Christian Nwanneka John

Kano, Nigeria

A Fate Worse than Death

It was a hot afternoon in the month of March. Ubaka was trundling homeward from a mission in a far-flung land. He was at Obu, only halfway home, yet he’s weary and parched and looked ready to drop. The scorching sun lashed at his skin, and the scalding heat of the sand underfoot penetrated his footwear.

He decided to call on Ezobu, the remarkable king of this unique kingdom. Ubaka particularly adored his commendation for Obu women. “You can’t go wrong with an Obu woman,” he’d say. “My wife understands every wink I wink. I wish every land schooled their women well like Obu.” He believed him. And to this day, Ubaka had felt incomplete not marrying an Obu woman.

After settling his guest, Ezobu whispered to his wife, “Include the mouth of our guest in the afternoon meal.” He’d barely gone away when a shriek of horror summoned him. Before his eyes, was his guest, seized by guards. “What’s going on?”

“Your instructions, my Lord,” said the queen.

“What instructions?”

“To include his mouth in the meal.”

Ubaka was amused, but Ezobu stood there like a post, looking stark naked and ashamed.