Rotimi had come under tremendous pressure. He didn’t know what to do, he was confused, perplexed and if he could would want to run
away.
A hard working young man, age 31, works as procurement manager of a leading manufacturing company in Lagos. This young man
from an average background is the only child of his parents. It took his parents eight years to have him and many efforts to have
other kids after him had proved abortive. He is the only child and the most precious subject in the life of his parents.
He was born and raised in Ilorin; his father was a principal at a federal government college and his mother a primary school teacher.
They worked very hard to raise him and train him and after becoming a graduate and securing a master’s degree five years ago, he
secured this job as a buyer and was subsequently promoted to the level of a procurement manager.
The company he worked for is a very successful world class multinational with global presence.
Rotimi was in charge of procuring spare parts and lubricants for the factory; this is a multi-billion naira buying budget and he was
directly responsible; he was as it is ,in charge!
For about four years Rotimi has been under serious pressure from his parents to get married as quickly as possible. His parents were
very anxious about having grandchildren considering he’s the only child hence, they wouldn’t let him rest.
Rotimi a very serious minded man, loves his job and wouldn’t toy with it, he hopes one day to become the managing director of that
multinational hence, he’s really focused on his job and keeps shunning other distractions.
Despite the pressure from his parents; he’s never taken seriously the issue of women or that need to be married too soon. He believed
he needed time to sort out many other priorities relevant to his ambition in career and he wouldn’t settle down till he’s done.
Rotimi wouldn’t hang out with the boys after work; he resumes at work pretty early and would not leave till very late at night. He
didn’t party, didn’t club, didn’t hang out and had only one friend who is also a colleague.
About 18 months ago, Rotimi was invited by this his friend and collogue to attend a wedding of another colleague and because this
female colleague was quite nice and had invited Rotimi personally, he decided to go; attending this wedding occasion marked the
beginning of the pressure he’s facing today.
At the after party of that wedding, Rotimi was introduced to Nike, a very beautiful and attractive young lady. Nike was 25 years old,
with two master degrees from top American universities. Asides her primary education, the rest of her learning process was in the
United States.
She was very brilliant and passionate about success. A computer engineering expert, she had also acquired certifications in business
management and entrepreneurship. A dreamer and an achiever, Nike; highly intelligent, passionate and knowledgeable; would blow the
mind of anyone with ideas and could intimidate anyone who isn’t very confident or knowledgeable. Nike was very beautiful too; tall,
fair, bright eyes and her strength were in her strong and husky voice; very arresting and intimidating.
She has a good body and could make any outfit no matter how drab look pretty nice; she wore them good like that.
Rotimi and Nike were introduced and from that moment on they struck a chemistry that made them inseparable.
Within the first six months of their meeting they became extremely close and did nearly everything together. Nike worked in the IT
department of an American oil and gas company based in Lagos as a computer engineer and was doing pretty well in career too.
Rotimi, feel in love and from that point onward he began to consider marrying Nike.
After a year, the duo had become so close they did and shared everything in common. Subsequently, Nike moved out of her guardian’s
house in Lekki and moved into Rotimi’s house in Ikeja GRA. They became live in lovers. They were happy together and liked the idea of
cohabiting until Nike discovered after 12 weeks of moving in that she had taken in; she was pregnant.
Rotimi was initially shocked and taken aback but after thinking about it for a while, he began to calm down. His parents had been
waiting for him to get married and bear them grandchildren and here is one on the way; of course they’ll be happy and immediately
he told Nike they should start planning towards their marriage ceremony.
Nike was not as excited; she had kept a secret from Rotimi all the while; Her father happens to be one of the most prominent and
respected traditional rulers from the western part of the country; in fact he is so known all over the country. He is a very, very rich,
powerful and popular traditional ruler. Nike took his first name as her surname; hence Rotimi didn’t suspect anything.
For Nike, the problem is, Rotimi is not the kind of man her family would approve of as a husband, no money, no fame, no reputation
– the son of a common teacher they would say. According to her, marrying him would be perceived as a scorn or ridicule to their
royalty. Worse still, she’s pregnant.
Rotimi began to sweat; why didn’t you tell me all this? He shouted at Nike, confused, ‘ I didn’t want you to know or treat me
different, or see me in that light, it will affect the way you relate with me that’s why I kept it a secret’. She retorted.
‘You mean that powerful man is your father? I’m in trouble?’ Rotimi said, as though talking to himself.
I’m sorry Nike, you’ll have to abort this pregnancy; I don’t think I’m in any way ready for all this; this revelation is beyond what I
or my parents can handle, sorry let me go for my class, you’re way out of my class.’ Rotimi said to her.
Nike laughed out loud, in agony, with tears in her eyes! That’s impossible she told him calmly, I can’t, it’s a taboo, it’s forbidden,
I’m a princess, if I attempt it, I’ll die. We are not permitted to abort as royals. I dare not take the life of even an unborn royal
blood.
