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Ushiesunday:
God bless all Bekwarra sons and daughters who read

Ushiesunday:
Titile: THE UNJUST USHIE

Chapter Two: The Arrival of King Ugaba.

As the sun rose over the peaceful village of Achiane, excitement filled the air like the scent of freshly baked Ikwan ikpachim. The villagers buzzed with anticipation as rumors spread of the impending arrival of their new ruler, Ushie Ugaba. The last king that died according to the tradition, he was buried exactly after 5 market days. The last king was the last Ushie Awia. These type of kings are very powerful, sincere and truthful to the throne and to the people. They rather die than to take bribe or see black and call it white.

Evil never casted it’s nets in Achiane autonomous village why because the last ushie was a man of his word. Many nicknamed him “Ushie Amia” because there was no ruler like him. Stories were told at the big iroko tree how a certain son came from the west with a charm and the moment he entered the gateway to the land from irifen Ijibor ( a community in Achine village) the charm he was bringing to torment the villagers was rendered powerless. Stories were also told how people from this kingdom would travel out even when accident occurred they will survive it. Their blood were not used for any sacrifice anywhere they are. This was possible because the leader who was to stand in a gap in the realm of the spirit for his people was truthful and sincere.

As the community bubbled with excitement as the funeral of the former king was successful and all rituals completed, the villagers now await a new king. Several rumours however has it that the new king was more of a political appointment from above (state level)and might not undergo the processes involved in crowning a king (awia)in Achiane village.

Now, let's talk about King Ugaba the incoming ushie. Picture this in your mind how he arrived at the coronation square. Ushie Ugaba arrived in Achiane village on a white horse dressed in a royal attire of the people. (A local fabric made of wool thread popularly called Ashoke in the west. A very expensive fabric for royal people wore by the likes of Mansa kanka musa of Mali). The attire with black red and white colours combine has significant meanings to the kingdom. Also with his cap made of Unicorn skin with cowries used in designing the outer part of the cap. He looked very expensive which spread in the minds of all that he was coming to represent himself and not the interest of the masses. Let's just say his majestic entrance was more of a wobbly stumble. His encourage were more of political class than Traditional class of chiefs. His entrance was luxurious and such has never been witnessed before.

As Ushie Ugaba made his grand (albeit slightly unsteady) entrance into the village square, the villagers greeted him with enthusiastic cheers and applause in their language “abuo ushie beshe, Ugaba eni wuo, Ushie ibe’ r’ukwun” meaning “welcome king, man of the people, king come with blessings” in their language.

Children waved homemade banners emblazoned with messages like "Welcome ushie!" and "We Promise Not to Steal Your Crown!" Fight for justice, don’t romance politicians”.

Age grade societies like aten imiki miki, aten Ibaggy, aten Igowon even aten ojiguru were beating their local musical instruments (uneribe, ogurugbo, aju, igbe, ichaka chaka) that produce beautiful melodies as the women all dressed in their uniforms dance the akita dance.

I won’t stop talking about King Ugaba dress to this occasion. Picture this: he was decked out in robes so elaborate they put a peacock's plumage to shame. Feathers, sequins, the whole nine yards. It was like a fashion show meets a medieval jousting tournament. But hey, who needs subtlety when you have a beautiful rich kingdom like Achiane to rule, right?

As Ushie Ugaba addressed the crowd, his booming voice echoed through the village square like a slightly off-key opera singer. He promised prosperity, progress. He promised interventions on dilapidated infrastructures in the kingdom. He promised no infrastructure no votes. Meaning when politicians comes for vote he won’t give his blessings unless he sees developments. He awake another hope on the masses as the society dreams of a prosperous reign to come.

The villagers of Achiane welcomed Ushie Ugaba with open arms, eager to see what changes his reign would bring. They showered him with gifts of freshly baked ikwan, handmade beads, crafted uyaà, local pots, local mats. Everyone was happy and the occasional awkward hug from overly enthusiastic grandmothers, crippled, deaf and dumb.

But little did they know, King Ugaba reign would be anything but ordinary. With his quirky personality (who knows if he was born through quicky). His questionable fashion choices, and penchant for grand entrances, he was sure to shake things up in the sleepy village of Achiane. And so, as the sun set on Ushie Ugaba’s first day in power, the stage was set for a hilariously unpredictable chapter in the history of Achiane village. Let the royal hijinks begin! As you will see in the next chapter.

(If you missed chapter one you can search it with the title on Google and read)

~ Ashiwere Ushie
Fictional Writer