Jibafẹ finally arrived.

“So why are you late?”

Jibafẹ: I’m sorry, maybe it’s the weather but I’ve been tardy lately.

“You’re forgiven, so what’s the emergency?”

Jibafẹ: It’s Aṣabi.

I burst out laughing. “What’s her problem this time?”

Jibafẹ: Honestly if the lady were not my own niece I would have sent her packing long time ago.

“You’re taking it too hard. Give her time to change. Sometimes these things take a while.”

Jibafẹ: This time it is abo (shelter). Wọn riran sipe kowa ṣ’abo ni ṣọṣi (She received a prophecy to reside at her church for a period of time). I told her no, that I did not trust her church leaders. Then they wanted to come to my house and sanctify it with prayers, candles and incense. I refused. They came to my house and the oluṣo aguntan gangan (main shepherd) who is also an ariran (seer) called me ajẹ funfun (white witch). That was the last straw. I did not know when I put nice-Jibafẹ in check and brought out thunder-Jibafẹ. I began to bind, loose, cancel and decree. Come and see demonic display in my living room. When they left Aṣabi locked herself in her room and cried. She’s not eaten in two days. ṣe wa bami ba sọrọ (will you help me talk with her)?

I shook my head in amusement trying not to burst out laughing again. “I don’t think that will help anything. She’s just shaken, that’s all. She’ll be fine.”

Jibafẹ: I hope so. This is the second time this abo issue is coming up. The first time it was weekend abo, I refused and let it slide. When an earthquake occurred that weekend, they said it was because she disobeyed. This time, they went as far as to call me Ajẹ, oludena (witch, watchguard), I was not nice at all.”

“Sorry dear.” I was still trying to curtail my amusement. “God will work it around for your good.”

Jibafẹ: One of them threatened to call the police on me if anything happened to her. I told them I was her guarantor, so I was prepared for the police. A lady actually sang the Ajẹ oludena song for me, baba fina jo, (Father, burn the person with fire) that was when I brought out the sword of the word.

I burst out laughing again. “At least you helped them. You’ve bound the demons and sent them packing.”

Jibafẹ: That is if they didn’t pick the evil spirits up on their way home. Am I too hard if I tell her she cannot go to the church again?

“No you’re not too hard. I think you should have made it a rule in the first place. Giving her a choice to go to any church was asking for trouble.”

Jibafẹ: I didn’t want to appear as the scrooge aunt who is hard and authoritarian.

“So you became the weak aunt who is soft and permissive. Your sister knew when she was sending her daughter to live with you that you were Pentecostal and that you did not approve of white garment churches. It was a risk she took and she has to abide by the terms.”

Jibafẹ: You know I used to attend the church until my seduction. It’s really not a bad place except for the prevalent carnality. I was always the wild one in the family so when I ventured out of the church, everyone expected it.

“You still believe it’s not a bad church, that’s also a problem. I don’t believe it is a church at all.

Jibafe: So you’re saying it’s a cult, all white garment churches are cults?

“More or less! How do you know if a place is a church or a cult? By testing its doctrine of salvation. If salvation is not through the blood of Jesus Christ alone, then it’s a gathering of unbelievers. Any place where salvation is misunderstood and not preached does not count as a church.”

Jibafẹ: Hmmm, you know I never thought of it like that. I truly don’t recall a sinners prayer ever being said during our services. It was more of praying to be like Jesus, personal righteousness and stuff. We used to have bible studies though, and lots of rituals.

“That’s what you should find out. Ask them the definition of salvation. Ask them why things are done in the format they are done. Ask them why prayer is made to an angel, compare that with the information you’ve studied from the bible… it’s very easy to test the spirits.”

Jibafẹ: Me? I don’t want those people back in my house, let Aṣabi do the asking. The place is full of confusion. Everybody scorns each other, there’s seduction, adultery, betrayal and strife. When I was a member I was always burdened. Kọma de sakani mi (They should not come near me).

“And you still believe God is there.”

Jibafẹ: I see what you mean. So it was just religious spirits exploiting our ignorance. But why were there so many miracles? Hmmm, well, Satan does transform himself to an angel of light. I am just glad I am out of there.

“I am glad too.”

Jibafẹ: Aṣabi does not really like my church though, she wants something Nigerian, she says it’s too western for her.

“Let her attend for now but be on the look out for a Nigerian church… come to think of it, she may like Wole’s church.”

Jibafẹ: Which one is that?

“Wole, my pastor friend, remember the Yoruba service I invited you to? The one you couldn’t make?”

Jibafẹ: Oh yes, I remember.

“That’s close to you, maybe Aṣabi would like that.”

Jibafẹ: Thanks, I hope she does. I don’t want those people coming to disturb me again.

I giggled and said, “maybe that is the ministry God has for you this year.”

Jibafẹ: No o, I reject that, I am not a deliverance minister.

“Is there really anything as a deliverance ministry? The book of Mark says these signs shall follow those that believe, in my name they will cast out demons. It’s one of the signs of believers.”

Jibafẹ: True, but some more than others. I am just concerned about my niece that’s all.

“Aṣabi will come round, don’t worry.”

Jibafẹ finished her drink and ordered more.

“Watch it,” I warned, “You may become addicted like me. I used to drink water when I came here, now it’s only didun or when. Adeoye has me hooked.”

Jibafẹ: Who’s Adeoye?

“The new manager, he created the drink you’ve just had.”

Jibafẹ: I see. So Dee, who fixed your hair?

I was about to respond when an elderly lady walked past us, she came back to check if it was me…

Elderly lady: Adeṣola, ku ọdun o.

I got off my seat and knelt down to greet her the Yoruba way.

