Review on the secret lives of Baba segi's wives

The urge to be the latest talk of the town and the sadness that lingers in Baba segi's heart.

Right from when I was handed my first book, titled “Mindset” by Dr. Carol Dweck, the quest to know what book to venture into has left my imagination blurred with a dent. I can't stand the sight of the numerous volumes from the shelve, as it feels like whisking from one hardcover to another.

My reading life has been a difficult yet pleasant one to talk about; the knowledge gained from every cover leaves an imprint on my life as a whole. Living with a book enthusiast, like my brother, reading is one thing you’ll not escape if you truly want to be his Buddy. I’ve watched him flip through the pages of the “Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives”, tossing the book to the side stool by the bed every 20 minutes of deep reading. I’ve also observed folks picked not less than three of that book and a new one comes in when his book plug knocks.

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives took me by surprise, but more so, having the ounce to think what might be printed in black ink on the white paper; page after page proves abortive at every attempt. Like everyone else, Baba Segi lived in a place where he vibes with like minds and clan heads, which they all referred to as teacher. The teacher listens to their complaints during discussion and offers a doable solution to their aching spirit.

On like their usual way of life and team spirit, they kicked against Baba Segi’s desire to take Bolanle as his fourth wife, but without trepidation, he charged ahead, leaving the advise of his friends and clan head at the sole of his shoe. The journey started as a rock and roll, smiling at the lovey-dovey lifestyle that just knocks at his polygamous nature. Bolanle, unlike his three wives, is a university graduate, it was a love at first sight. The path between Baba Segi and Bolanle crossed when she escorted her friend Yemisi who was supervising a building project upon their graduation from the college.

Yemisi is a regular customer of Baba Segi who owns a building material shop. The arrival of these pretty ladies left Baba Segi confused about what to do with this opportunity other than sell his materials. Yemisi, who received an impromptu call for a brief meeting, delivered the kill to Baba Segi’s hands. As a sharpshooter from his old days, he never misses his target. He stroke a conversation which led to another visit and another one and it all ended in marriage as his end goal.

Bolanle’s journey to polygamy came with its downside, starting from the co-wives, adding to the pain of childlessness on her path, and bellyache on Baba Segi’s path. Driven by this situation on his aching spirit, Baba Segi ran to his teacher to pour his heart out but despite the early outing, he met his friends there who questioned his early arrival at their meeting. Baba Segi could not monster the courage to speak because of his actions of resisting the advise given to him about the marriage, which he never listened to.

Soon enough, he let out an outburst, pouring the whole bothering issue before his very friends and teacher. Atanda, One of them suggested he consult the local medicine man (herbalist), and he advised him to take to force as the man of the house if gentle plea does not work. Olaopa, a retired police officer quickly draws their attention to the consequences of assaulting a graduate. While they were still deliberating on the pressing issue at hand, more men ducked into the crowded room through the low-frame door. They chuckled at the joke cracked by Olaopa.

Holding on to a little silence among them, Teacher's voice thrusting into their heads as he present solution to Baba Segi. Teacher said:“ what's the point of running Helter skelter when the solution is right in front of you, if the woman is educated, she will listen to other educated fellows. Take her to see the Doctor.” Baba Segi left the gathering with a clue, heading to his shop for the day’s business. His boys already waiting at the shop with a mighty padlock glaring back at them. Their greetings came with a worrying response as they know what that meant already. The alarm clock beeps, sending the closing deal of the day, he locked up the shop while his driver reve the car to his final destination.

When the children heard the sound of the car hone, the boys prostrated, while the girls on their kneels to greet their father. He greeted his four wives, as they set the table for dinner. The children jostled, making their space in front of the Tv on hearing the sound of a familiar melody to watch the “Afowofa” as they sing along. The wives all seated in an armed chair from his right hand to the left, except Bolanle who has not earned her right yet due to her barrenness to sit on an armed chair close to her husband. Baba Segi’s chair directly in front of the Tv to watch the show as he devour the morsels of Amala served by one of the wives.

As the show came to an end, everyone prepared themselves for the last ritual of the day, the communal watching of the news. The newscaster’s reaction shows she was off balance before dishing out the story to the audience. Her news report of a forty years old man, Mr. Jerome who was detained by the police after the discovery of pre-term fetuses according to medicals.

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“In April, the police lunched a nationwide appeal on the information of ritual murderer. In the last year alone, the bodies of eighteen women found with fatal wound in their pelvic region. The police believes the apprehension of Mr Jerome will lead to the arrest of other culprit.” The newscaster’s report reads.

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The whole family dismissed with a sour taste in their mouth as a reaction to the news of this inhumane act being unleashed. Iya Segi yanked her head-tie off her head yelling why? Why the killing of innocent? Iya Tope on the other hand gripped her belly tight as if experiencing labour. Iya Femi who proclaimed Jesus as her personal Lord and savior rained all manner of curses on the culprit. Baba Sagi, reaching out for the bowl of water failed as he threw up the undigested food in his stomach on the rug carpet, the wives quickly ran to his aid as they hoisted him straight to his room leaving him alone as his covers his blanket to wave them good night.

Baba Segi staggered on the corridor passage, interrupting the silence as tuned on the corridor light, kicking and pushing the door to his wives rooms as he finds his way to Bolanle’s room. He pushes the door open wondering if she had put on those pajamas night wears. He kept on musing on the thought, while will a woman go to bed dressing like a man but he could not let the thought out to avoid the shame of being called old fashioned. Bolanle sat up, pretending to be startled, she rubbed her eyes to acknowledge the looming silhouette by her bedroom door. He reached out to the top of the door with his fingers to shut it as he marched to her and flopped on the bed. “ Today, I’ve come to talk”, his weight on the mattress made it uneven. “ I’ve come to talk about the matter that threatens to make us enemies.

“I'm listening, Baba Segi, I don't want to be your enemy; she replied.” ” Bolanle gave a breath of relief after she learned sex is no part of the card tonight. Your barrenness bring shame on me and I know you're saddened by the situation. Every time I suggest we go see the herbalist, you called them false names, cunning and deceived men, rubbishing their powers; Baba Segi complained. He exhaled deeply, raising his head up, he said;“ I have thought deeply about it, and I want us to see the doctor.” He thought Bolanle will reject as usual but to his amazement, she agreed to go see the doctor with him.

A simple lesson from this chapter;“Most of the problem we face, is as a result of our in ability to know when to stop in our wanting.”