"SACRIFICIAL LAMB "
FRACTURED FAMILY
"SACRIFICIAL LAMB & FALSEHOOD"
"Esau & Jacob, or Cain & Abel"
"Discretion is the better part of valor." "Silence is golden, but speech is silver." The goldenness of silence is today the silvery of speech. Silence and discretion do not equate to cowardice or trepidation. I am the sacrificial lamb of the family in various ramifications. I did not choose this role; it was divinely ordained. "The forces that have been shaping my life have been beyond my mortal control." An avalanche of falsehood from the black sheep of the family, aka Ikechi, has been circulating for years, dragging my hard-earned reputation through the mud to an unbearable and unacceptable extent. As a result, my narrative, which is fact-based, will contrast with his anecdotal account.
Ikechi is my elder brother. "We are two different nations from the same womb." We are comparable to the biblical stories of Esau and Jacob or Cain and Abel. Our mother, Magdalene, showed a clear preference for him over me. There was no expression of affection towards me. Fate had other plans, and her favoritism towards Ikechi was evident as we grew up. She blindly supported him, and their bond was strong and unbreakable. They defended each other's interests, and her attitude towards me often made me wonder if she was truly my mother.
One incident that stood out was when she locked her food in a metal box previously used for storing clothes and left for church service at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Ndagbo Isiama Afaraukwu, Ibeku Umuahia. This act made me stop eating from her pot. As a result, my grandmother, the remarkable matriarch of blessed memory, fed me and continued to do so until her passing.
Ikechi's education was sponsored by our mother, and he was the sole beneficiary of her legacies. His traditional marriage was single-handedly financed by her. Unfortunately, his wife's relationship with our mother has been cold. There was no love lost between Ikechi and our father until his demise. Despite his base hatred towards me, I had always shown my brother affection.
Furthermore, his self-centeredness was evident in his decision to marry immediately after graduating from university. He shirked family responsibilities, claiming he had to prioritize his own needs. When he informed me about his marriage, I was not opposed to the idea, but I pointed out potential dangers and problems associated with such a move without a stable foundation. Specifically, I reminded him that he had no job, accommodation, or infrastructure to support a marriage. However, he remained resolute, citing the phrase, "He who finds a wife, finds a good thing." At the time, he occupied a small room that would not be spacious enough for a couple, let alone children. Out of kindness, I offered to help him restructure the room, but he flatly rejected my offer.
We exchanged a series of emails during this period, some of which are no longer available. To provide clarity and showcase my heartfelt intentions towards my brother, who inexplicably harbored hatred towards me, I have included some of the emails below:
From "Hisroyalmajesty: Princeclintonuzohr Ijebuonwu" <vocabularypersonification@yahoo.de>
Date: 27.01.2012 23:05
Topic: many faces of human beings
To: dearestkris@yahoo.com
Cc:
Dearestkris,
Your approach to situations and life over the years has only crystal-clearly demonstrated your flight from the core reality of things and your continual sluggishness to learn from history and concatenations of events over the years. I would not know how else I will either write or speak without you mistaking it as an affront. You require a complet realignment in your pattern of doing things for you to savor a sea change in your being. Sometimes memories well up mixture of feelings. At times it is sheer sadness or a mix of bliss and agony. I may not possess the crystal ball to presage the future, but I may not be less clairvoyant about it. It not only hurts but also pains me beyond words that you deliberately or otherwise resolved to be not on the same wave length with me. Retrospectively you were exhaustively detailed ,schooled ,generously advised and religiously forwarned in relation to the nitty-gritty of nuptials. You solely elected how you wanted it in this regard to the massive ignorance of my advisory which only was borne out of sheer fraternal love.
After the fact, what still baffles me is your consistent residence in denial with all the telltale of incompatibility of your spouse. She is unmarriageable and what else do you what to know about her? You don not want anyone to get involve as you considered this area your prerogative. Will being proactive be better for you than being reactive? Make up your mind on want you wish. I am of the view that her conception at this turbulent period is not a good news for you. You should have bridled your libido. Get into damage limitation by reconciling with your father and getting your relatives involved as the problem has snowballed beyond your management. Do not let hubris color your attitude in this regard. Better achieve victory with humility than suffer defeat with dishonor.