“Ẹ kasan ma, ẹ ku ọdun ma, ẹmi a ṣọpọ ma (Good afternoon ma, compliments of the season ma, we shall celebrate many more ma).”

Elderly lady: Dide, dide ọmọ mi, ọmọ atata. Kilode, ta dẹ ri ẹ mọ o di firifiri?

“Ẹ ma binu ma. Isẹ mi pọni (Do not be offended ma, I was too busy).”

Elderly lady: Mo mọ pe o kin ṣe bẹ na. Awọn ọmọ mi nkọ? (I know you’re not like that, how are my children?).

“Dada lọwa ma. Adupe lọwọ Oluwa.” (They are faring well, we give thanks to the Lord).

Elderly lady: Kuṣẹ ọmọ mi. Bami tọju wọn (Well done my child. Take care of them for me).

“Yes ma, ẹse ma.” (Thank you ma).

Jibafẹ also greeted the lady and she continued on to the restroom where she was headed.

Jibafẹ: I hate it when those mamas ask after my children as if they were theirs? Awọn ati talojọlọmọ (Basic meaning: I will not share my parenting rights with elderly women)?

“It’s just our tradition. I don’t think there’s any harm really.”

Jibafẹ: You have not met the really presumptuous ones; some even think they are old enough to be your mother.

“I know what you mean. I just smile and let it pass, no need to start an unnecessary fire or fuel one that wants to alight.”

Jibafẹ: There was this lady, the other day at Banji’s baby shower, because I call her aunty, and maybe she’s ten years older than me, guess what she wrote on the present? To great grandbaby, meaning I am her daughter, Banji is her grandson and my grandbaby is her great grandbaby. I was so insulted!

“I hope you did not show her thunder Jibafẹ.” I said laughing.

Jibafẹ: She got spicy Jibafẹ. Thunder is only for the demonized ones, hers was just presumptuous pride.

When I recovered from my laughter, Jibafẹ asked:

“Debbie, am I insane if I want to bear a child?”

“Why would your desire to multiply and be fruitful be considered insanity?”

Jibafẹ: I’m 44 years, I’m not supposed to bear children, yet I want to bear a child, just one, from my own eggs, from my husband’s sperm, am I okay?”

“You’re fine.” I assured her. “So this is the emergency, it’s not about Aṣabi, you’re worrying.”

Jibafẹ: Something in me just won’t let me grow old barren. After Banji married and gave birth, the thing rose up again.

“I believe that the six commandments in the book of Bresheet (Genesis) is engraved in the heart of every human being. Yes, your uterus was compromised, but God compensated you by giving you a husband willing to grow old with you raising adopted children. If you desire the fruit of your own womb, God will bless you.”

Jibafẹ: I just couldn’t help wondering about your friend Jadesọla. If a 58 years old woman can bear a child, surely, God can help me.”

“There you go! God will help you, simply trust in Him.”

Jibafẹ: I don’t know if I have that level of faith, that’s my problem.

“You may not, but God does. Keep your focus on His person and character and let that build your faith up.”

Jibafẹ: I have studied every barren woman recorded in the bible, I really want this, but I don’t want to get my hopes up.

“What things so ever you desire when you pray believe that you receive and you shall have them, Mark 11:24. Your part is to believe you receive, God’s part is to ensure that you have. Stop listening to doubt, remember apostle James and what he wrote.”

Jibafẹ: Pray with me.

“Is Jagun on board?”

Jibafẹ nodded then we held hands and prayed. Afterwards I said;

“Keep your confession of faith and don’t hang around unbelievers or unbelieving believers.”

Jibafẹ: Thank you. I’m keeping it between Jagun and I. Lorukọ Kristi, ma finu ṣoyun, maa fẹyin gbọmọpọn (In Jesus name, I will become pregnant and use my back to wear my baby).

“Amen my sister. I stand with you in faith.”

Jibafẹ: I watched this Yoruba film, it was so funny, Debbie, you need to watch it.

“Now I know why I remembered Agbara and Igbala while I was waiting for you. How many films do you watch per week?”

Jibafẹ: Em, two or three, why?

“Are they Christian based?”

Jibafẹ: No, just comedy.

“Okay, until you have your heart’s desire, limit your secular film viewing.”

Jibafẹ: Because?

“It’s not expedient, just lawful. Spend that time growing your faith.”

Jibafẹ: Oh, okay.

The time came for me to leave and as we walked out of the restaurant I sang the song playing in the background; “I have given you authority…”

Happy New Year everyone!

Derbrah writes courtesy of Agape for All Ministries. Author retains copyright.

Jadesọla’s restaurant is a drama ministry of the Yoruba Christian Women (YCW), an international faith-based non-governmental, not-for-profit organization. Similarity of names and stories are coincidental. Feel free to copy for non-commercial use. Commercial use requires permission. For more information on YCW write Jesutoyin Ajikẹ-King (toyinking@yahoo.com).

Robot  # 1 | 09.02.2009 08:59

Happy New Year everyone! Jibafẹ finally arrived. “So why are you late?” Jibafẹ: I’m sorry, maybe it’s the weather but I’ve been tardy lately. “You’re forgiven, so what’s the emergency?” Jibafẹ: It’s Aṣabi. I burst out laughing. “What’s her problem this time?” Jibafẹ: Honestly if the lady were not my own niece I would have sent her packing long time ago. “You’re taking it too hard. Give her time to change. Sometimes these things take a while.” Jibafẹ: This time it is abo (shelter). Wọn riran sipe kowa ṣ’abo ni ṣọṣi (She received a prophecy to reside at her church for a period of time). I ...Read the full article.