hundred and fifty thousand naira. Tell them that
you did see me.
BARRISTER SUNNY: To hell with your money (exit with the letter)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Driver enter this car; let me check out some stuffs; gate man;
open the gate (They zoom off)

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 ACT NINETEEN
SCENE TWO

[Chief Obiefula visits the king to inform him about the widows warning letter
to him. he is seating with the king at the verge of the palace while the king is
quietly going through the letter.]

KING OSONDU: I see nothing wrong with this letter. The Governor has told you what
to do and we all have agreed that you will personally go with the widow to sought out
your differences with the Governor.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Cuts in shouting) No! never, I will not substitute my rites to
appease any Government’s advocacy. Whatever dividends of democracy that is coming
through any office in this community; you have the lion share; so why are you
overriding the powers of our tradition and customs just to win cheap recognition from
the Governor? I am the Community Development Chairman and a staff in Government
house and I play by the spoon. Any one that looses his spoon will have his or herself to
blame and you know that.
KING OSONDU: Not any more Chief Obiefula because the Governor has a vision and
that vision is seeing to the advancement of a better Delta as a State. He needs our
involvement and you and I knows how much we have failed our people in the past. Let
us give our people what rightfully belongs to them including all the community slots
from the civil service commission and stop deceiving our people that there is no job in
the state. We can’t afford to loose out of the M.O.R.E Agenda. This is 21 st century
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Grabs the letter from the king) Returned everything you took
away from thesame people you claim that are our people. As a king, return all that
you’ve stolen from the poor and vulnerable people in the society and I will listen to the
Governor or you
KING OSONDU: Calm down and think twice before it is too late Chief Obiefula (The
wicked chied is angrily walking away; the king smiles; staring at him) Chief take things
easyto be forward is to befall harm. Be wise my chief.

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 ACT NINETEEN
SCENE THREE

[Chief Obiefula appears in front of the door in his priestly white and red
skirts and white native chalk rubbed all over his body; he crosses his both
hands above his shoulders and disappears to the room where the widow is
lying down. it is about 11:45 pm on the date; the widow is far asleep when
the chief appeared and immediately raising the widows wrapper; he tries to
climb her to make love with her; the widow exclaims and suddenly wakes;
the chief disappears.]

CHIEF OBIEFULA: (At the front door) Ogungun the great; I have fought several
battles and this will not be an exception (Disappears to the room and started laughing
wickedly) You shall pay the price for the confusion that you have set between the
Chieftaincy and the Governor (He tries to raise the widow’s wrapper)
MRS MAGRET: (Struggling with herself as she suddenly wakes) Blood of Jesus! Blood
of Jesus (The chief disappears) I rebuke you by the power in the name of Jesus Christ;
the name of the Lord is a strong tower I and my children have ran into it and we are
saved. Proverbs 3:13-14 says; “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man
that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of
silver and the gain thereof than fine gold”. (She quickly picks the anointing oil and
anoints herself and moves to the children’s room and anointed them) Affliction cannot
come for the second time oh Lord. I reject the sacrifice of evil against I and my children
in the mighty name of Jesus Christ Amen) 7x Blood of Jesus) 7x Hallelujah

ACT NINETEEN
SCENE FOUR

[A number of the youths are sitting in front of the widow’s house where she
was living with her family before they parked to the family house waiting for
ashinedu who the widow has handed over the place to live for a while by way
of assiting her as a fellow widow and the good she did for her. suddenly the
woman opens the door. later the policemen enters.]

ASHINEDU: (Shocks) Jesus who are you people and what are you doing here?
ABEL: I guess you know the implication of the actions you took against Chief Obiefula.
ASHINEDU: What actions? I don’t understand you. (Feeling insecured and beginning
to engulf with fear)

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IHEME: When you get to the palace of Chief Obiefula; you will know (Ashinedu quickly
run back inside and locks the door immediately; the youths in turn ran to the door)
ABEL: Open this door now or we break it. Let me see how you will come outside. We
are waiting to see who wins. Foolish woman. Chief gave you a shelter and made you
his caretaker; you went and reported to the D.P.O and the Governor.
OSITA The most painful part of itself is that she collected five hundred thousand naira
rent and gave it back to the witch the Governor is already helping with the keys of the
main building and all the tenants receipt.
ABEL: And you this witch; you have the guts to write chief to desist from entering his
family house; a chief for that matter. We are going to flog you thoroughly before chief
will kill you. (Unknown to them; Ashinedu the poor widow has called the Police and she
is recording everything they are saying)
I.P.O: You are under arrest (The other officers driving in and raises their weapons on
them)
ABEL: (Tries to escape; the Police men beheld him; one of the youth Iheme finally
escapes; the widow opens the door when the youth have been handcuffed).
ASHINEDU: Thank you officers
I.P.O: Let me listen to the record. (The widow plays the audio from her phone) Good!
Go and wear your clothes and meet us at the Police Station to make an entry.
ASHINEDU: My children will be closing from school any moment from now and there
is no one to go and pick them.
I.P.O: Whenever you are done, please let’s see you at the Police Station. Now move
these criminals (They push them to the car and zooms off)
ASHINEDU: Government is good oh. Yes I am no more afraid because the Governor is
by my side (She receives alert and checks the phone) Widows alert. Chineke!
Government done pay me salary? What am I waiting for? I can now go and pick my
children from school with chattered taxi, sew them a new school uniform, buy them
good shoes. Most assuredly; I will change their diet. (Laughing) All thanks to the
Governor (Quickly enters inside).

ACT NINETEEN
SCENE FIVE

[Mrs Adinebo is heavily pregnant sitting on a arms chair in front of the

compound with her phone in front of a small stoolish table just as Mrs Mabel
enters. later Mrs Magret entering with a taxi.]

MRS MABEL: Mrs Adinebo the Governor has done it again; I just received my widows
alert. (Showing her through her phone screem)
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MRS ADINEBO: I have not received mine. Okay I left my phone on silence (Quickly
picks the phone and checks) Jesus Christ widows alert (Showing her as she immediately
falls into labour) Help; my baby is due; take me to the house (Reacting to pains)
MRS MABEL: (Assisting her) You don’t need to put to birth in this house. Let me
quickly call Mrs Magret to direct us to the widows medical centre so you can lay your
complain to the Chief Medical Doctor; I am sure that he will grant you help. (Quickly
dialing Mrs Magret’s phone) Hello ma; Mrs Adinebo is in labour and we need your
assistance to take her to the widows medical centre for her delivery. You know her
condition; please ma (Drops the phone) She is on her way. Just relax and take a deep
breath. Everything will be fine.
MRS ADINEBO: By his grace, (still reacting to pains all of a sudden they notice the
taxi; driving in Mrs Magret quickly rushes our from the car)
MRS MAGRET: The Lord is your strength. (They join hands with the driver and puts
her inside the car as they drive out speedily)

ACT TWENTY
SCENCE ONE

[The I.P.O and his colleagues is sitting in the comfy chairs on their police
uniform well armed, standing in front of Chief Obiefula’s house. they have
been waiting for the chief but the body guard keeps giving them one excuses
or the other about the were about of the Chief Obiefula.]