About the human habitat, please, I entreat you to be more reasonable and upright. Is no more about the edifice under construction,but about the already existing structure being at present occupied by my tenant whose tenancy will expire in no time.This is the most priceless offer I will make to you in view of your direst necessity for accommodation. Once again, there is a renewal of this offer to you. The ball is in your court now. A word is more than enough for the prudent.
All in love and peace.
uzohr
-‐-------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: ijebuonwu xtianikechukwu <dearestkris@yahoo.com>
An: vocabularypersonification@yahoo.de
sent: 23:00 Montag, 23.Januar 2012
Topic: many faces of human beings
Well, in every business transactions emotions are detached. I shall keep my terms disregarding every odds. It is time factor now, bear with me. I really do not debate the truth you have given me about Europe, I am only facing marriage challenges...Honestly, I do not know exactly what vexed problems the girl I married have with me, my mom, and
siblings? She vowed on personal vendetta! She insults me, mom, Akudo
at will. She dares me...she flouts my instructions and brings me shame.I do not see her taking care of my old age if I am opportune! All her basic needs I do provide...sexually too! Traditionally we are extended family inclined, a woman does not marry the man only. I have complained to her parents about her unruly behavior more than necessary. Candid speaking, I have considered divorce my best option at this prevailing circumstances I found myself. Hardly any appreciation for anything I do for her. She is pregnant, but will not stay with me. She amongst other things, made threats to my life. I am now a fugitive in my home..It is a painful recount. For the house I gave up interest, because of the cost to put there in a living state, but if I am able to
break even, I will get there fixed for my stay. Do not see it that I turned down your offer. I am making arrangements to start off my textiles business (ok) stuff. Overseas may not be in my favor considering the bitter truth you have told me. To get job from government here is difficult, but we are relentless.
Take care Ikechi
‐----------------------------------------------------------------
On Tue, Jan 17, 2012 3:40 PM PST Hisroyalmajesty: Princeclintonuzohr Ijebuonwu wrote:
Your argument seems less logical to me because in the first place it was your decision and not mine to get into this deal. I had a different option that would have taken care of the situation, but you felt like you were being treated unfairly by me. Second, please, spare me of the emotional explanation of your status and how you eke out a living , as mine is no different if not more deplorable. Your choice of words did not really go down well with me . I neither clubbed you into this venture nor cudgeled you into payment of the consignment as you noted in your chit. Horse sense only demands in such a deal , payments have to be made sans maudlin. How would you now justify not having your chum have the gadget, because he could not keep faith with his words. Yanking the contraption from him, I bet would have strained your ties with him to no small measure. I am still a student and will not forget to make copy of events or chronicle of them if you like. Do the right thing is all I can write and I
do not have my muscles on you in this regard. I await with bated breath your green light to have you invited to Germany, so that you can garner money in the manner we do. I pledge to bankroll your flight ticket.
prince
________________________________
From: "Hisroyalmajesty: Princeclintonuzohr Ijebuonwu" <vocabularypersonification@yahoo.de>
Date: 30.01.2012 18:17
Topic: Re: many faces of human beings
Topic: ijebuonwu xtianikechukwu <dearestkris@yahoo.com>
Cc:
I relocated a week today. I only had asked you to love and maintain a close tie with your spouse and household. I never held you back from your initial verdict to secure decree nisi. It was your sole election and that even earned a hard and strong warning from granny that should anything happen in the nearest future she would not listen to your cry. You might not have been too young when you tied the knot but the basic ingredients that would have made the union flourish were deficient and I
did call your attention to them and your response was that a wife would bring luck. I went further to tell you about our background. Assess my predictions today and grade me accordingly. This should not be mistaken as an advice against divorce. Your life has been threatened several times by your wife which is a heinous crime in view of Igbo's native law and custom. In this case , please suit yourself, but should anything go awry the full responsibility should saddle upon you. Your relationship with your father you never know may be the cause of this woes you are having. The earlier you become more reasonable, may be the less pain you have. As our maternal uncle advised in the course of our visit to him ''making peace with your father is of paramount importance'' but you are disregarding his wise advise. Once again, you have the shoes on and know where they pain. Being indebted to me without implementing my theorem does not get us a step further. Truth they say is bitter. You are very difficult to handle. He who fights can win,but he who does not fight at all has already lost. Shake off your reverie and do the right thing before pride brings you down. A fool at 40 will remain a fool forever.
