King Adeyemi’s Fading Light
The days passed quietly in Ile-Oro. Peace filled the land, but inside the palace, King Adeyemi grew weaker with each sunrise. His hair turned white, and his voice became soft like the wind.
One morning, he called Queen Olufunke to his side. “My queen,” he said slowly, “I have seen the spirit of our son in my dreams. He stood beside the river, shining like the moon.”
The queen nodded, tears in her eyes. “It was not a dream. He came to us, my king. He lives in the river now.”
The king closed his eyes. “Then my heart is at peace. The gods took him, but they gave him honor. Yet, I fear the people will forget his story.”
Queen Olufunke’s Promise
“They will not,” said the queen. “His spirit blesses our land. The river sings his name.”
The king smiled weakly. “Before I join the ancestors, I have one last wish. Build a shrine by the river, where our people can speak to him and give thanks.”
The queen agreed. That same day, she called the workers and the priests. Together, they built a small temple made of white stones beside the river. At the center, they placed a carving of a young prince holding a glowing mark on his arm.
When it was done, the queen knelt before it and prayed. “Adetunji, my son, may your spirit stay near. May your light guide this land forever.”
Adetunji and Aramide’s Blessing
Under the river, Adetunji heard her prayer. He stood beside Aramide, watching through the clear water.
“They honor you,” Aramide said softly.
Adetunji smiled. “They honor us both. Without you, I would never have found my path.”
Aramide touched the water, and golden light spread through the temple above. The queen and the priests gasped as the carving began to shine.
A soft voice came from the river: “I am with you. I will guard this land as long as the river flows.”
The people fell to their knees and prayed. From that day, they called the shrine The Temple of the River Prince. Every season, they brought flowers and food to thank the spirit for rain and good harvest.
Queen Olufunke’s Last Goodbye
Years passed, and peace never left Ile-Oro. But one night, Queen Olufunke sat alone by the river. The moonlight touched her face as she whispered, “My time is near, my son. I will see your father soon.”
A soft wave touched her feet, warm and gentle. A voice whispered back, “Mother, when you cross the river, I will be there waiting.”
The queen smiled and closed her eyes. Her spirit left her body like a calm breath. The next morning, the people found her lying by the river with a smile on her face.
The king and the Eternal Light
That night, a golden light rose from the water and floated toward the sky two shapes holding hands, the king and queen, walking toward the world of spirits.
Babatunde watched and said softly, “The royal family walks with the gods now.”
The people bowed and prayed as the river glowed brighter than ever.
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