I.P.O: If you don’t tell us the were about of Chief Obiefula; I will issue you a search
warrant and we are going to search this entire premises. So make sure you are telling
us the truth. I give you 5 more minutes
BODY GUARD: (Confused) I am working under instruction. But let me try (Went inside
and informed the chief and returns back) the chief said you people should go; he will
meet you at the Police Station.
I.P.O: Go and tell him that we are not here to play pranks with him; we are under
protocol of the highest authority to arrest him. Go and tell him that. (Immediately the
chief enters)
CHIEF OBIEFULA: Officer why are you barking like a dog in my house; what is the
matter with you?
I.P.O: Chief you already know us. You are needed at the Police Station.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: What for?
I.P.O: There is a case of one Mrs Ashinedu; the widow you threatened to kill. The boys
you sent to kidnap her is already at the Police custody; we have their records and you
are to follow us to explain your own part of the story.
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CHIEF OBIEFULA: I know nothing about it or did you have any evidence; don’t let me
sue you for character deformation. (Trickishly) This youths are very useless this days
that they now go to robbery with my name. am I the only rich person in this world? If I
give you money now; you will say that I am bribing you. Now listen and listen good.
Leave my house; go and prosecute them or you meet me in court. I will sue you for
three hundred billion dollars if I come back and meet you here. (Turns and enters
inside)
I.P.O: This is the major problem we have in the society. He is here denying it
meanwhile the victims have made their confession.
OFFICER 2: I think we should remand the boys and take them to court. Definitely the
court will invite him
I.P.O: Sure! Let’s go. This will serve as deterrent to them. (They step outside the gate;
enters their car and zoom off)

ACT TWENTY
SCENE TWO

[At the entrance of the palace is the king seeing Chief Okories off to the gate.
They meet the I.P.O and other police investigators driving in.]

I.P.O: Your majesty

KING OSONDU: (Not friendly) I hope there is no problem because I cannot remember
inviting you people
CHIEF OKORIE: Not even a call to inform the king that you are coming to carryout an
operational duty in his community
I.P.O: Well I am sorry about that my king. Chief Okorie we are here to arrest you for
abandoning a widow you impregnated through sexual assault. You drove her children
away from their late father’s house and frustrated the innocent widow in order for her
to accept your sexual advances. She has put to birth a bouncing baby boy
KING OSONDU: I told you this Chief Okorie but you will not listen; now you can see
the embarrassment you are bringing to yourself
CHIEF OKORIE: Is that all you have to say to ordinary Police Officers who have come
to the palace to arrest a titled chief?
KING OSONDU: What do you want me to do?
CHEIF OKORIE: I'm I denying that I did not impregnate Adinebo? Are you are aware
that I am cheif okorie and she is Mrs Adinebo Okorie? Her late husband is my younger
brother and he died without a son. She had only two daughters and women are not
recognised in our society; so it Iis my responsibility to do what i did to her by
impregnating her to have a pouncing baby boy. That is the best thing that has ever
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happened to her and as such if she has put to birth ; the Doctor should call me on
phone to let me know not this your police embarrassment. I am a tittled cheif for that
matter. My King this is not funny at all.
KING OSUNDU: My throne is now robusting engagement with all stakeholders to
enhanced peace and order. Let the law take its course. My hands are tied. (TURNS AND
BANGS THE GATE AFTER THEM).
I.P.O : Shall we ?
CHEIF OKORIE:(SHAMELESSLY) What exactly do you want from me ?
I.P.O : You will follow us to the Police Station to sign an undertaken on how much you
be paying monthly for the upkeep of the new born baby and you will henceforth stop
harassing the innocent widow . The Governor has made the more agenda clear on the
issues of the widows.
CHEIF OKORIE: Stop this your nonsense, look here, young man don't provoke me. I am
only doing this because of the new born child otherwise you don’t have the powers to
arrest a sitting cheif.
(They usher him to the car and zoom off).

ACT TWENTY
SCENE THREE

[Three weeks later , Cheif Obiefula is seated in his parlor watching the
Television . He wears a headcap over a native coveral gown and holds the
remote of the TV in his right hand; he quickly switched to Delta broadcasting
station where the news reporter is already making a report about the
ongoing skills acquisition training in the State. The television screen flashing
intermittently on the widows undergoing training in different training
centers where Ashinedu and another widows are learning industrial soap
making, Mrs Mabel and her group learning tailoring, other widows learning
cosmetology and finally review the training center where Mrs Magret and
other widows are undergoing training on bakery while she is taking her
interview.The cheif guard returns to the parlor after some time.]