The apartment you are being asked to occupy is three times bigger than the present place you occupy. If you will not be reasonable this time, do as you please. I am fed up with your rigmarole.
What is wrong with Maggie?
All in love.
Uzohr
---------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ijebuonwu xtianikechukwu <dearestkris@yahoo.com>
To: vocabularypersonification@yahoo.de
Sent: 0:56 Samstag, 28.Januar 2012
Topic: Re: many faces of human beings
Well, I have read your response with deep sense of thought and rationale, but would rather want you to understand the fact that you advised and warned me about my step towards divorce, that which held me back from my initial decision.How do now you reconcile the issue of my having got married? It is most painful that I may have married the wrong woman, but that does not imply I was under age when I got married. It was my interest for pregnancy, but it came as a result of my sharing apartment with my spouse. I also made wide consultations on what was going on in my marriage and was reliably warned to be very careful and not to opt for divorce! Even my father- in-law has been very reasonable since the upheavals in my marriage. I was warned about this trial periods in my marriage. Of a truth I cannot get our father involved into this issue as he will not stand on my side, but that does not mean I discarded your peace initiative, I am making up ranks to get issues rested. I only got you involved
because I have to, in fact I am indebted to you in this regard. For the accommodations, I prefer the building under construction, because it will affords me privacy. It is rather painful that I do not have what it takes to fix there, but I am making feasibility studies on how to temporarily get things done there.The room you want me to occupy is exactly the size I am already in now. I am suggesting for the completion of the extended walls around the sitting room before dismounting the scaffolding...the longer the wood stay , the more it depreciates and money will be spent for carpentry work once it is not done now. If you can send me anti hills for blocks...mom was taken to hospital and my doctor examined her, she is on medicare, but left for Mbano yesterday.Have you packed in to your new home?
My regards, dearestkris.
---------------------------------‐-----------------------------------
The emails I have included demonstrate my good intentions towards my brother and other siblings. I had even offered to help him travel to Europe, but he declined after I honestly shared the challenges he might face. Although he sent me a copy of his international passport, he remained determined not to leave the country in search of better opportunities. He mentioned that he might visit Europe only for vacation.
At the time, my brother lived with our parents at our ancestral compound, while I resided with my grandmother (of blessed memory) at her home, about 15 minutes away on foot. One morning, my grandmother informed me over the phone that my brother's life was in danger due to a quarrel with our cousin Okechukwu. Apparently, Okechukwu's loud music had disturbed my brother, leading to a heated argument.
I told my grandmother that I would come home and relocate my brother to ensure his safety. I contacted my brother and proposed that he stay with me temporarily until he found a new place. He welcomed the idea, hoping it would help his wife change her behavior towards him, which he believed was influenced by her peers at the ancestral compound.
Upon my arrival, we had a family meeting to discuss the proposal. Attendees included my father, grandmother (of blessed memory), my sick mother (who was hospitalized at the time), my Uncle Orisa, and his estranged wife Blessing. However, my brother flatly rejected my offer, despite our mother's pleas for him to accept it for his own safety. Our uncle opposed the proposal, citing a past incident between his father and uncle, and warned that Ikechi might dispossess me. His estranged wife, Blessing, intervened, suggesting that I had the right to decide what to do with the property since it was willed to me.
Eventually, Ikechi relocated to my residence. He lived there upwards of 7 years, but when it was time for him to vacate the property, he violated the tenancy agreement. His continual residency at the property stalled the completion of the construction project for an extended period. Despite my efforts and significant financial investment, traveling between Nigeria and Germany, he remained uncooperative. Our uncle suggested using force to resolve the issue, but I declined, citing the importance of maintaining family bonds. Several reasonable family members intervened, but Ikechi stood firm, driven by his goal to take over my home.
