Oba Adedayo and Prince Adekunle
The sun rose over the village of Igbade. The sound of drums could be heard from the palace yard. The old king, Oba Adedayo, sat weak on his stool. His son, Prince Adekunle, stood beside him.
“My son,” the king said, his voice shaking, “the time is near. You will soon wear the crown.”
“I am ready, father,” Adekunle replied. “I will serve the people with my heart.”
Beside them stood Mama Ife, the king’s senior wife. She placed her hand on the king’s shoulder. “Do not worry, my lord. The gods will guide your son.”
Chief Olowu and the Elders
In the village square, Chief Olowu was speaking to some elders. Elder Bamidele and Elder Tunde sat with him. He smiled as he spoke. “When the young prince becomes king, he will listen to my words. The village will follow me.”
Elder Bamidele frowned. “Chief Olowu, the king is still alive. You must be careful with your tongue.”
Chief Olowu laughed. “I only speak truth. You will see soon.”
Amara and Ayo by the River
Not far away, Amara, the daughter of Chief Olowu, was with her friend Ayo. They fetched water by the river. Amara whispered, “Ayo, my heart is full. I like the crown prince.”
Ayo looked surprised. “Amara, do you forget your father? If he knows, he will not be happy.”
Amara looked down. “I cannot stop how I feel.”
Prince Adekunle and Sade’s Warning
That same day, Adekunle walked with his close friend Sade, the palace guard’s daughter. Sade carried a basket of yams. She smiled. “Prince, the people love you. But beware. Not everyone in this village wishes you well.”
Adekunle nodded. “I know, Sade. Chief Olowu looks at me with strange eyes.”
At night, Adekunle sat with his father in the palace chamber. “Father, Chief Olowu troubles me,” he said. “He speaks with pride, and I feel danger in his words.”
The old king coughed and said, “You must be strong. Power attracts envy. Stand with the people, not with fear.”
Chief Olowu and Amara’s Secret
Later, Chief Olowu returned to his house. Amara greeted him at the door. “Welcome, father,” she said softly.
“Where were you today?” Olowu asked with sharp eyes.
“At the river with Ayo,” she answered.
Olowu stared at her. “Stay away from that prince. He will soon be king, but he will be nothing without me.”
Amara stayed quiet, her heart heavy. She thought of Adekunle’s kind face.
In the market the next morning, Sade met Ayo. They talked as they sold vegetables.
“Sade,” Ayo said, “Amara speaks of the prince. I fear trouble will come.”
Sade replied, “Trouble is already here. Chief Olowu hides something. I can feel it.”
That night, Olowu went secretly to the palace. He found Adekunle in the garden.
“Young prince,” Olowu said with a dark smile, “when you sit on the throne, you must hear my voice. Do not forget who has power in this village.”
Adekunle stood tall. “I will hear the people, not your command, Chief.”
Olowu’s eyes grew hard. “Then you choose the path of pain.”
Adekunle clenched his fists but said no more.
The moon shone above the palace. Amara sat in her room and whispered to herself, “Father hides his face. He is not who
he seems. But I will stand with Adekunle, even if it breaks me.”
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