NEWS REPORTER: The Governor of Delta State has indeed taken many vulnerable
women most especially the widows out of the shackles of penury with the widows
welfare scheme project of of Sheriff is doing more for the widows which has taken a
new leaf in the history of Delta State with the awareness campaign against harmful
widowhood practices with the Widows Police Security scheme (A splash of Mrs Magret
Omonigho Obiefula in A division with the D.P.O , I.P.O , and other police officers).His
excellency RT.HON ELDER SHERIFF OREVWEDOR OBEREVWORI is indeed doing more
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for the widows of Delta State by ensuring adequate engagement with all security
agencies to ensure the safety of the widows of Delta State ; he has doubled the
monthly stipends which is called the " widows alert", and has re- established the health
insurance scheme with the widows and their children to enjoy free medical health care
benefits in the widows approved medical center across the State. We are at the ground
finally of the widows skills acquisition training that is on going across the State in
industrial soap making(A splash of a group of widow including Ashinedu learning how to
make industrial soap), Cosmetology (a splash of a group of widows learning facial make
up and finger nails), Hair dressing (A splash of widow learning how to do make up and
finger nails), Tailoring (A splash if Mrs Mabel and other widows learning how to cut
materials and sowing), and baking. The information on our news desk is that Mrs
Magret Omonigho Obiefula the widow from Umuezei Community in Oshimili South local
government area in Asaba, Delta state is making waves in baking department and has
performed the best in the training given to them from the Governors finicial
independence through the delivery of rightful information and involvement in teaching
of our widows on how to learn handwork. (A splash of the Mrs Magret Omonigho
Obiefula demonstrating what she has learnt before the instructors and other widows
while they are clapping for her ; followed by a splash of her interview with a truck load
containing all her baking equipment parked besides with a news reporter from the
training center and other widows surrounding her)
MRS MAGRET (Taking her interview) When I lost my late husband ; I taught all hope
was lost becsuse my late husband younger brother who happens to be a cheif called
me a witch and accused me been responsible for the death of my husband. He drove
me out of my late husbands house and connived with the cheif priest and cheiftancy
and I was barnished from the land without my previledges as a widow in mourning. I
and my children suffered rejection and no one came to our rescue ; they see me and
my children as evil minded set people. People render abuses and cursed us to stupor.
( Tears of joy) We begged for food to eat (Nodding her head), we waited on the Lord in
poverty and sickness, in shame and disgrace until God sent us a messiah, a helper in
the person of RT.HON (ELDER) SHERIFF FRANCIS OROHVWEDOR OBEREVWORI, the
incumbent Governor of Delta State who came to my rescue, today I receive more
stipends than ever, I and my children receive free medical treatment in the Governors
approved medical center for the widows of Delta State and our children. He made
provisions for my security when I reported my matter at the police station and the
police listened to me and brought justice to my matter, now my peace is no longer
treathened by late husband family because the police is always there to listen to me in
line with other security agencies in the metainance of law and order, all thanks to the
Governor. As you can see I have just rounded up my skills acquisition training
programme to involve business men and women into partnership in baking and these
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equipment has been made available for me by the Governor to start up my business. I
am now a certified Baker, praise the Lord ( she sings) He has done it for me oh )4×
what my mother cannot do he has done it for me, what my father cannot do he is has
done it for me eh eh eh eh Hallelujah, he is done it for me ( The other widows singing
with her as they raise another song) He done do MORE for me eh )4× Governor Sheriff
done do more again oh in a biger way...(They are screaming and shouting at thesame
time) Widows alert; Sheriff is doing more for the widows ) 2×; Sheriff is doing more for
the widows and their children ; All eyes deh see am.
NEWS REPOTER: (Smiling) That is the news report from the widows skills acquisition
training center for the widows finicial independence. The Governor of Delta State is
indeed a realistic reform.Any moment from now the widows will be going home with
their "stater Park handouts" with all the equipment necessary for their business. The
widows of Delta State are all happy and they are greatly honoured by the Governor
elect and the people who were there to listen to them in their trying times. All thanks to
the Governor.
CHEIF OBIEFULA: (Sadly as he quickly switched off the Samsung galaxy Television
screen when he notices the body guard is walking in and he ask) How may I help you ?
BODY GUARD: I Found this letter in front of the gate. It like a letter from a lawyer.
CHEIF OBIEFULA: How come? (Receives the letter from him. Opening and reading it
out) Re ; desist from from entering into any landed properties belonging to late Mr
Uche Obiefula and his wife Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula and Children and stop
harassing her or intimidating any other widow from your community. Failure to do so
will amount to police arrest after which we meet you in court. Consider this official
notice as a warning and I advice you to make peace before its too late. (Immediately
he chocks and falls into an insant stroke just as the body guard rushes him shouting)
Cheif! Cheif! Cheif!, What is going on? (He quickly ran outside and called the driver to
join hands with him as they quickly ran inside and carry the cheif inside the car as the
quickly drives to the hospital).

ACT TWENTY
SCENE FOUR
[Mrs Magret visits the Governor in his office with her 80 years old mother
Mrs Sonia Ovigwe and children. They are in the company of Cheif Osakwe,
Pastor Wilfred Anozie with a carton of achostic wine, a fat envelop and a he
goat to appreciate the Governor.]

Mrs Magret: (Almost kneeling down) God day your excellency! please permit me to
call you my husband sir.
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GOVERNOR: (Well dressed in a black suit and red tie) Stand up. Mrs Magret how do
you do?
MRS MAGRET: I am fine sir. Here is my mother, here is Cheif Osakwe , a cheif from
Umuezei and Pastor Wilfred Anozie my church pastor (As she deliberately kneels down
in tears of Joy) I and my family are very greatful sir. Accept our appreciation (As she
immediately puts the wine and fat envelope on the table and giving him the goat).
GOVERNOR: (Smiling as he holds the goat on the rope) Bless you. Stand up please.
God is the doer of all things, he has sent me to take Delta State to advance Delta.
Mama mingwo.
MRS SONIA OVIGWE: Vrendo! God richly bless you my son. You are truly the
Governor of Delta State that all the widows prayed for to win and I thank God for using
you to perform the faith of my daughter. She has never lost faith through out her travel
(crying) It was my greatest surprise that you robust engagement with the traditional
rulers in Umuezei with police security scheme to bring peace to my daughter and her
children. What more can a poor widow like me say than to thank you with all my heart,
that is why I cane personally with this goat and the goodnews on your table to say a
big thank you, I salute you my Governor and with the help of God almighty you will
continue to win. (She switches to Urhobo dialet) Vwokobiro omome! oghne wie okevwe,
oghene kari vwe (Tears of Joy continued to flow from her face as she tries to kneel
down and immediately the Governor stands and stops her; as she continued to shower
praises at him) Oghene kero - emuma ikwe - eshobi kamre mamerevwo, oghene
vwiekevwe omome. Thank you Governor, thank you my son, your good works will
remember you
GOVERNOR: Amen! Avweari tani onime doh..thank you very much ma.
MRS SONIA OVIGWE: God will make the issue of widows known in your time. Thank
you my son.
GOVERNOR: (Smiling with the express of joy unexpectedly) Wokobiro. Please do have
your sits (They all sits as the Governor quickly puts the secretary on phone calls) Please
come to my office immediately (And immediately the secretary enters as he handover
tHe goat to him) Please tie this goat for me at the backyards.
SECRETARY: Yes sir (leaves with the goat).
GOVERNOR: Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula I acknowledge your coming to appreciate
me but be rest assured that all the thanks, all the praises and all the glory belongs to
God almighty who has made the issues of the widows known in Delta state and I will
not relent in making it also known in Nigeria.
CHEIF OSAKWE: Your excellency what you have done for the widows in my
community has shown that you are indeed a good man and only a learned man can
apply the political strategy that you are applying in the widows welfare scheme project.
God bless you sir and on behalf of My King and the entire cheiftancy in my community,
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let me use this opportunity to congratulate you on all your legal victories most
expecially at the "Supreme Court ". Thank you sir.
GOVERNOR: (Overwelmed) Thank you too.
PASTOR WILFRED ANOZIE: God bless you sir and onbefalf of the church , I pray for
you this day sir that God will continue to use you to make the issues of Widows known
in other areas in the state where the widows welfare scheme project is not known and
in Nigeria generally.
GOVERNOR: Amen. Thank you very much, I appreciate you all for this visit. Mrs
Magret Omonigho Obiefula, go to the commissioner for women affairs and collect your
appointment letter.
(Everybody is amazed and happy)
MRS MAGRET: Thank you very much your excellency. I and my family is indeed
greatful to you sir.
MRS SONIA OVIGWE: Vwokobiro ! Thank you very much.
GOVERNOR: My secretary will take you to the canteen so you can take your
refreshments before you leave.
(They shake hands and the leave).

