Chukwuma Linus
Mgbenkwo the last daughter of Mazi Ulasi(Real names withheld) from Obiuno Otolo Nnewi, but married to Umuezena Umudim Nnewi had a story she would never forget in life. It is a big lesson to all men.
It happened that Mazi Ulasi, a well disciplined man had a standing order in his house. All his daughters from Nwanyiorie, the first daughter had a taste of their father’s strong-willed approach in marital issues. Mazi Ulasi believed that no marriage is without its challenges and the best couples do are to wear patient, tolerance, love and forgiveness as customes.
In Mazi Ulasi’s house, any of his daughters who attained the marriageable stage and had a man willing to take her as wife must sign oath of compliance. As far as he was concerned, it was the first stage before he gave his blessing and permission for other marriage process to commenced.
On the day usually in the night that the dotted lines would be signed, a lot of questions must be answered by the daughter. On Mgbenkwo’s case, the following questions ensured, “Are you sure that you are ready for marriage”, Mazi Ulasi asked. “Papa yes I am” Mgbenkwo replied with a mellifluous voice. Then a rapid-fire questions in which Mgbenkwo was in affirmative. In conclusion, Mazi Ulasi receded in his chair pointing towards left and spoke, “You see this room(referring to Mgbenkwo’s room) upon after dowry will never be yours again and no circumstances will change it. The father collected and filed the dictation as he did with his other four daughters.
Few years in her marriage, challenges threatened the fabrics upon which her marriage was woven. Consequently, Mgbenkwo sought solace in the arms of her parents.
According to my Uncle, it happened that Mazi Ulasi returned home after his business activities and eavesdropped on his wife, Mgbafo consoling Mgbenkwo who felt she could no longer bear the challenges of marriage. He made sure the wife and daughter knew he heard their discuss by opening the door in guise of checking on his wife. But did not form opinion except responding to their greetings.
He waited till after dinner before he summoned the daughter to know the reasons behind her surprise visit. To him, there must be a cause behind her daughter’s visit with children and three big “Ghana must go” bags. “All is not well” Mazi Ulasi queried while he gently allowed the pinch of snuff in front of his nose. Now listen, before the cockcrow ensure you are in your husband’s house. He spoke as he entered his room.
Mgbafo was present, but her inputs were not sought. She only heed her cheek with hands. Though she did not dissent in her husband’s stance.
What was Mgbenkwo thinking?
Was she not aware that her father never welcomed any of her sisters who married, but returned due to family issue of any sort. Even If she forgot, her elder sister’s case should have served as an eye opener.
Mazi Ulasi drove his old 1993 Mercedes-Benz 180E white colour to Mbonudo’s(not real name) compound after the Inlaw had lodged a compliant about the excesses of his wife. At the house, he patiently waited for both parties to say a word before he turned to his daughter bringing out a signed document from his file. And fired, “See remember all I told you in the beginning” He said. “Nothing has changed, you signed this document that you must live with your husband for better and worse.” He spoke.
I’m not a judge and will not begin this moment, no woman is the best even your mother is not, but I have no option than to live and manage her excesses. Do same to your husband. He angrily drove away.
Testimonies are that till Mazi Ulasi died none of his daughters sought after him in a slightest provocation with their husbands. They learned to live at peace in their homes.
