THE EXCLLENCY OF HONESTY (PART2)
.... Continuation.
Esan took after his father Alasela. His disdain for anything unlawful and unfaithful is second to none. He will never pick any money he found no matter his need for same .
During examination, he will not turn his head sideways nor ask for any assistance even lending of stationery from anyone.
Everyone knows him for his rare commitment to honest pursuit.
There was an incident in which Esan was arrested alongside three of his friends for theft.
News spread around the community and before long the Baale of the areas and over hundreds of the people in the locality were in the police station. They were there to demand for the immediate release of Esan.
The Divisional Police Officer was so amazed for this strange event. He released Esan and his friends on personal recognition.
Alasela crowned his legendary act of honesty when he returned #53,500 to the the owner.
A gang of robbers privy to an insider information had waylaid Alhaja Aroworeyin ( the richest cloth merchant in the whole of Otta ) and her aides on their way to Dugbe Market in Ibadan.
Having collected the huge some, the gang gathered in a thick forest near Onihale, dug a hole and hide their loot having sworn to an oath of untimely death to anyone who might try a betrayal.
Alasela had gone on a hunting trip and decided to rest on one of the trees around.He had hardly climbed the tree than the gang of robbers emerged.
Their leader ordered them to survey the area to ensure that nobody is around. Alasela stayed motionless on the tree. His hunting cloth as well as the canopy cover concealed his presence.
The leader quickly severed the head of a life cock and sprinkled the blood on everyone including himself.
" So shall the blood of any traitor amongst us be spilled".... A resounding Aaamen followed. They buried the money, agreed on when to come back for the sharing, looked around again to ensure nobody was around and left.
Alasela waited for about an on the tree hour, descended and walked around to confirm that there was no mortal man around, dug out the money and went another way.
News of the robbery incident was everything. A handsome price of #5,000 was to be given to anyone that can avail any information about the robbers.
What a great reward at a time when #1,500 could buy a brand new saloon car .
Alasela got home, put the money in his room, bathed, took his breakfast and rested. It was a Saturday morning.
Everybody, both young and old were desirous of having information about the robbery incident only for the financial gain.
They all knew it was not possible , according to them, only a fool like Alasela Arowomagbe will choose to report if he has such information. Most of them would rather share in the loot instead of reporting the robbers.
At around 12 noon, Alasela called his son to carry a basket containing fruits and plantains, they both mounted the motorcycle and made for the Baale's house. The Baale on seeing the basket full of fruits asked Alasela " are these not too much for the DPO ?
Let us go there and see was Alasela's response.
At the police station, the DPO greeted the Baale in warm embrace and turned to Alasela : "Sir, our society is in dire need of honest people like you".
Imagine those heartless robbers !
They carted away all the life earnings of that philanthropist Alhaja Aroworeyin.
It was so pitiable.
How can she survive this ?
She will survive it Sir, God have rewarded her good deeds and that is why I am here said Alasela.
" This is for the survival of Alhaja Aroworeyin " Alasela said, pointing at the basket.
Fruits as a means of survival for #53,500 ?
Mr Alasela, I would have gotten you arrested for playing on my intelligence on an important matter like this if not for your past reputation.
Alasela called in his son Esan and told him to put the fruits in the floor , the boy did and say a something big covered with a wrapper.
Untie it, said Alasela. Esan did and brought out a bag.
Alasela opened the bag and everyone in the office chorused " money ! "
That is Alhaja Aroworeyin's #53,500. said Alasela.
There was graveyard silence for over 5 minutes.
The DPO, Baale, two senior police officers and Esan.
The DPO walked up to Alasela, carried him shoulder high and said, " you are an angel in human form "
The Baale hugged Alasela and retorted " you have given my community world recognition this second time , Eledumare will bless you " .
The two police officers stood at attention and saluted him.
Esan could not control himself, he bursted into tears of joy, hugged his father and said " you are the best father in the world, I am very glad for having you as my father "
The police headquarters have been informed as well as governor.
Alhaja Aroworeyin was on her way.
The entire community was overcrowded.
A convoy of police vans carrying Alasela, Baale and Esan was moving towards the town hall.
It was the highest human gathering in the history of Araromi- Ifo and it's environs .
Alhaja Aroworeyin was full of tears, God have done for her what nobody can do
She held unto Alasela and was showering prayers on him.
Representatives of the governor in company of the police Commissioner have come.
Adunni ( Alasela's wife ) and Ajike ( the daughter ) also joined the convoy .
Alhaja Aroworeyin could not say much " all of you should join me in thanking Alasela ,
In addition to the #5,000 reward, I also give him my house in Ifo and five different lace materials for all his family members "
The Nigerian Police have made him an honorary Inspector of Police for his uncommon intelligence and honesty .
The Baale named him Otunba Otitoloju (truth is better) of his domain.
The Guffanti Construction Company also presented him the key of a brand new Peugeot 404 saloon car.
The Governor through his representative have a short message for the gathering " Our gathering here today is for all of us to see THE EXCELLENCY OF HONESTY through Mr Alasela.
The government will sponsor the education of his children up to the university level "
The applaud was indescribable.
.... The End