ACT TWENTY
SCENE FIVE

[Mrs Magret, mother and children with the church pastor amd cheif osakwe
sitting with the commissioner for women affairs in her office. She presents
the letter of appointment to Mrs Magret.]

COMMISSIONER: Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula, here is your appointment letter as

the coordinator of widows in your community Umuezei. The Governor recommended
you to us and we find it useful to work with you. Together we shall advance Delta
State.
MRS MAGRET: (Receives the letter) Thank you very much honourable commissioner
for women affairs; I appreciate you ma.
COMMISSIONER: (Brings out a car key) Here is your official car keys given to you by
his excellency RT.HON ELDER SHERIFF FRANCIS OROHVWEDOR OBEREVWORI.
(Immediately she stands and ushers them to the exterior of the office to show them the
car with an official driver standing bye) Here is your car; and the man standing bye is
Mr Joseph. He is your official driver. (Celebration begins with the commissioner as she
opens a bottle of wine and distribute take away plastic cups an shears to every one
present as other workers around joins them in celebration) Let us cheers! (As the

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commissioner raises her cup of wine) Cheers! (All responding with their cup of wine in
chorus) Cheers!

ACT TWENTY ONE

SCENE ONE

[Cheif Obiefula is leing down in the hospital bed on a drip and oxygen ; just
as Dr Sylvester is walking in. through the front door with a file in his left
hand side with Cheif Obiefulas body guard.]

DOCTOR SYLVESTER: Young man where are the family members of this man?
Doesn't he have a wife?
BODY GUARD: He is a divorcee and his wife now a residence in Liberia with the only
adopted daughter.
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: How about the relatives or does he have any one we can talk
to because his medical condition is deteriorating. All the test we have carried out on
him shows that there is nothing wrong with him but he is sick
BODY GUARD: (Thinking of what to do for a while) I think I know one of the relatives
I can talk with.
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: Do that very fast because the information we have is that he
insulted the widow and the widow placed a curse on him. This problem is spiritual and
if nothing is done urgently, he will not survive it.He is suffering f rom a sickness that
has proved beyond all medical test..

ACT TWENTY ONE

SCENE TWO

[Mrs FREDRIKS and the Cheifs body guard sitting with the Doctor on duty
talking agitatedly.]

DOCTOR SYLVESTER: Are you related to Cheif Obiefula?

MRS FREDRIKS: Yes offcourse. He is my cousin brother.
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: W have conducted a medical test for him and all of them prove
abortiveand yet he is very sick beyond medical attention. This is why I opted to see you
so that you can settle his bills and suggestively you take him to a spiritual home for
help.
MRS FREDRIKS: How much is his bills?
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: Just one point five million naira.
MRS FREDRIKS: Is that not too much?
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DOCTOR SYLVESTER: That is the bill. Incase you dont know, here is a specialist
hospital.
MRS FREDRIKS: I am poor and I don't have the money. Where will I get one point
five million from?
BODY GUARD: Doctor, Madam, I know where cheif Obiefula do keep his money in his
house but the room is locked otherwise I suggest we go to his hotel and all talk to his
manager if he can raise us the one point five million naira.
MRS FREDRIKS: Take me to the room first let's see what we can do concerning this
situation. Doctor I will be right back.
DOCTOR SYLVESTER: I will be waiting.
(Mrs Fredriks and the Cheifs body guard stands and leaves).

ACT TWENTY ONE

SCENE THREE

[Mrs Magret with her official driver and her children in their school uniform
and school bags is driving out of the compound. She is on her way to drop
the children from school before she reports to the office when she met with
Mrs Fredriks and the body guard along the street. They stoped her. Mrs
Magret was shocked seeing them.]

MRS MAGRET: What do you want from me after you and your brother have finished
frustrating my life?
MRS FREDRIKS: (Kneeling down with tears in her face begging for forgiveness)
Please ma forgive me and Cheif Obiefula for the evil things we have done against you.
As I speak to you cheif is in the hospital lying lifeless and the Doctor said that there is
no solution to the sickness, that we should take him to a spiritual home.
BODY GUARD: Yes ma.
(Mrs Magret interrupted authoritatively)
MRS MAGRET: (Cuts) And how is that my business? eh answer me; how is that my
business? Now listen, it is non of my business. Driver drive this car out from this place.
(They drive out and Mr's Fredriks and the Cheifs body guard became astonished and
they left in shame).

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 ACT TWENTY ONE
SCENE FOUR

[At St. Magrets bakery shop, a group of customers are sitting in different
tables eating pastries such as, chin- chin, meat pie, doughnuts, bons, corn
dog, and fish pile and drinking soft drinks duelly served by the sales girls in
uniform while Mrs Magret is relaxing inside her office when Mrs Fredriks,
body guard and Prophet Jeremiah walked into the shop and met one on one
with the sales girl who took them to the office to meet Mrs Magret.]

