WRATH OF THE DIVINE: ACT ONE SCENE FIVE



(The palace courtyard is bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun. Oba Adesina sits on a carved wooden stool, his face a mask of simmering anger. His youngest wife, Adetutu, approaches cautiously, carrying a calabash of palm wine. She kneels before him, offering the drink with trembling hands.)


Adetutu: (softly, with a hint of fear) Kabiyesi, I brought you palm wine to calm your spirit. The day has been long, and your heart is heavy. (She keeps her eyes lowered, avoiding his gaze.)


Oba Adesina: (snatching the calabash from her hands) Heavy? My heart is not heavy, Adetutu. It is filled with fire! The Oluwo dares to defy me, and even my own chiefs question my authority. (He takes a long sip from the calabash, his eyes narrowing.) And you… you women in this palace whisper behind my back. Do you think I do not hear your murmurs?


Adetutu: (stammering) Kabiyesi, I… I would never speak against you. I am loyal to you, my king. But the people… they are afraid. The Oluwo’s daughter… taking her as your wife has caused much unrest. The elders say it is an abomination—


Oba Adesina: (slamming the calabash on the ground) Silence! Who are you to speak of abomination? Who are you to question my decisions? I am the king! Oba ba lori oun gbogbo! I do as I please, and no one—not the Oluwo, not the elders, and certainly not you—will tell me otherwise!


Adetutu: (tears welling in her eyes) Kabiyesi, I only speak out of love for you and concern for our people. The gods may not look kindly upon this. Please, reconsider your actions before it is too late. The execution of the Oluwo will only bring more strife—


Oba Adesina: (rising to his feet, his voice thunderous) You dare to challenge me? You, a mere woman, dare to tell me what to do? (He steps closer, his hand twitching with rage.) I should have you flogged for your insolence!


Adetutu: (pleading, on her knees) Kabiyesi, I beg you, listen to reason! The people of Kese are suffering. The crops are failing, the rivers are drying, and the gods are angry. Do not let your pride blind you to the cries of your people!


Oba Adesina: (slapping her across the face) Ewu! Foolish woman! You speak of pride, yet you dare to insult your king? Get out of my sight before I banish you from this palace! (He points toward the gates, his chest heaving with fury.)


Adetutu: (clutching her cheek, tears streaming down her face) Kabiyesi… (She rises slowly, her voice trembling.) May the gods have mercy on you, for you have lost your way. (She turns and walks away, her shoulders slumped in defeat.)


Oba Adesina: (calling after her) And do not return until you learn your place! (He sits back down, his hands clenched into fists. The courtyard falls silent, save for the distant chirping of birds. Oba Adesina stares into the distance, his expression a mix of anger and unease, as if the weight of his actions is beginning to settle on his shoulders.)


Curtain Falls

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