As the sun rode the horizon, the it became clear what has happened was the echoing saying from the mouth of the onlookers as they watch him to die painfully. Others still not believe that it was really he that have fallen. What a sad end indeed!
Okonkwo was the man of the people, his charismatic nature and handsome structured endear people to him. His zeal for whatever he thought is right, stand him out from others.
In the King's palace, his towering figure make others afraid and his words shows that he is wise. In every discussion, his suggestion are usually accepted and pride over others as his wholesome view of matter are cherished. Knowing his family well, everyone knows that his ability as his fathers was exceptional too.
His late father, okoji was known as the man whose words and boldness saved them during perilous times. The neighboring village wanted their land and ready for war because of it. When a reconciliation meeting was scheduled, Okoji leads their people's delegation and his correct historical fact proved that the land belongs to them beyond reasonable doubts. To the satisfaction of the people present, war was averted and peace was reigns. His actions saves lives. Okonkwo inherited that ability and perfect it for his gains, not being popular as his family are but financially.
Okonkwo have huge hectares of lands in several choice areas in the Villages. As one of prestigious families of their village, they inherited many parcel of land. His large family of twenty, three wives, sixteen children and maid comprised his immediate family. They are busy with agricultural activities on those land with high yields during their harvesting period making them wealthy and influential.
Despite these blessings and prosperity, his lure for women and bribe are his imperfections. Unlike his fathers, they have strong integrity and respectful manners. He abuses his influence to covert other people's assets. In one of the cases, one beautiful widow by name Adaugo, who just lost her husband was visited at night by Okonkwo for sex. She rejected his adventures and warned him sternly that she will expose him to the people what he does. Her words failed at the deaf man's ear as he pounds on her and raped her. She cried profusely as nobody came to help her. When he is satisfied, he left her clandestinely as he came.
In the morning, she went to the king and narrated everything. Okonkwo was summoned and his strong influences shadowed how gravely his sin was. This is not his first time as he thinks but nature decided to fight against him, this time. It is a huge taboo to rape and a widow of just few days. The ancient wisdom have it that the soul of her husband have not rested. Okonkwo was punished instantly as he fainted immediately in the front of the palace, once his cherished arena where his respect soars.
Image Source
Once a great man, now lay down helpless on his mat for days with baths and foods. As he wake up from the coma but paralyzed. His family can't be in union as the wives struggles for their children alone. Okonkwo, their hero and unifying factor have become sick and lacking on what he was known for. His enemies saw the opportunity to raid him often, his assets and property are taken forcefully. He keeps struggling with his health issues and called on the people to hear his confession. Everyone gathered at his home and he pleaded for their mercy. He told them that his constant pain is a punishment for his sins. He narrated how he killed the entire families of his brothers and clan with poison as he see them as rivals. He narrated how brutal, his actions are to widows and fatherless children. He took their pride and inheritance as they came for his help. He even visit them at night for the same reason. He have influenced many banishment as they are sent away from their village when they tried to disrespect him. After his last sayings, he died painfully and brought shame to his household. Now, they know the reason for all the atrocities that's happening before them.
Posted using Neoxian City