MRS FREDRIKS: Sorry I want to confirm of this place is Mrs Magrets bakery shop?
SALES GIRL: Yes ma, what do you want?
MRS FREDRIKS: Please can I see her?
SALES GIRL: What for ? I hope there is no problem?
MRS FREDRIKS: It is confidential.
SALES GIRL: Let me go and inform her first (She enters inside to inform Mrs Magret
and returns back to them) You can come in. (They enter inside and saw the widow)
MRS MAGRET: (Pissed off) You again? I taught that I have made my point clear? So
what are you doing in my office? You never expected that I will be where I am today do
you? Can you eat your cake and have it? Leave my office, all of leave my office.
PROPHET JEREMIAH: Madam I am prophet Jeremiah and I came here onbehalf of
them to see you so that we can settle this matter amicably . Please listen to us.
MRS MAGRET: Are you not thesame prophet that was rumoured that gave the
prophecy that I am a witch ? You gave a fake prophecy against me that I killed my late
husband isn't it ? So what are you doing in my office?
MRS FREDRIKS: We lied with his name. Pease forgive us, please ma. (Kneeling
down)
BODY GUARD: Yes ma ; please forgive us. Cheif is in a very bad medical condition as
I speak to you ma.
PROPHET JEREMIAH: Please they have told me the truth and I have forgiven them
and you need to forgive them also. Jesus said," an hundred fold now is the time,
houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children and lands, with
persecutions; and in the world to come external life". The moment the enemy sees that
you have a great destiny, you will be persecuted because you become dangerous to
Satan.
MRS MAGRET: (Unhappily) Let me ask you one question Mr Prophet Jeremiah. That
peroid the rumour was going on, where were you? You people taught I would have
died right or better still wrought in poverty? Thank God for his mercies endureth for
ever for great is his faithfulness. (Shouting) Leave my office, leave now.
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PROPHET JEREMIAH: You are a child of God please give it a second taught Madam.
MRS MAGRET: (Stands immediately and walk them outside) Leave my shop.
Nonsence.
(They became ashamed seeing the customer laughing at them as they leave) You!
(pointing at the senior sales girl) I don't want to see this people in my shop again.
SALES GIRL 1: Yes ma.
(Mrs Magret apologising to the customers for the inconveniences).

ACT TWENTY ONE

SCENE FIVE

[Church activities has just began. Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula is holding a
microphone and a fat envelop containing her testimony offering standing in
front of the pulpit with her children giving her testimony. The presiding
church pastor standing infront of the Alter with his personal microphone and
with a list of all the testifiers on the altar. The Governor and his wife sitting
close to Mrs Sonia Ovigwe in front of the middle role of chairs directly
opposite the alter. Mrs Magret's testimony has kept the entire congregation
in tears of Joy when the King of Umuezei and members of his cabinet Cheifs
in the person of Cheif Raymond, Cheif Osakwe, Cheif Okorie, Agwu Nnam the
Cheif Preist who is dressed in his priesthood attire; are noticed by the entire
congregation in suspense on entering the church along side with the king of
ogbe- uzoma community, King Aje, in the company of Cheif Obi , Mrs Brate
Oghenebrume Okoro and Doctor Sylvester, Mrs Fredriks and the body guard
assisting Cheif Obiefula on the wheel chair lying lifeless. They are carrying
mew empty chairs, tubers of yam, plantain and a he-goat. The overwelming
ovation from the congregation triggered the presiding pastor of the “Living
Faith Church popularly known as Winners Chapel”; when the church
members from Umuezei community and Ogbe - Uzomma community began
to shout greeting their Kings in their native way, he ushers them to the altar.
After a while the gods onitche ahaba appears before the cheif priest at the
exterior when the duo was walking out angrilly becsuse Cheif Obiefula
surrendered his life to Christ. Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula and Children
were surprised.]

MRS MAGRET: (In tears of joy singing) How great is our God; how great is His name;
He is the greatest God forever the same; He rose by the waters; from the mighty red
sea; He says I will always be with you; if you can put your trust in Him. (Wiping her
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tears as she speaks) Through the help of the Governor, I am now financially
independent and my standard of living have changed, my children has returned to
school and we are now eating good food (loud ovation from the congregation) Not only
that; I am receiving M.O.R.E monthly stipends from State Government, I and my
children go for free medical check up and treatment as a widow, my security is
guaranteed because all the security agencies now listen to widows and my case is
different, the police listened to me through the widows police security scheme of the
Governor and they brought justice to my issues and now I am back to my late
husbands family as a "madam", (loud ovation) Under the Governor's skills acquisition
training for widows for their Finicial independence, I was opportuned to undergo a
training in baking, after which the State Government gave me all the equipment
necessary for my baking business. I now own my own company, you all know the latest
St. Magrets baking shop in town(Crowd of ovation) To crown it all, I have been giving a
special appointment as the " Widows coordinator in Umuezei community with an official
car.(Raising his car keys). Now I am taking good care of my family needs and can
afford anything my children cares for. I now have what it takes to defend my dignity as
beleiver in christ in my late husband family. All thanks to Governor of Delta State Rt.
hon.(Elder) Sheriff Frances Orohwedor Oborevwori (A crowd of ovation as she burst
into song) Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Perfect
submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (The entire
church join her in the chorus) This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all
the day long. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long...
PASTOR JOSHUA BABALOLA: Church repeat the chorus as he sings) This is my story
(The widow a d her children in tears as they join the congregation with the pastor
repeating the chorus continuesly) this is my song, praising my saviour all the day long
this is my story, this is my song, praise in my savour all the day long.
MRS MAGRET OBIEFULA: (Cuts in with the 3 stanza with tears all over her face and
that of her children crying bitterly with tears of joy) Perfect submission, all is at rest, I
in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His
goodness, lost in His love. (The entire church join her in the chorus; THE widow and
the children quickly drops their testimony offering as the church members follows. At
this point, the king of Umuezei and others are entering the church as the entire
congregation notice their entrance).
BODY GUARD: (Interrupting the song ongoing) Children of God praise the Lord.
CONGREGATION: Hallelujah!
BODY GUARD: Hallelujah
CONGREGATION: Amen.
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BODY GUARD: (Immediately goes on his kneels) Church please help me beg Mrs
Magret to forgive this man and the entire Umuezei community.(The congregation
remain silent wondering what is going on) This man is tihe Cheif Obiefula she is talking
about, the late husband younger brother. He is very sick and at the point of death. His
identity will be receiving your spiritual stipends, that I beleive in the God of Bishop
David Oyedepo if only you can ask this innocent widow to forgive him and forgive us.
PASTOR JOSHUA BABALOLA: What do you understand by referring God as the God
of Bishop David Oyedepo? Come to the alter and explain (He moves with the troupe to
the alter)
BODY GUARD: I am his right handed man and I can assure you that his problem
began after the native Doctor warned him to desist from mentioning the name of
Bishop Oyedepo in his shrine. Here is the Cheif Preist of Umuezei, ask him if I am leing.
This is why I believe that the man of God is a “light” that is greater than darkness; God
has made him higher than the works of the gods. (He rolls on the ground pleading for
forgiveness) Church please help me; Your Excellency please help me beg her to forgive
us and this Chief; I don’t want him to die.
CONGREGATION: (Suddden calm)
PASTOR JOSHUA BABALOLA: (Sings) All other gods; they are the works of man; you
are the only true God; there is none like you. (Speaks) Cheif priest what do you have to
say? (Every where was silent and as the chief priest grew angry) if you don't speak
native Doctor you will die.
AGWU NNAM: You do not have the powers to command me. I will not speak. This
land you built this church is a community land and this land is controlled by the gods
ONITCHE AHABA. If you are such powerful man of God then heal this man or I teach
you a lesson you will never forget. (His agitation has thrown confusion amongst church
members; and everyone is waiting to see the outcome)
BODY GUARD: Man of God please don't mind his ultrances , he is a powerful wizard.
He manipulated this Cheif and the entire community against the widow and all the
helpers of the widow all in the name of the traditions and customs of the land because
of a portion of land at the express road belonging to the widow and her late husband
which the cheif promised to give him a portion if he succeeds in enslaving the widow
and her children by way of inheriting everything his late brother lived for so that at the
end he will in turn be recognised as a “village chief” since he does not have a family of
his own neither a child. I confess Jesus christ as my personal Lord and Saviour, please
help talk to her to consider mercy. To err is human; to forgive is divine.
KING OSONDU: Mrs Magret I came on thier behalf just to plead with you for
forgiveness and to be part of your testimony and we came fully prepared. I have
organised a traditional festival of God's children in my palace to celebrate your Victory.

