— A time to reflect
Beginnings:
Ben’s visit to Nigeria was like that of a foreign prince coming to Africa for the first time. This clearly shows how far love can take anyone. Love can drive a man to circumnavigate the globe just to demonstrate his devotion. Ben Adeleke, whose motive was to express the depth of his love for Temitope, came to Nigeria not because it was his fatherland but because of the love he had for Temitope.
Baba Ibeji had gone down to the airport with the twins to pick them up, leaving Iya Ibeji and Temidun in the house to prepare special meals.
Ben arrived with Temitope and was greeted by his father-in-law, who had the twins in the car. Indeed, it was good to be home. They arrived at the compound when Temidun was having a discussion with her sister.
The family had come to celebrate together. Once again, Temitope brought everyone together. Years ago, the people gathered at Okesuna to celebrate her departure to New York, but this particular night they had come to celebrate her arrival. Some old neighbors from Okesuna were invited to share in the family’s joy.
All was in order: drinks, food, and other special delicacies. Mama Emeka and Mama Hassana were also present with their children. Hassana and Husseina, the twins, had grown to be beautiful girls. Yakubu also sent special gifts and enough Kilishi. They all enjoyed the accent Temitope had developed and that of the young doctor. The visitors left the following morning after receiving packages from their hosts. The couple had done enough shopping before scheduling their flight, especially because Temitope was visiting for the first time after traveling abroad for her studies. Importantly, she had come with a man to marry.
Most often than not, the only way people identify those who have traveled overseas is through the gifts they offer and sometimes through the fresh smell they carry. After receiving the gifts from the couple, the people concluded that America was a place worth visiting. Temitope promised to visit them and extended her regards to the people of Okesuna.
The first few days were full of guests, both from Lagos Island and also from Surulere. The neighborhood was also interested in seeing Baba Ibeji’s famous daughter, who had just returned to Nigeria. And for everyone who came, there was something to offer.
Also Read CHAPTER FOURTEEN Little Beginnings
Sometimes, the people who visited needed advice on how to make their children successful, like Temitope. Both parents had made it clear that their daughter was only fortunate and favored. And that their child was dedicated and determined as well. Ben was elated to discover this part of Temitope—her roots and her people.
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Coming to Okesuna was interestingly inspiring, as young boys and girls walked up to Temitope in Yakubu’s room to share their dreams of how they aspire to help their community if they ever travel overseas. Even as the women in the compound made it part of their custom to tell the children tales at moonlight, they added the Alarades to their tales and distinctly told the story of Temitope with pride.
They may not be identified as Temitope’s mother, but one thing these women believed strongly was that they had helped shape Temitope into the woman she was.
Temitope left Okesuna with Ben, assuring herself that the people of Okesuna would always be there to welcome her at any time. The next stop was in Osun State, where Sisi Akowe was. They visited Ilesha just to appreciate Sisi Akowe’s effort in ensuring she was successful.
”Don’t be surprised that I am now a mother,” Sisi Akowe said after a long conversation with the couple. ‘’I am so proud of you, Temitope. I had expressed my belief in your success from the first time your mother approached me.” ‘’Now to you, Ben; you must endeavor to be the best for our dear Temitope. Please take good care of her, she concluded.”
After leaving Ilesha, they stayed for two more days, touring the beautiful state of Osun. They finally arrived in Lagos on the third day, where other preparations were in order for the engagement ceremony. Even though the Adelekes weren’t around for the engagement ceremony, they were comforted by the fact that the final ceremony would be held in New York. They had sent their wishes across to the family and had asked them to capture the memories by taking enough pictures.
It was of good advantage as this was a moment Ben seized to create good memories for himself.
The ceremony took place in Alarade’s compound, which Ben found to be a good spot. Ben had asked Baba Ibeji if he would be willing to take in a new tenant. Baba Ibeji responded that ‘’going to jail once is enough to teach any man to avoid making the same mistake twice.’’ He further explained that he was grateful to have his family together, and for this reason, he had no need for any tenant to complete his family.