I provided him with funds to rent an apartment, but instead,he invested it in a building project that he could not complete due to insufficient funds. Following our matriarch's intervention, he vacated the premises. He was presented with two options: relocate to the ancestral home on Aba Road or Avo. As the first son, I suggested he choose the former, considering our mother's and sister's needs. However, he refused, stating, "I will not go back to Egypt." Egypt being both his metaphor and euphemism for suffering and slavery respectively.
Our half-brother, Stanley, inherited the ancestral home, where our mother and sister resided at the time. Ikechi's inheritance came with a caveat: our mother would also stay there. According to our grandmother, he had set aside a room for our sister and mother at his uncompleted house. In a gesture of goodwill, I offered to complete the room, but he declined. I had also promised to provide him with 50 bags of cement for any building project, but he did not inform me about his plans. Instead, I learned about it through the grapevine.
My mother and sister grew tired of living in the ancestral home due to its deplorable state and associated problems. My efforts to renovate the house were met with resistance, deemed a financial waste by them. They preferred to relocate to Avo, where Ikechi and his family lived. Through my father's intervention, I purchased building materials to start a new project. However, Ikechi threatened to demolish any structure erected and invoked a diabolical deity if his orders were not obeyed. To avoid escalating the situation, I chose a peaceful path, recovering some of the materials while others were lost.
In desperation to accommodate my mother and sister, I attempted to buy a plot of land within our village but was unsuccessful. Fortunately, I secured a tract of land in Umueze Ibeku. I built a self-contained apartment for them, but they remained ungrateful, with my mother stating, "You cooked food without first asking me my choice." Despite being well-provided for, they lacked appreciation.
Ikechi continued to spread falsehoods, claiming I chased our mother away and imprisoned her and our sister. The truth is the opposite. The apartment I built for them is located in the heart of Umuahia city. This narrative aims to reveal the truth about our family's dynamics, not seeking sympathy or public praise. My conscience is my best judge.
The worst fate that can befall a person is not death but lacking a conscience. Ikechi's behavior towards me, despite my significant contributions to our family, is unconscionable and condemnable. I challenge him to mention one meaningful contribution he has made to our family's well-being. He preferred to hobnob with the very person who necessitated his relocation to my property to his own brother who accomodated him. His actions epitomize greed, envy, enmity, hatred, and disunity.
"Esau & Jacob, or Cain & Abel"
"Discretion is the better part of valor." "Silence is golden, but speech is silver." The goldenness of silence is today the silvery of speech. Silence and discretion do not equate to cowardice or trepidation. I am the sacrificial lamb of the family in various ramifications. I did not choose this role; it was divinely ordained. "The forces that have been shaping my life have been beyond my mortal control." An avalanche of falsehood from the black sheep of the family, aka Ikechi, has been circulating for years, dragging my hard-earned reputation through the mud to an unbearable and unacceptable extent. As a result, my narrative, which is fact-based, will contrast with his anecdotal account.
Ikechi is my elder brother. "We are two different nations from the same womb." We are comparable to the biblical stories of Esau and Jacob or Cain and Abel. Our mother, Magdalene, showed a clear preference for him over me. There was no expression of affection towards me. Fate had other plans, and her favoritism towards Ikechi was evident as we grew up. She blindly supported him, and their bond was strong and unbreakable. They defended each other's interests, and her attitude towards me often made me wonder if she was truly my mother.
One incident that stood out was when she locked her food in a metal box previously used for storing clothes and left for church service at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Ndagbo Isiama Afaraukwu, Ibeku Umuahia. This act made me stop eating from her pot. As a result, my grandmother, the remarkable matriarch of blessed memory, fed me and continued to do so until her passing.
Ikechi's education was sponsored by our mother, and he was the sole beneficiary of her legacies. His traditional marriage was single-handedly financed by her. Unfortunately, his wife's relationship with our mother has been cold. There was no love lost between Ikechi and our father until his demise. Despite his base hatred towards me, I had always shown my brother affection.
Furthermore, his self-centeredness was evident in his decision to marry immediately after graduating from university. He shirked family responsibilities, claiming he had to prioritize his own needs. When he informed me about his marriage, I was not opposed to the idea, but I pointed out potential dangers and problems associated with such a move without a stable foundation. Specifically, I reminded him that he had no job, accommodation, or infrastructure to support a marriage. However, he remained resolute, citing the phrase, "He who finds a wife, finds a good thing." At the time, he occupied a small room that would not be spacious enough for a couple, let alone children. Out of kindness, I offered to help him restructure the room, but he flatly rejected my offer.