133
KING AJAH: Also with me. I have learnt my lessons never to listen to rumours. I am
now robusting with all security agencies in my community ogbe - uzoma to protect the
interest of widows in the land. Please forgive me for neglecting you. I am happy that
God has visited you and the Governor heard your cry and removed shame from your
face.
(The women in the church , most expecially the widows started crying)
CHEIF RAYMOND: Forgive us an let's join hands together and build the more agenda
for advance Delta State and for the welfare of widows in our society.
CHEIF OBI: I heard about how the Lord has liberated you with the more agenda and I
decided to see for myself. I personally sponsored all these items to support the two
communities to be part of what God is doing for you. Please forgive us and help my self
guilt. Please ma.
CHEIF OKORIE: (Kneeling down) I was only acting in the capacity of Chief Obiefula in
your matter according to the Traditions and customs of Umuezei, I never knew that
there is more to this nor to talk of wizardry, please forgive me , I will never in my life
again join hands to accuse an innocent widow such as you.
MRS BRATE OGHNEBRUME OKORO: (Quickly walk up to the widow and children
and speaks in urhobo language) Biko Wogwor Oniovo me.
(All the urhobo widows in th church exclaim in urhobo dialet shouting " , with a crowd
of ovation from the other church members who has join them in a continuous shout,
biko wogwor oniovome as the widow considers)
PASTOR JOSHUA BABALOLA: Forgive.
GOVERNOR: Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula let bye gone be bye gone..
MRS MAGRET: (In another round of tears of Joy as she goes on her kneels with her
children) Who are my oh Lord that you are mindful of me? From the mouth of the
babes and of the nursing infants, you have ordained stenght that you might inhabit the
praises of your people! unto you oh Lord is these confession made in the gathering of
your people. How great are thy works, your taught are very deep ; a senseless man
does not know it, neither does a fool understand it. I have forgiven you all from the
debth of my heart.
MRS BRATE OGHNEBRUME OKORO: (Cuts in) Church praise....praise..praise, praise
the Lord.
CONGRATULATIONS: Hallelujah.
MRS BRATE OGHNEBRUME OKORO: Oour God is good.
CONGREGATION: All the time.
AGWU NNAM: Now that you have forgiven him; the gods that I serve will continue
from there. The church shall accompany use to the shrine because I know the man of
God does not have what it takes to heal him (mimicking him) or is it not this one am
seeing.
134
PASTOR JOSHUA BABALOLA: (He quickly picks a bottle of annointing oil and pours
on the cheifs fore head and drops a white handkerchief on his head) Come back to your
sences and apologise to the widow yourself and your sins will be forgiven. Speak now in
the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
(The congregation in dissertation as for a long period of time)
AGWU NNAM: (Pointing his staff at the Pastor and the widow and the entire) Now you
listen to me Pastor and you Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula and Children;even you
church members; I came to respect the traditions and customs of our ancestors by
coming here to witness your forgiveness so don't misunderstand me...lets take Chief
Obiefula to shrine or you face the vengeance of the gods; that is what the gods is
saying. They said you can not heal him and that you are powerless.
PASTOR JOSHUA BABALOLA: (Grew angry in the spirits) You lier; who are thou oh
great mountain to say a thing and it shall come to pass when the Lord has not said it.
(He lifts his hands unto the hills) If you be God oh lord, I remind you of your words in
Mark 16 verse 17 to 18, " And these signs shall follow them that believe ; In my name
shall they cast out Devils: they shall take up serpent; and if they drink any deadly thing,
it will not hurt them ; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall have their healing.
(Palcing his right hand on Chief Obiefula’s fore head) Oh Lord if you be God, do this for
me and glorify your name in the mighty name of Jesus christ. Amen
CONGREGATION: Amen
CHEIF OBIEFULA: (Regains counsciousness as he Coughs; his eyes were opens as he
speaks) I'm sorry, I have surrender my life to christ. Please forgive me; Mers Magret
Omonigho Obiefula.
PASTOR JOSHUA BABALOLA: I command you in the name of Jesus Christ stand up
and do it properly.
CHIEF OBIEFULA: (Stands immediately with the congregation in a loud ovation as he
walks around demonstrating his divine healing) I am healed. What happened to me.
MRS MAGRET: Jesus saved you..I have forgiven you (Rushes to embrase him with the
children)
KING OSODU: (The king exlaclaimed) I am surprised!
THE CHORISTERS: (Raises a song) I surrender; I surrender all; I surrender; I
surrender all; all to Jesus Blessed Saviour; I surrender all.
(In a loud ovation; the presiding Pastor with the Assistant Pastor and other Ministers
join hands and organized a deliverance prayer for Chief Obiefula while he falls under
the anointing as the song is going on)
KING AJEH: I am amazed at what the God of Bishop Oyedepo has done in the life of
Chief Obiefula.
CHEIF OBIEFULA: I recently have discovered that I have been under bandage by
fighting you..I love you with agape love and I support you. I will not harm you with
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words from mouth anymore; I need you; I love you with the love of Christ; I need you
to survive.
MRS MAGRET OBIEFULA: To err is human and to forgive is divine like your servant
said. I said I have forgiven you from the debth of my heart and I mean it and am happy
that you have come to realize that God is too faithful to fail those who put their trust in
Him because upon Mount Zion there shall be deliverance and the house of Obiefula has
possessed; we have possessed our possession; this is our confession this day before
the congregation of the children of God in Christ Jesus that we shall serve the Lord
hence forth as one family
(A loud ovation as the Governor speaks)
PASTOR JOSHUA BABALOLA: Native doctor are you ready to deny your fetish
traditions and follow Jesus?
GOVERNOR: I am a man of peace. Let Peace prevail as we advance Delta State
together.
AGWU NNAM: (Hissing as he angrily walks out of the church; on getting to the
exterior the gods appear at the middle of the church compound)
ONITCHE AHABA: You are a disgrace to the traditions and customs of Umuezei.Your
time is over due and you must pay the price for disobeying me.(strikes him as he falls
down and die instantly, after a while to see the church members from Umuezei
surrounding him with other church members after service; they are sorrowfully laying
curses on him; some are weeping over his reluctance to have accepted Jesus Christ as
his lord and personal savior; they turn to see the king and others walking in)
KING OSONDU: (Shocked and exclaim) What is the meaning of this. What happened
to him?
CHURCH MEMBERS: Nemesis has befallen on him.
SOME INDIGENES OF UMUEZEI: (Angrily responding to the king) "our wicked cheif
priest is dead" your majesty, and we are happy that he is dead. (They keep expressing
their anger continuously while going home. The two Kings and Cheifs in a side talk on
how to move the daed body out from the church) .

