Sectionalism

Ify bit her lips. “Don’t you dare insult a respectable man as Achebe. Besides that book was for the struggles of the Biafrans. That country was Biafra, if you think I was referring to Nigeria, the you are wrong. A country where there is sectionalism is not a country”. Ify said.

“Aren’t you less of wisdom? How does 1967 affect 2022? How does it affect our decision today of being friends and severing ties?” Lanre asked.

Ify told her that everything was related. Back then they back stabbed the Igbos. She also cursed Obafemi for bringing up the idea of sanction and stopping food supplies to the Igbos. “Now I know why you are called a Yoruba demon, all of you”. Ify said.

“But you want to marry one! Or is the name so foreign to you that you do not know? His name is Kehinde! If we are all Yoruba demons, he is one too. Abi you de reason with only one side of your head?” Lanre said. She seemed to be losing her temper asking Ify if she only make use of half percent of her brain.

“Eni kilode? What is it?” The mother asked rushing into the living room when she heard Lanre’s raised voice.

“Maami this girl should get out of my house before I kill somebody”. Lanre yelled putting her hand on her head. Sweat was breaking through the skin on her forehead and her palms were sweaty as well. She suddenly felt energetic and seemed ready for a fight. But the reoccurring dream where she had died kept playing in her head. It seemed to be the only thing refraining her.

“Pa Lanre pa! Kini o jẹ aṣiṣe pẹlu rẹ? Tani o fẹ lati pa? (Shut up Lanre! What is wrong with you? Who do you want to kill?)” The mother asked. She was quite aggravated because of what Lanre had just said.

Ify went on her knees. “Mommy, please help me to beg Lanre let her leave my Kehinde alone. She keeps seeing Kehinde and threatens to take him away from me. Ever since my engagement with him, Lanre has come to hate me, that is why she would never want me to come to her place. She even said we are no longer friends”. Ify said while shedding tears.

Mrs. Olayinka felt pained in her heart. Lanre had not expected Ify to do this. She could not believe Ify would get her mother involved in this. She sighed and looked away from her mother. While Chidinma who stood there and heard all Ify said refused to believe Lanre would do such a thing.

“Lanre, is this true? Are you really doing such a thing to your friend?” Mrs. Olayinka asked. Lanre shook her head despicably. She picked her phone and walked out of the house. While Ify stayed back begging Lanre’s mother to talk to Lanre. She told her she would not want their friendship to end in a bad way that was why she came to beg her.