We exchanged a series of emails during this period, some of which are no longer available. To provide clarity and showcase my heartfelt intentions towards my brother, who inexplicably harbored hatred towards me, I have included some of the emails below:
From "Hisroyalmajesty: Princeclintonuzohr Ijebuonwu" <vocabularypersonification@yahoo.de>
Date: 27.01.2012 23:05
Topic: many faces of human beings
To: dearestkris@yahoo.com
Cc:
Dearestkris,
Your approach to situations and life over the years has only crystal-clearly demonstrated your flight from the core reality of things and your continual sluggishness to learn from history and concatenations of events over the years. I would not know how else I will either write or speak without you mistaking it as an affront. You require a complet realignment in your pattern of doing things for you to savor a sea change in your being. Sometimes memories well up mixture of feelings. At times it is sheer sadness or a mix of bliss and agony. I may not possess the crystal ball to presage the future, but I may not be less clairvoyant about it. It not only hurts but also pains me beyond words that you deliberately or otherwise resolved to be not on the same wave length with me. Retrospectively you were exhaustively detailed ,schooled ,generously advised and religiously forwarned in relation to the nitty-gritty of nuptials. You solely elected how you wanted it in this regard to the massive ignorance of my advisory which only was borne out of sheer fraternal love.
After the fact, what still baffles me is your consistent residence in denial with all the telltale of incompatibility of your spouse. She is unmarriageable and what else do you what to know about her? You don not want anyone to get involve as you considered this area your prerogative. Will being proactive be better for you than being reactive? Make up your mind on want you wish. I am of the view that her conception at this turbulent period is not a good news for you. You should have bridled your libido. Get into damage limitation by reconciling with your father and getting your relatives involved as the problem has snowballed beyond your management. Do not let hubris color your attitude in this regard. Better achieve victory with humility than suffer defeat with dishonor.
About the human habitat, please, I entreat you to be more reasonable and upright. Is no more about the edifice under construction,but about the already existing structure being at present occupied by my tenant whose tenancy will expire in no time.This is the most priceless offer I will make to you in view of your direst necessity for accommodation. Once again, there is a renewal of this offer to you. The ball is in your court now. A word is more than enough for the prudent.
All in love and peace.
uzohr
-‐-------------------------------------------------------------------
Von: ijebuonwu xtianikechukwu <dearestkris@yahoo.com>
An: vocabularypersonification@yahoo.de
sent: 23:00 Montag, 23.Januar 2012
Topic: many faces of human beings
Well, in every business transactions emotions are detached. I shall keep my terms disregarding every odds. It is time factor now, bear with me. I really do not debate the truth you have given me about Europe, I am only facing marriage challenges...Honestly, I do not know exactly what vexed problems the girl I married have with me, my mom, and
siblings? She vowed on personal vendetta! She insults me, mom, Akudo
at will. She dares me...she flouts my instructions and brings me shame.I do not see her taking care of my old age if I am opportune! All her basic needs I do provide...sexually too! Traditionally we are extended family inclined, a woman does not marry the man only. I have complained to her parents about her unruly behavior more than necessary. Candid speaking, I have considered divorce my best option at this prevailing circumstances I found myself. Hardly any appreciation for anything I do for her. She is pregnant, but will not stay with me. She amongst other things, made threats to my life. I am now a fugitive in my home..It is a painful recount. For the house I gave up interest, because of the cost to put there in a living state, but if I am able to
break even, I will get there fixed for my stay. Do not see it that I turned down your offer. I am making arrangements to start off my textiles business (ok) stuff. Overseas may not be in my favor considering the bitter truth you have told me. To get job from government here is difficult, but we are relentless.