THE END

136
 AN OPEN LETTER TO THE WOMEN/ WIDOWS RESIDING IN DELTA STATE.

By the publisher AMB.OKONYE JERRY CHUKWUKA

Dear women , most expecially the widows of Delta State ; you can't be in one place and
enjoy the dance of a masqurad. I am the incumbent Governor of Delta State and I have
written this play to enlighten you and bring out the potentials in you. Do not engage in
meaningless gathering of the opposition to discredit the works of good Government or
take violet actions against the Governor all because of rumours and social media vices.
I have listened to the voice of many and have made up my mind to continue in your
WELFARE SCHEME PROJECT. I have made the M.O.R.E AGENDA known to the people
of Delta State and I am glad that non profit organisation and non governmental
organisations is working for high profile media organisation supporting the more
agenda not excluding world bank livelihood support. This will also be a theoretical and
practical platform from the ministry of art and culture to explain the works of
government through stage drama and movies production team with a movie audition
training as skills acquisition with issuance of certificate to empower the youths including
the widows children and single mother .This will.bring about the initiative to partner
with non governmental organisations to empower women in business in my skills
acquisition training for both youths and women most expecially widows in the society.
M.O.R.E simply means ; meaningful development , opportunities for all , realistic
reform, enhanced peace and security. I have heard about what you widows fo through
after the death of your husbands or a single mother's, what you pass through in the
hands of your nuclear and extended family members who are living with your children
in your fathers house without a husband ; this is the singular reason I have made
provisions for you and your children to benefit from the Governors finicial independence
day celebration with the widows welfare scheme project that will cater for the Widows
in detrisbuting truck load of food from the Governor.meet face to face in my awareness
campaign on harmful vices against widowhood practices. through the police security
scheme. You are aware that I have moved from the Phenomenon to SHERIFF IS DOING
MORE and I have made an advocacy to partner with who's standards to empower
women in business, create equale opportunity for widows to be FINIANCIAL
INDEPENDENCE. The traditions and customs of the land overrides justice when the first
taught the police listened and made the more agenda the Cheif church pastor standing
infront of the widows welfare scheme project of Delta State widows.

This has become a reality as chronicled in the tittle of my book A WIDOW'S CRY FOR
HELP. I have made available a movie audition training with with induction exercise to
groom crew members and a stronger DELTA STATE DRAMA TEAM that can partner with
organisations as a surbodinate with issuance of certificate or WORK PERMIT for gainful

137
employment and entertainment business with is prejudged as the third world banking
industry in the world to SHOWCASE THE GOOD WORKS OF GOVERNANCE. This will
engage the youth into meaningful development and easing of crime and social vices
including the widows children which is of a uttermost priority as far as this project is
concerned.

I hereby respectfully appreciate your creative endurance and your prayers . I always
appreciate the widows when ever I hear their story, that is why my Government is
seeing to their needs in ramifications and with social reform programmes, I am
confident that the security of the widows and their financial independence is
guaranteed as long as you are a verified widow residing in Delta State irrespective your
political and religious differences. I have made up my mind to do the Will of him who
sent me according to James 1 verse 27 which says," Religion that is pure and undefiled
before God, the Father, is this : to visit orphans and widows in their affliction , and to
keep oneself unstained dom the world". I am glad tat enter all the huddles yiu have
gone through in life after the death of yiur hubsbads, and now my Government is doing
more for you. Go to the police station when everbyiu have yiur challenges a.d lay yiur
complain, that is the fastest pace to have a contact with me. Widows alert is SHERIFF
IS DOING MORE.

Thanks so much women / widows of Delta state

138
 ABOUT THE BOOK

RT. HON. (ELDER) SHERIFF FRANCIS OROHVWEDOR OBEREVWORI 'S A Window's

CRY FOR Help explores the the regions of the Traditions and customs of the land that
says you must worm my bed or I fraustrate you by group of criminal offence because of
fetish traditions and customs of the land that says you must be submissive to the
traditions and customs of the land , wether you like it or not. The purposes of the
"M.O.R.E " agenda is re - encoding by way of creating awareness against harmful
widowhood practices and to Robusti engagement with traditional institutions accross
the environment that will exceed the requirements of the widows welfare scheme
project of Delta State widows and their children's inheritance will not be forgotten in the
society after the death of her husband.

As the incumbent Governo of Delta State , I am running an advocate for women most
expecially the "Widows financial independence ". This means that it is better to key into
key into the " M.O.R.E" agenda if you are a woman , most expecially widows because I
m a peace maker in and I'm doing more in " Enhanced peace and security for all
Deltans to enjoy the dividends of Democracy beginning with engagement of youths in
productive and gainful employment and collaboration among all security agencies in the
metainance of law and order ; Robust engagement with traditional institutions ",
because I hate the intimidation of widows in the land that is why I have made adequate
provisions for their well being and their welfare. It is better to choose the options
placed before you than chasing Shadows. This play tells a heart broken tragi- comedy
story of Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula who got married to Mr Uche Obiefula from
Umueze Community in Oshimili South local government area in Asaba, Delta
state,Nigeria. Her husband has a younger brother called Cheif Obiefula who ascended
to cheiftancy after the death of their later father high Cheif Obiefula when Mr Uche
rejected the family's staff of diety to take over from their late father's worship of the
ancestral gods ONITCHE AHABA . As the first son of the family, it is required that Mr
Uche Obiefula will unite the entire family as tittled chief and follow the ways of the
ancestors in the direction of the traditions and customary legacy of their late father :
but this is not so in the lives of Mr Uche Ibiefula, his wife and their little children
whom are Mary, Aghata and Obinna who do not have faith in the traditions and
customs of the land but beleive in the Christian religion which made his younger
brother Cheif Obiefula which he is able to train to become proud.Instead of Cheif
Obiefula to respect his elder brother , he decided to become the head of the family and
inherit all that his elder brother has lived for.He perfected a secrete plan beggining with
his lostful desire after the elder brothers wife just to process her and take controle of
her and her children inorder to be recognised as a VILLAGE CHIEF..

