PUNISHED FOR WHAT I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT! 3
(Please read Parts 1 & 2 before reading this)
“In 1951, my grandfather passed part 1 of his Bar exams after his third trial. For some strange reason, the Law of Equity was a problem. He was working as a Bell Hop and studying at the same time. It was too tough for him. He found it difficult to stay awake to study at night. If he failed a third time, he would have to withdraw from the University and that would be devastating.
I understand that Louisa, that’s the West Indies lady, asked him to move in with her and they started living together in her one bedroom apartment. She paid his fees, clothed him, fed him and loved him. She was studying nursing but she gave up her studies and took up two jobs cleaning Council flats in the morning and offices in the evening to cope with my grandfather’s fees.
When the folks back home heard what was going on, they were horrified. How could their son stoop so low to cohabit with an “Ajereke?” They would have none of it.
There was another problem. My grandfather was a prince and was in line to become an Oba. An Ajereke Olori? Abomination!
Several letters were written to my grandfather by the Oba’s letter writer, warning him of dire consequences if he did not break up his “illicit” relationship with Louisa. His actions had clearly brought disgrace to the Crown and as far as the family was concerned he would do better abandoning his studies to return home!
Despite almost unbearable pressure, my grandfather remained undaunted! According to my mum, he continually reassured Louisa that all was well. He said he was prepared to abdicate his throne if he had to, just to be with her.
According to my grandfather’s cousin who arrived for studies later, there were rumours that they got married but if it happened they never disclosed it to anyone! My grandfather’s cousin, who I understand was quite close to my grandfather, did his best to persuade him to move out of Louisa’s apartment but he met with a brick wall!
Louisa got pregnant four times and had to have abortions as many times! My grandfather said a Prince wasn’t allowed to have children outside his kingdom. They would have several sons on their return to Nigeria, he assured her.
They stayed together for four years before Grandfather got his law degree and passed his Bar exams. According to his cousin, it appeared that they were truly in love because grandfather was faithful to Louisa. They attended parties and social events together and they seemed genuinely happy.
Things came to a head after grandpa was through with his studies. Even though it was impossible to practice law in Britain and he couldn’t get any decent jobs with his Law Degree, grandpa didn’t appear to be in any hurry to return to Nigeria!
His family in Nigeria became concerned and after several entreaties and no apparent success, the matter slowly got out of hand. Of course, to his people, a Prince would not ordinarily hesitate in returning to his roots. After some “consultations” it was “revealed” that the Ajereke had charmed him! The elders met with the Oba and a decision was taken to do the “right” thing.
According to my mother, her attempts to find out what the “right thing” was; over the years, was always been rebuffed. Something about her being a woman……
Well, a few weeks later, on the 26th of April 1955, to be precise, Grandfather woke up, dressed up, had breakfast and walked out of the apartment without saying a word to Louisa! When she asked him where he was going, he didn’t answer. In fact, according to reports from neighbors, he appeared not to know who she was!
He took a Bus to his cousin’s place and on the 2nd of May 1955, he boarded a West African AW flight to Nigeria. Grandfather’s cousin said Louisa did all she could to see him but he refused to see her. He wouldn’t as much as speak with her!”
By now Shade had started sobbing again. She stared straight at a Painting on my wall, her eyes blank, lost in thought.
“Are you alright?” I asked calmly.
“The plane crashed that same day! My grandfather’s body was never found!”
“I am sorry” I offered, trying to console her, but I don’t think she heard me.
Something didn’t quite make sense though and I had to ask her.
“You said he was your mother’s father. How …..?”
She didn’t let me finish.
“He was already married to my grandmother before he left to study in England!”
THE END!
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