Uncle Salifu, the diviner.

Uncle Salifu, the diviner.

‘I am here again to let you know the result of the divination your brother asked me to do. The last time I came here, I noticed that you seemed unconcerned about the whole issue.

The result of my divination has to be carried out before the next market day. As her maternal uncle continued his words, Amina kept wondering and figuring out the best way to answer him so as not to sound disrespectful to him but at the same time making her point unequivocally clear.

What actually is her uncle’s request? Why does he look so frustrated?

About ten years ago, Amina lost her mother through bizarre circumstances. Her mother, being one of the priestesses of the god the family worshipped, it was demanded that she should be buried immediately since they have never seen such an occurrence in the village before.

Amina, who had just got converted in her first year in the Senior Secondary School was informed. It was an unfortunate incident that got the whole village talking. Some said her mother had offended the gods. Others said that it was her destiny.

Amina, who could not even witness the burial of her beloved, came back a broken lady full of questions that demanded answers. Her father did all he could but it didn’t make any sense to her. One good thing that Amina learnt in the Scripture Union ay that time was that truth should not produce arrogance and disrespect. Even though she shared her new-found faith with her siblings and family, she remained so respectful that it literally won the heart of some of her siblings to reconsider their walk with God. That was about seven years ago

Uncle Salifu, the diviner.

Read:SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 2)

On that faithful day, her uncle told her that the divination he did revealed that her mother was hungry and needed urgent attention. So how does this bring me into the picture uncle, she asked. You know how your mother loved you while she was alive. She is requesting a sacrifice from you, Amina.

Amina, this needs to be done before the next market day. Or else there will be danger in the land.

Amina was so disturbed by this request. Why the sacrifice and why me?

The sacrifice will entail a bearded goat, a bucket of palm wine and seven bowls of maize. The sacrifice will be done in stages until the items are finished.

Amina requested for two days to give him an answer. Having been admonished in the ways of the Lord, she definitely knew the implications of sacrifices…..particularly when the ultimate sacrifice has already be offered.

Fear and panic struck her that night to the point that she started vomiting. She quickly called her fiancée who lived in the city. Amina, why did you allow this to hit so hard at you, he asked.

Uncle Salifu, the diviner.

Also Read:For not doing this, I salute You !

I understand the attachment you had with your mother but you are taking this too far as far I am concerned. Let me talk to you. I hope it will calm your nerves so you can give your uncle an appropriate answer. I agree that the deity they worship makes them believe in things like that. The truth is that since you shifted camp several years ago, you no longer owe them any allegiance whatsoever.

The ultimate sacrifice has been paid and any other sacrifice is an affront to your faith.

I want to encourage you to be courageous. Let them know that you can’t be part it and any attempt to indirectly involve you will not have your blessing.

Amina got encouraged and had to remind herself of the implications of associating with the dead through sacrifices and rituals.

Uncle, I am sorry I won’t do it and I won’t be involved in the sacrifice.

Why Amina? This is not fair. Your mother who took care of you? Uncle, I loved and honored my mother when she was alive and that is enough for me. I won’t be involved in any sacrifice and my money will not be involved either. For your information respectfully, I separate myself and my unborn children from this ritual in Jesus name.

Amina’s father who was still alive knew very well that it would be difficult to convince Amina. It was very difficult for him since he was considering joining Amina in her faith. How will he now talk Amina into doing this?

Uncle Salifu, the diviner.

Read:Tracking Down Annahs Azuree- pt 5 to the end

It’s a shame, Yakubu, that you cannot convince your daughter to do the sacrifice your beloved wife is asking for. My hands are tied and you won’t understand, Amina’s father told Uncle Salifu.

Two days later, he was able to convince Amina’s senior brother to produce the items for the sacrifice. He even gave two goats having been told the serious repercussions of not carrying out the sacrifice.

It was therefore surprising that her uncle never came to their house again. The only thing they heard was that a sacrifice was done deep in the night at a place a bit close to where their mother was buried.

On that same day, news came to Amina’s father that Salifu had a big party in his house. Party? What for?

It was after a whole week that the matter became clear to Amina and the family that no divination was done in the first place. It was also revealed that Uncle Salifu never told Amina’s brother that only Amina was told to do the sacrifice.

What was more shocking was that the banquet was done for suitors who had come to marry his only daughter. When Uncle Salifu heard that suitors were coming for the hand of his daughter in marriage, he decided to throw a party to convince them that he was well to do.

Knowing very well that he did not have money to pursue his agenda, he decided to feed from the pocket of Amina and her family.

Uncle Salifu, the diviner.

Also Read:Tracking Down Annahs Azuree-part 6

As for Amina, her lesson in this whole drama which made her have sleepless night is clear.

Whether his uncle was cunning or not…..she has learnt to give her troubles a second look. Not to rush in making decisions. Though all this turned to be faked she has learned the need to resist any obligation that does not align with her faith. Actions  goes with consequence.

Amina’s brother is still asking for the refund of his money as I write….he has equally threatened to take the matter to the chief’s palace.

The end

Setho