04/04/2025
In the heart of Nigeria, in a vibrant village known as Ekoja, lived Princess Adesewa. She was not only known for her beauty but also for her fierce spirit and unwavering love for her people. The village thrived on its markets, where colorful fabrics, spices, and handcrafted goods were exchanged. Market days were filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of delicious local dishes.
However, peace in Ekoja was threatened. The king's men, known for their arrogance and greed, had begun to impose heavy taxes on the villagers, claiming it was to support the royal treasury. This burden weighed heavily on the women, who were the backbone of the market, tirelessly working to provide for their families.
One fateful market day, as the sun rose high in the sky, the atmosphere in Ekoja was electric. The women gathered in the village square, their voices rising in a chorus of determination. Among them stood Princess Adesewa, her regal presence commanding attention. Dressed in a vibrant buba and iro, she held a wooden staff, a symbol of her authority and strength.
"We cannot allow our families to suffer any longer!" Adesewa declared, her voice resonating through the crowd. "These taxes are suffocating us. We must stand together and fight for our rights!"
The women, inspired by her words, rallied around her. They were mothers, daughters, and sisters—women who had endured the king's men for far too long. As the market bustled with activity, they began to chant and clap, creating a rhythm that echoed their resolve.
Suddenly, a group of the king's men appeared, their faces twisted with disdain. The leader, a burly man named Obinna, sneered at the gathering. "What is this foolishness?" he bellowed. "You dare defy the king's law?"
Adesewa stepped forward, unafraid. "We are not foolish, Obinna. We are strong. We demand the right to trade freely without the burden of your unjust taxes!"
The tension in the air thickened as the villagers watched, their hearts pounding in solidarity. The king’s men advanced, but the women stood their ground, forming a protective circle around their princess. They brandished their market wares—baskets of yams and bundles of cloth—as shields.
"Back down!" shouted one of the women, raising her voice above the clamor. "We are the heart of this village, and we will not be silenced!"
The confrontation escalated, with shouts and cries ringing out. Adesewa, fueled by the strength of her ancestors, raised her staff high. "We fight not just for ourselves but for the future of Ekoja! Our daughters should not live in fear of tyranny!"
With a fierce cry, the women surged forward, uniting in their demand for justice. The king's men, taken aback by the sheer force of the women’s bravery, hesitated. It was a moment of reckoning as the villagers watched their princess lead the charge against oppression.
As the sun cast long shadows over the square, the men realized they were outnumbered and outmatched by the indomitable spirit of the women. Obinna, sensing defeat, signaled for a retreat. "This isn’t over!" he shouted, but the women remained resolute.
Adesewa raised her staff once again, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The market had witnessed a new beginning, a transformation sparked by courage and unity. The women of Ekoja had stood up against injustice, and their princess had led them to victory.
From that day on, the village thrived not only in trade but also in the spirit of resilience. Adesewa became a symbol of hope, a leader who fought for her people. The market square, once a place of fear, became a vibrant hub of empowerment, where stories of bravery and unity were shared for generations to come.
Srory by Ben Deborah Chidinma
