OJUJU: THE VILLAGE OF FORBIDDEN LOVE - EPISODE 8
Adazi's determination to resist Amisha's rule only grew stronger after witnessing the brutal punishment of Ukazi and his family. He knew he had to act swiftly to rally the villagers and organize a resistance against Amisha's tyranny. She was getting stronger by each day that passes. Now she ruled the village from Ojuju's shrine as she had moved the palace there
"I am not going to sit back and watch as our village is destroyed," Adazi said to himself as he paced back and forth in his small hut.
"It is time for the villagers to take a stand."
The next day, Adazi began to secretly visit the homes of trusted villagers, sharing his concerns and plans with them. He emphasized the need for unity and collective action to overthrow Amisha's rule and restore peace and justice to their village.
At the home of one of his other trusted ally called Apuchi, Adazi explained his vision for the village to experience freedom from Ojuju's bondage
"Adazi this is a really risky mission. Amisha would not spare us" Apuchi said
"We won't do this alone, We would gather the whole villagers and show Ojuju that we won't be intimidated by Amisha's threats. Ojuju can not possibly wipe us all out. Who then will serve it?" Adazi asked
Nneoma nodded in agreement.
"Adazi you are right and I am with you. I have lost loved ones to Amisha's wrath, and I'm tired of living in fear. What can I do to help?" He asked
"I need you to spread the word about our plan. We need make the whole villagers trust our plan. They all need to be willing to stand up against Amisha." Adazi said
" I will do just that" Apuchi said
Immediately Adazi left, that night Apuchi and his wife had a serious quarrel. The wife warned him to stay away from Adazi
"Stay away from that man Adazi and his crazy plans. You saw how his plan led to the demise of Ukazi and his family. Please" She said but Apuchi's mind was made up
As word spread, a small group of brave villagers began to gather around Adazi eager to join the resistance. Together they started spreading awareness about the true nature of Amisha's rule and the suffering it had brought upon their community.
"We need to be careful. Amisha has ears everywhere. If she finds out about our plans, she would crush us all" One of the villagers called Ikenni said
"I know, but we can't let fear hold us back. We need to take a stand and fight for our rights." Adazi said
" But how come she is yet to know of our plans till now?" Apuchi asked
" That shows that she is also not as powerful as we think " Adazi said
The group of villagers grew and soon they had a sizable crowd of people who were willing to resist Amisha's rule. Adazi knew that mere talking wouldn't be enough though.
"We need to hold a secret meeting. A meeting where we can discuss our strategy and plan our next move."
" I agree but where can we hold this meeting without Amisha finding out?" Ugbuji one of the youths in the community asked
"I proposed the old town hall as the meeting place. It has been abandoned and in a secluded part of the village" Adazi said
The group agreed and on the night of the meeting, Adazi there arrived early with his mind not at ease as he was scared the villagers might not turn up for the meeting. Soon the villagers came in with their faces lit by the flickering torches and this gave Adazi hope
"My brother and sisters, my fellow villagers. We gather here tonight as free men and women, determined to reclaim our village from the clutches of tyranny. My daughter Amisha's rule has brought us nothing but fear, suffering, and de*th. It's time for us to stand up and fight for our rights, our freedom, and our future." Adazi said
The villagers listened intently, their faces reflecting a mix of emotions – fear, anger, and determination. Adazi's words ignited a spark within them, and soon they began to murmur in agreement with their voices growing louder and more resolute.
"We won't be intimidated anymore!" Akaji the palmwine taller shouted.
"We'll fight for our rights!" Onoku the hunter added
The energy in the hall was fierce and Adazi was happy. These were people he had known all his life, people who had suffered under Asakwe and now under his daughter Amisha's rule. But now they were standing up, united in their determination to reclaim their village.
As the meeting concluded on their way back home, Apuchi said to Adazi
"My friend, the real challenge lay ahead. We would have to be strategic resourceful, and brave if we are to succeed in our quest to overthrow Amisha."
"I know it won't be an easy one but for the first time in a long while, I have a sense of hope – hope that our village could be free once more, hope that our people could live without fear of Amisha's wrath" Adazi replied
" That's true" Apuchi said
"We would meet again tomorrow night and plan our next move so we can start taking action. Are you with me?" He asked a silent Apuchi
" Yes I am" Apuchi said
" You looked disturbed " Adazi said
" Yes I am" Apuchi said and narrated everything that happened between him and his wife to Adazi
" No wonder she wasn't part of the meeting. I understand her fears. Give her time and she would come around " Adazi encouraged Apuchi
Over the next few days Adazi and his fellow villagers worked tirelessly to organize their resistance. They spread awareness, gathered resources, and planned their strategy. Adazi met with village elders, community leaders, and even some of Amisha's former allies who had grown disillusioned with her rule.
As the resistance grew in strength and numbers, Adazi knew that they were getting close to a breaking point. They would soon have to confront Amisha directly and the thought sent a shiver down his spine.
