Aláàfin: Irúnmölé

Chapter 30

VICE CHIEF PRIEST OLABODE
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      Upon reaching the city, news of the Akogun return spread like wildfire as dozens of Katunga’s citizens come to watch me take the injured warriors to the Osun river shrine for healing. Surprise and fear can be seen all over their faces as they watch the champions of OYO’s army walk into the capital defeated. News of Abeokuta subjugation by the Olossi must have reached their ears and this sight of the Akogun confirms it, with most of their gazes directed at Agbábiàká because of his mutilated arm. The very fact that the champion of the Agbaje family could suffer such a loss, one whose very strength comes from the presence of a battle. That alone implies the sort of loss they suffered at the hands of the Olossi at Ilaro. And also the fact that they are coming back without a single platoon.
                The wailing and yelling are just a second away for more people are joining the crowd and with them come those that have a close one among the fallen ones at Ilaro. And as I predicted, the wailing began. But it didn't hold substance for long because suddenly the champion of the Agbaje family shouts at the top of his voice, bringing silence to the wailing crowd.
           He gets down from the donkey, refusing the aid of my worker pulling it as he does so. He moves to the front of the convoy. Facing the crowd, he puffs out his chest and shouts.
                        “KATUNGA!!!!!”
 
          After yelling that, he falls to his knees before the crowd.
          “ MY PEOPLE, I HAVE WRONGED YOU…,.MY FATHERS, MY MOTHERS, MY KIN WHOM I SHARE THE TOUCH OF THE ORISHAS WITH I HAVE TAINTED YOUR NAME.”

“ I HAVE BROUGHT DISGRACE AND SADNESS UPON YOUR HOMES WITH THIS LOSS.”
           And with that, he prostrates before the silent crowd saying
                   “PLEASE FORGIVE ME”

And with that, the rest of the Akogun including Gbadamosi Setemi who woke up as we entered the city, then come down their donkeys and prostrate with Agbábiàká before the crowd.

     I notice Ogundele and that Olossi masquerading as the next Aláàfin, converge with the crowd as they look at the Akogun kneeling before them. A moment of silence passes as they prostrate before the crowd and then the crowd erupts in cries of forgiveness as they all shout and praise the Akogun for their plea with those close to them, moving to lift the Akogun up from their prostrating position. The Akogun are brought to their feet by the arms of many Katunga residents, both old and young, all showing affection for their kingdom's Vanguard.
      Agbábiàká rises while being held up by an old Woman with tears falling from his eyes that carry heavy rage. Politely leaving the old woman’s hold, he goes before Ogundele and Adedayo. Greets them and collects a spear from one of the guards with them, using his good arm. He then stands in the middle of the surrounding crowd again, holding the spear up high and shouts.
       “ THAT PLEA WASN'T SHOW SURRENDER TO VILE CREATURES. NOOO…Those bastards cut my arm but they should taken my heart for only when I do not draw the breath that Obatala bestow upon me , will I stop fighting!!”

      “KATUNGAA, BEAR WITNESS. I CANE BACK WITH SPIRITS OF YOUR SONS WEIGHING ON MY CHEST THAT I AVENGE THEM. BUT WHEN I LEAVE TO WAR THE OLOSSI AGAIN, I SWEAR BY OGUN’S NAME……..”
             
               And with that, he bites the blade of the spear and then continues saying as he points the blade to the sky.
       “ .,.............WHEN I COME BACK, I COME WITH THEIR SOULS SATIATED BY THE DEATH MY BLADE WILL BRING UPON THE OLOSSI!!!”
             
          Hearing this, the once mournful crowd erupts. Shouting and praising  Agbábiàká’s name as they make way for him and the rest of the convoy as we then head towards the Osun river shrine with Ogundele and Adedayo following us.