by Adebowale Ajose

Created on: April 03, 2009

'And his name is Godfrey"

The tension in the room could be cut through with a knife as the priest proclaimed the names of the new baby. The pronouncement was followed by murmuring of amen" as the baby was handed over to a young girl of about eighteen years of age.

Aduke was the first child of Rev. Olatile who was a reverend Catholic Priest in Gbagura town. He was one of the first to bring Christianity to the town. His conversion also earned him a Western Education. He returned home to establish a church in his hometown. Rev. Olatile loved education so much that he sent all his children to boarding schools in neighboring towns. He spent his entire livelihood training them. His family members always condemned him for training his daughters as it was considered a waste. 'The pride of a girl child is to marry well"" they always told him. Rev Olatile was undaunted. He had no reason to especially with the outstanding result his first daughter Aduke always brought home .Although, he was a very strict father who was feared by his seven children, it was obvious that he had a soft spot for Aduke, and despite his meager earnings, he had a great plan for her 'Aduke will become a medical doctor," he always boasted to his friends.

Then came the day of doom. Rev Olatile received a letter from the principal of Aduke's school in Abeokuta summoning him to come at once. Fearing the worst, he quickly set out assuring his wife that all is well 'Maybe Aduke has fallen ill again"

True to his words, Aduke was indeed ill and had been sent to the schools hospital. But it was discovered at the hospital that she was two months pregnant. The decision of the school was that she should be expelled even though she was in her final year. Hence, her father was summoned to take her home. 'That is our constitution, explained the principal".

Rev. Olatile was short of words. 'he summoned the courage to shake the principal; as he gazed at his shamed faced daughter. Her things were already packed. There was no conversation of any sort as both father and daughter journeyed home.'' Aduke why did you do this to us" asked her mother amidst tears. Who is the owner of the pregnancy?" Her mother demanded. 'Its Shina". Aduke said silently. 'Shina who?" asked her mother.''Shina Adeleke. It was a big disgrace to the Olatiles.

Shina had graduated from Aduke's school the previous year and was about to be sent to the university by his polygamous father. Though Aduke claimed that Shina was her only male friend, Shina

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