Rotimi got off the bed and sat on the bare floor of his bedroom away from Nike; he looked at the roof and looked at the floor. Nike
you have killed me; my life is over.
This happened a month earlier, Rotimi afterwards trying hard to face his reality. Nike is pregnant, she’s royal, she’s rich, he
impregnated, her, he’s common blood, he’s poor – no name, no reputation, no power, no influence.
When he travelled two weeks ago to inform his parents of all that’s happened, his mother began to weep immediately, when we asked
you to bring home a wife, we didn’t ask you to bring home this much trouble with it. She retorted, breaking down. His father now
retired as a principal was quiet; he said nothing, but his heart was pounding and he was visibly shaken.
‘So what do we do? I don’t even have a house of my own, I have no car. How do we match this family? How do we avert shame and
disgrace? This is beyond what I can handle Rotimi, its way beyond my power.’ His father lamented.
Rotimi was jolted out of his thoughts and worry, when a tall, heavily built man entered his office and bellowed a ‘hi son, how is work
going’ in Yoruba language.
Rotimi stood up immediately, Prince Adedapo is one of the oldest suppliers of spare parts to their company, he is a personal friend to
both the managing director and the finance director, he was well known in the business and everyone treated him with respect and high
regard.
Prince Adedapo sat opposite Rotimi and began to speak. Young man, I believe you didn’t forget the discussion we had last week. You
must favour me this year o, I’m bringing in a lot of parts and I’d expect you’ll purchase from me. My business isn’t doing very well
now; most of the companies I supply have shut down and left the country, only very few of you are left, please support me on this.
Sir, you need not appeal to me on this, I will do my best sir. I promise. Rotimi responded.
Prince Adedapo looked at Rotimi, look son, he said in low tones, I can make you very rich, you’ll make millions on this seat if you can
collaborate with me; you’re not a small boy you know exactly what I’m talking about and you know what to do.
Sir, Rotimi began to speak standing up, you’ve made this kind of offer in time past several times and I’ve made it very clear I’m not
that kind of person. I’m honest and I have integrity, I wouldn’t take a bribe and would not compromise. I’m sorry sir, I’ll do my best
but I’m not interested in your offer, I’d rather lose this job than compromise on my principles and integrity. Good day sir.
Prince Adedapo looked at him, smiled got up and left his office.
One week later, Rotimi, his parents and a few relatives approached a very big and beautiful palace somewhere in the western part of
Nigeria for the initial introduction before the engagement and wedding ceremony.
They were all, tensed, afraid and confused as they approached the palace. Immediately they entered the palace premises, they were met
by an intimidating number of very high profile traditional individuals; haughty in looks and snobbish in attitude.
‘Come in Kabiyesi has been expecting you,’ one of the women said without any initial greetings. They all walked towards the king’s
visitors chamber to meet with him, Rotimi’s father’s elder brother led, followed by Rotimi’s parents then him.
They entered the visitor’s court and all prostrated and knelt down to courtesy the king.
Kabiyesi didn’t respond, he was indifferent, the oloris did respond and some palace chiefs though, this attitude really made Rotimi and
his family feel little and unhappy.
Just then from the inner chamber of the King, a tall and huge man came out; looked at the visitors, paused suddenly and looked
again, ‘Rotimi’, he bellowed! ‘It is you? You impregnated my niece’, it was Prince Adedapo, the spare parts supplier for his company,
‘prince, good afternoon sir!’ Rotimi greeted stammering. ‘Rotimi, you impregnated my niece, Kabiyesi is my elder brother’ Prince
Adedapo announced to him.
Suddenly Prince Adedapo began to laugh, he turned to Kabiyesi and said, ‘ your highness, we are lucky, I know Rotimi more than
anyone else here, he is a very responsible gentleman, honest, decent with integrity, he’s the kind of man Nike should marry, I assure
you your highness, this is a blessing! His royal highness for the first time looked at Rotimi, and called his name, ‘sir?’ Rotimi
responded, prostrating flat on the floor, ‘My brother says you’re a good boy, I trust his judgment, welcome home, you can all have your
seats’, kabiyesi concluded and began to smile, at that point Nike came out of the inner chamber followed by her own mother and she
ran towards Rotimi, everyone busted out laughing.
Ladies and gentlemen, Rotimi was under pressure to live up to certain standards and expectations to impress his, would be in laws but
his determination didn’t become desperation; he made the right decisions even when it was really difficult and at the end of the day, it
served him right.
Becoming successful and a great achiever require being principled and committed to doing the right thing even if it’s tough.
Every compromise in life has been greeted with frustration and regret.
Resolve in your mind not to bow to any pressure you face in life today. Stand for honesty and integrity and you’ll experience the
ultimate uplift though life.
Ladies and gentlemen, think it, do it, achieve it and be the ultimate, it’s all in your mind!!!
