The Three Bundles - Ògúnlànà, O̩lábò̩dé
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The Three Bundles
Ògúnlànà, O̩lábò̩dé
Synopsis "The Three Bundles"
Young journalist Tanímọ̀lá investigates the story of 'the mystery man in the woods' at Abà Kòsasẹgbẹ́, rumoured to be the notorious moneylender Láiyẹ́mọ̀ of Agbajọ́ town. Tanímọ̀lá's family is intimately tied to the story, as his grandfather, Náyà, was neighbour, childhood friend and rival of Láiyẹ́mọ̀ and Láiyẹ́mọ'̀s father, notorious pirate Èrùjẹ̀jẹ̀, had swindled Náyà's father of his home and land. Tanímọ̀lá's investigation takes him to a rundown hut, where an invalid Láiyẹ́mọ̀ lies, his past sins destroying him from the inside out. Láiyẹ́mọ̀ tells Tanímọ̀lá that, though he was jealous of Náyà when they were younger, he remembers him as kind and wishes he had followed his advice to avoid pride. Láiyẹ́mọ̀ reveals his vision of the three bundles - destiny, fate and karma - and tells Tanímọ̀lá to learn the rest of his story from his benefactor, T'ẹnìbẹ̀gí. T'ẹnìbẹ̀gí's tale begins with young Láiyẹ́mọ̀ as the prideful leader of his ẹgbẹ́ (age group). He was the son of the richest man in town. Láiyẹ́mọ̀'s father, Èrùjẹ̀jẹ̀, gained his wealth from piracy and then took over the town as a moneylender. Greatly feared and hated by all, he was ostracized. He isolated himself on an island farm far from others. He was found dead after a mysterious visitation by seven bats and seven owls. Days after his funeral, his henchman and a crone were seen conducting a ritual over his grave. When Láiyẹ́mọ̀ took over the moneylending business, he destroyed the town of Agbajọ́. Almost all in town were indebted to him; many sold themselves into slavery to him to save their families. The town faced famine and great poverty. During the town's Centenary Anniversary celebrations, Láiyẹ́mọ̀'s ẹgbẹ́ led a 'show of shame', where they fed currency into the cooking fire for the feast. The ẹgbẹ́ danced and sang, 'We are fully satisfied. Who cares that some are hungry.'