More and more villagers joined the cause, eager to stand up against Amisha's tyranny. Adazi's leadership and vision inspired confidence and soon, the resistance had a clear plan of action.
One night, under the light of a full moon, Adazi gathered his closest allies to finalize their strategy.
"But does it mean till now Amisha does not know if our plans?" Akafi the trader asked
"That part is getting me worried" Apuchi said
"Look brothers, we have come too far to turn back now" Adazi said
" I agree but we have to fast before the group fall apart. We are taking too long to act" Samuka the former king's town crier said
"Tomorrow, we would march to the palace and demand that Amisha step down." Adazi said
" Now you are talking " Samuka said
" I know the risk is high, but I am willing to fight for my village freedom" Samuka added
And the rest nodded in agreement
The next morning the villagers gathered at the town square with their voices chanting slogans and their signs demanding justice. Adazi stood at the forefront with a heart mixed with excitement and fear.
"You can't just storm the palace. The priestess won't be intimidated." One of Amisha's guard tried to warn them
"We are not here to intimidate. We are here to demand justice and freedom for our village. Amisha's rule has brought us nothing but suffering, and it's time for her to go." Adazi said
Suddenly a voice spoke from nowhere in particular. It was Amisha's voice
"You dare to challenge me?. You think you can overthrow the priestess of Ojuju?" She asked
"We are not challenging Ojuju, Amisha. We are challenging your abuse of power. You and Asakwe have twisted the teachings of Ojuju to suit your own desires, and it is time for you to face the consequences."
Amisha laughed and said
" Then you know nothing about Ojuju. Leave now while you still can" She warned
"We won't be intimidated. We would fight for our rights, our freedom, and our village." Adazi said to the voice
The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the palace as Adazi stood firm, although his heart pounding with fear of the unknown.
"Very well then, be my guest" Amisha said and suddenly the atmosphere shifted dramatically.
A loud menacing laughter filled the air sending shockwaves through the gathered villagers. The wind began to blow, whipping through the trees and causing everyone's hearts to race with fear.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!" Amisha's mysterious laughter sounded again even though she wasn't physically present. The villagers exchanged terrified glances.
"How dare you, how dare you revolt against our god Ojuju?" Amisha's thunderous voice echoed through the air, making it seem as though Ojuju itself was speaking.
"I will have mercy on you, just this once. Before the next lightning strikes, go home now. Anyone still here would have themselves to blame." Amisha warned
The warning was clear and many of the villagers didn't hesitate.
"Thank you, great one," they murmured before turning and fleeing in panic.
Despite Adazi's efforts to rally them, to tell them to stand strong and brave they abandoned him, Apuchi and three other men who had chosen to stand by him.
Amisha's warning was repeated with her voice growing more menacing with each passing moment but Adazi and the four men refused to back down in their stance
And then, Amisha appeared before them with an eyes blazing with an unnatural power.
"Nice seeing you again, Father," she said
Adazi was resilient as he spoke fearless to his daughter Amisha.
"I warned you Father. I warned you. Now you would face Ojuju's full wrath." Amisha said
With a wave of her hand, Amisha ordered her guards to seize Adazi and the four men. They were dragged away and thrown into captivity. That same day, Amisha passed a verdict on them. They would be used as part of the sacrifice alongside the king and his family.
The next day, at dawn, the villagers were forced to gather at Ojuju's shrine. Amisha stood before them as she performed her incantations leaving the villagers wondering if she would really s*crifice her own father.
"This is the fate of anybody who dares to revolt against me," Amisha declared
"If my father can go through what is about to happened here today, nobody would be spared next time." She warned
The guards brought out the king, his family, Adazi, and the four men. The king and his family were consumed by fear, begging Amisha for mercy. But Amisha just laughed
"You should have thought of that before revolting against Ojuju," she said
Adazi however showed no fear. Instead, he spoke with a quiet conviction,
"I will continue to pray for you my daughter Amisha even when I pass away, as I know this is not the daughter I gave birth to." He said
His words fell on deaf ears as Amisha said
" Pray for yourself that as you pass away that Ojuju would forgive your rebellion and grant your soul eternal rest" She said
With that final words to her father, Amisha completed her incantations and suddenly, a huge fire erupted from nowhere, consuming the king, his family, Adazi, and the four men. Their screams of the filled the air as Amisha danced with movements that seemed wild and unnatural.
The villagers watched in horror as their loved ones burn*d with their bodies reduced to ashes. The smell of burning fl*sh filled the air, and the sound of their screams seemed to echo through eternity.
When the fire finally died down, Amisha ordered that the ashes be washed away into the river. And then she said
"For revolting, Ojuju has declared that there would be no rain for three planting seasons."
The villagers dispersed back home with their hearts heavy with grief and fear. They knew that the drought would bring famine and hardship and they couldn't help but wonder if they would ever be able to escape Amisha's tyranny.
To be continued