Take care Ikechi
‐----------------------------------------------------------------
On Tue, Jan 17, 2012 3:40 PM PST Hisroyalmajesty: Princeclintonuzohr Ijebuonwu wrote:
Your argument seems less logical to me because in the first place it was your decision and not mine to get into this deal. I had a different option that would have taken care of the situation, but you felt like you were being treated unfairly by me. Second, please, spare me of the emotional explanation of your status and how you eke out a living , as mine is no different if not more deplorable. Your choice of words did not really go down well with me . I neither clubbed you into this venture nor cudgeled you into payment of the consignment as you noted in your chit. Horse sense only demands in such a deal , payments have to be made sans maudlin. How would you now justify not having your chum have the gadget, because he could not keep faith with his words. Yanking the contraption from him, I bet would have strained your ties with him to no small measure. I am still a student and will not forget to make copy of events or chronicle of them if you like. Do the right thing is all I can write and I
do not have my muscles on you in this regard. I await with bated breath your green light to have you invited to Germany, so that you can garner money in the manner we do. I pledge to bankroll your flight ticket.
prince
________________________________
From: "Hisroyalmajesty: Princeclintonuzohr Ijebuonwu" <vocabularypersonification@yahoo.de>
Date: 30.01.2012 18:17
Topic: Re: many faces of human beings
Topic: ijebuonwu xtianikechukwu <dearestkris@yahoo.com>
Cc:
I relocated a week today. I only had asked you to love and maintain a close tie with your spouse and household. I never held you back from your initial verdict to secure decree nisi. It was your sole election and that even earned a hard and strong warning from granny that should anything happen in the nearest future she would not listen to your cry. You might not have been too young when you tied the knot but the basic ingredients that would have made the union flourish were deficient and I
did call your attention to them and your response was that a wife would bring luck. I went further to tell you about our background. Assess my predictions today and grade me accordingly. This should not be mistaken as an advice against divorce. Your life has been threatened several times by your wife which is a heinous crime in view of Igbo's native law and custom. In this case , please suit yourself, but should anything go awry the full responsibility should saddle upon you. Your relationship with your father you never know may be the cause of this woes you are having. The earlier you become more reasonable, may be the less pain you have. As our maternal uncle advised in the course of our visit to him ''making peace with your father is of paramount importance'' but you are disregarding his wise advise. Once again, you have the shoes on and know where they pain. Being indebted to me without implementing my theorem does not get us a step further. Truth they say is bitter. You are very difficult to handle. He who fights can win,but he who does not fight at all has already lost. Shake off your reverie and do the right thing before pride brings you down. A fool at 40 will remain a fool forever.
The apartment you are being asked to occupy is three times bigger than the present place you occupy. If you will not be reasonable this time, do as you please. I am fed up with your rigmarole.
What is wrong with Maggie?
All in love.
Uzohr
---------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ijebuonwu xtianikechukwu <dearestkris@yahoo.com>
To: vocabularypersonification@yahoo.de
Sent: 0:56 Samstag, 28.Januar 2012
Topic: Re: many faces of human beings
Well, I have read your response with deep sense of thought and rationale, but would rather want you to understand the fact that you advised and warned me about my step towards divorce, that which held me back from my initial decision.How do now you reconcile the issue of my having got married? It is most painful that I may have married the wrong woman, but that does not imply I was under age when I got married. It was my interest for pregnancy, but it came as a result of my sharing apartment with my spouse. I also made wide consultations on what was going on in my marriage and was reliably warned to be very careful and not to opt for divorce! Even my father- in-law has been very reasonable since the upheavals in my marriage. I was warned about this trial periods in my marriage. Of a truth I cannot get our father involved into this issue as he will not stand on my side, but that does not mean I discarded your peace initiative, I am making up ranks to get issues rested. I only got you involved
because I have to, in fact I am indebted to you in this regard. For the accommodations, I prefer the building under construction, because it will affords me privacy. It is rather painful that I do not have what it takes to fix there, but I am making feasibility studies on how to temporarily get things done there.The room you want me to occupy is exactly the size I am already in now. I am suggesting for the completion of the extended walls around the sitting room before dismounting the scaffolding...the longer the wood stay , the more it depreciates and money will be spent for carpentry work once it is not done now. If you can send me anti hills for blocks...mom was taken to hospital and my doctor examined her, she is on medicare, but left for Mbano yesterday.Have you packed in to your new home?
My regards, dearestkris.
