Save Us, O Dear Neighbour!, By Wole Olaoye

Once upon a time, there was a rich duke named Magnificus whose estate was the envy of all his neighbours. It was said by all and sundry that God was partial in bestowing so much blessing on one man. Added to his richness was the man’s comeliness. “God must have made him on a Monday, the first day after resting”, they said. All kinds of blessings for which families have been praying from the beginning of Time were gifted to just one man. Not a few people wondered if the word, ‘favouritism’, was invented because of him.

If you thought Magnificus had had his kernels cracked by…