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Cheif Obiefula is a very greedy Cheif and a custodian of fetish traditions that are
harmful to widowhood, his guts is a threat to entire member of the Umueze community
most especially those who do not beleive in the traditions and customs of the land.
Because of his stupendous wealth and connections in the society at large, he did every
thing possible persuade his elder brothers wife to go to bed with him but Mrs Magret
Omonigho Obiefula is a born again Christian and as an urhobo woman from Okpe local
Government area of Delta State, she beleives that cheating on her husband is a sin
and it will result to Shame for her to cheat on her husbad whom she loves so much
and will not condescend so low to sleep with her husbands younger brother for that
matter. She made promise with her faith in Christ Jesus waxing stranger never to
break her marital vow even in death, her undeing love for her husband and children is
irreplaceable and as such constantly Challenged Cheif Obiefula with Bible recitation and
rebuked him with the words from her mouth and made it clear to him that she will
never have such a relationship with him and urge him to give his life to Christ. This
provoked Cheif Obiefula and he took the final decision that lead to the death of his
elder brother Mr Uche , chronicled in the tittle of my play "A Widow's Cry for help" .
Ordinary it is the decision of a woman to decide wether to marry after the death of her
husband or choose within the options provided by her late husbands family according to
traditions and customs of the land not the other way round and it is never in the
custodian of Umueze to subject a vulnerable widow to fetish traditions and customs of
the land that name her Witch ,sent her parking out from her late husbands house
without previledges, or infringement of her right as a widow or thereafter banishment
from the land after the death of her husband for any personal interest but Cheif
Obiefula has made up his mind to do so by serving two master's with the powerful
assistance from a strange gods OGUNGU he imported into his family which he worship
secretly .

After the death of Mr Uche Obiefula, Cheif Obiefula's beed to force Mrs Magret
Omonigho Obiefula to accept his proposal took a new dimension as he went about
giving bribe to the cheif priest and some cabinet member of the council of elders
including the woman leader of the community, the youth leader and any one who
cares to listen inorder to spread the the rumour that Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula is
a witch and she is responsible for the death of her late husband. The widow was
subjected to harmful widowhood practices, she was made to dance round the village
with corpse of her late hubsbad with the youths with the leaf of life in their mouth.At
the end of the exercise, it is required that the consequences of nature will befall on the
innocent widow and she will run mad but to no avail, there after she was taking to
community shrine to swear an oath of secrecy by drinking the water used in washing
the dead body of her late husband to prove her innocent before the entire Umueze and

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the people of all stakeholders in the community but the widow rebuffed insisting on
her faith and boldly used a Bible recitation to conquer the conquest of fetish traditions
and customs that speaks against widows in the society and refused to bow to the gods
of the land. Her refusal to swear the oath of innocence provoked the villagers and she
and her children where taking to the palace for the Kings final decision concerning her
matter. On the day set aside for her matter to be decided, the widow and her children
where looking very sick and hungry because their wicked uncle has taking over every
thing her late husbad lived for, even the small money in her late husbands account ,
he collected it and closed the bank account and as such could not meet up to her
surmon fee and other traditional requirements necessary for her case to be decided.
Cheif Obiefula presented all his requirements and the king was left with no option than
to reversed the matter to cheif Obiefula to handle as the head of the family to be
treated as a family affairs. She remembered the memory of her late husband and cried
out with her children but no one came to their rescue. This would have been the final
busstop for the widow to accept Cheif Obiefula's proposal inorder to save her family
from the impending Shame and disgrace that has been her and her children but she
looked up to God instead and surmon courage to flourish in hard times and beleive
that God must must surely prevailgat in her present situation and she began to wax
strong in prayers and constant Bible declaration and mentained her confession never to
go again her deceision go to bed with Cheif Obiefula.

After a long run the widow and her children was driving from her late husbands house
and there after, she was barnished from the land of Umueze. She moved to Ogbe -
Uzoma community with her children were she finds shelter in the house of a taxi driver
who met her on her way when the the little son Obinna ran into his car. Mr Steven
took the widow and her children to the hospital for treatment before giving them a
shelter in his house. One thing lead to the other when chif Obiefula got the information
concerning her were about that resulted into a set up that saw her out of Mr Steven's
house after which she was thrown out of Ogbe- Uzomma community. With tears all
over her face with her lovely children, they went round the street in a different
environment begging fir food to eat. They fell sick without money to buy drugs. One
faithful Sunday morning Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula and her Children where seen
begging for money in the front of "Living Faith Church " premises popularly known as
Winners Chapel World wide when they notice the Governors CONVOY driving into the
church premises for second service, they ran into him and fell in front of tge car and
cried out, "Please help me, I am a poor widow and I have been chased out of my late
husbands family and barnished from the community by my late husbands brother
because of my refusal to go to bed with him and my confession in christ Jesus " , I and
my children are very sick and we have no food to eat, please help a poor widow ". The

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Governor haven listened to them , had compassion on the widow and her children and
immediately ordered his EXCORTS to take the widow to the hospital for free medical
treatment.She and her children were usherd into a private car where they took them to
the widows medical center approved by the Delta state Government on widows welfare
scheme project where the effect of the more agenda began to manifest in the life of
Mrs Magret Omonigho Obiefula and hee children that bought about her "Finiancial
independence " and the rites of the widow was restored and.d she became a testimony
and a pace setter to women generally most especially widows in the society at large.
These are reveries that lead to Cheif Obiefula's repentance. He latter confessed and
changed from his evil ways and made peace with the Widow. This touching play
answers "Sheriff is doing more for the widows " when ever you hear the world widow
alert and fulfilment of the M.O.R.E AGENDA in the lives of Delta state widows to further
discuss the issues of Widows to Fedral Republic of Nigeria with regard to the widows
skills acquisition verification desk . The Governor 👏 is there to listen to your complain so
we can acheive M.O.R.E.So you don't need to worry about your situation and your
children and all that you have lost in the pas because you now have the Governor as
well a regular volunteers involved by both government and non - government
institutions in different empowerment programmes aimed at developing you.

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