---------------------------------‐-----------------------------------
The emails I have included demonstrate my good intentions towards my brother and other siblings. I had even offered to help him travel to Europe, but he declined after I honestly shared the challenges he might face. Although he sent me a copy of his international passport, he remained determined not to leave the country in search of better opportunities. He mentioned that he might visit Europe only for vacation.
At the time, my brother lived with our parents at our ancestral compound, while I resided with my grandmother (of blessed memory) at her home, about 15 minutes away on foot. One morning, my grandmother informed me over the phone that my brother's life was in danger due to a quarrel with our cousin Okechukwu. Apparently, Okechukwu's loud music had disturbed my brother, leading to a heated argument.
I told my grandmother that I would come home and relocate my brother to ensure his safety. I contacted my brother and proposed that he stay with me temporarily until he found a new place. He welcomed the idea, hoping it would help his wife change her behavior towards him, which he believed was influenced by her peers at the ancestral compound.
Upon my arrival, we had a family meeting to discuss the proposal. Attendees included my father, grandmother (of blessed memory), my sick mother (who was hospitalized at the time), my Uncle Orisa, and his estranged wife Blessing. However, my brother flatly rejected my offer, despite our mother's pleas for him to accept it for his own safety. Our uncle opposed the proposal, citing a past incident between his father and uncle, and warned that Ikechi might dispossess me. His estranged wife, Blessing, intervened, suggesting that I had the right to decide what to do with the property since it was willed to me.
Eventually, Ikechi relocated to my residence. He lived there upwards of 7 years, but when it was time for him to vacate the property, he violated the tenancy agreement. His continual residency at the property stalled the completion of the construction project for an extended period. Despite my efforts and significant financial investment, traveling between Nigeria and Germany, he remained uncooperative. Our uncle suggested using force to resolve the issue, but I declined, citing the importance of maintaining family bonds. Several reasonable family members intervened, but Ikechi stood firm, driven by his goal to take over my home.
I provided him with funds to rent an apartment, but instead,he invested it in a building project that he could not complete due to insufficient funds. Following our matriarch's intervention, he vacated the premises. He was presented with two options: relocate to the ancestral home on Aba Road or Avo. As the first son, I suggested he choose the former, considering our mother's and sister's needs. However, he refused, stating, "I will not go back to Egypt." Egypt being both his metaphor and euphemism for suffering and slavery respectively.
Our half-brother, Stanley, inherited the ancestral home, where our mother and sister resided at the time. Ikechi's inheritance came with a caveat: our mother would also stay there. According to our grandmother, he had set aside a room for our sister and mother at his uncompleted house. In a gesture of goodwill, I offered to complete the room, but he declined. I had also promised to provide him with 50 bags of cement for any building project, but he did not inform me about his plans. Instead, I learned about it through the grapevine.
My mother and sister grew tired of living in the ancestral home due to its deplorable state and associated problems. My efforts to renovate the house were met with resistance, deemed a financial waste by them. They preferred to relocate to Avo, where Ikechi and his family lived. Through my father's intervention, I purchased building materials to start a new project. However, Ikechi threatened to demolish any structure erected and invoked a diabolical deity if his orders were not obeyed. To avoid escalating the situation, I chose a peaceful path, recovering some of the materials while others were lost.
In desperation to accommodate my mother and sister, I attempted to buy a plot of land within our village but was unsuccessful. Fortunately, I secured a tract of land in Umueze Ibeku. I built a self-contained apartment for them, but they remained ungrateful, with my mother stating, "You cooked food without first asking me my choice." Despite being well-provided for, they lacked appreciation.
Ikechi continued to spread falsehoods, claiming I chased our mother away and imprisoned her and our sister. The truth is the opposite. The apartment I built for them is located in the heart of Umuahia city. This narrative aims to reveal the truth about our family's dynamics, not seeking sympathy or public praise. My conscience is my best judge.
The worst fate that can befall a person is not death but lacking a conscience. Ikechi's behavior towards me, despite my significant contributions to our family, is unconscionable and condemnable. I challenge him to mention one meaningful contribution he has made to our family's well-being. He preferred to hobnob with the very person who necessitated his relocation to my property to his own brother who accomodated him. His actions epitomize greed, envy, enmity, hatred, and disunity.
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