A Timely Intervention

2004
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The Nobu civil war raged and raged for longer than it should have. As with all wars, there were no real winners. It could all have gone on for ever, as some of these things unfortunately do, but for the timely intervention of the grand old man - Grandfather Nobuka.

In his younger days, Grandfather Nobuka spent half his time in London, a quarter in Spain and the rest of his time in the eastern parts of Nigeria. He was a writer, businessman and intellectual, and to Zibby's great pride, an active participant in the fight for Nigerian independence. He was a man with great pride in his country and his culture, and by all accounts, a complete gentleman.

The old man had come to London for a brief holiday, and chose to stay (as was his regular custom) in the comfort of the vast Nobu house. It was only 24 hours later that he noticed that all was not well within those freshly-painted cream-coloured walls.

Grandfather Nobuka acted swiftly. He called everyone together, including cousin Ama, who had made a point of visiting the house to see him. Zibby initially stayed up in his room, burying his head in an Intellectual Property Law textbook. He was summoned by one of the younger cousins, and entered the large sitting-room to Grandfather Nobuka's quizzical frown.

"Zibby, didn't you hear me call?"
"Sorry Grandfather."
"Did I not call a family meeting?"
"You did Grandfather."
"And are you not one of the family?"
"Yes Grandfather, I am."

Grandfather Nobuka's eyes followed Zibby as he moved towards the edge of the room and sat down.

He began a speech - oh how he loved his speeches. He spoke endlessly of the broomstick which was easily broken on its own, but was unbreakable as part of a broom. He quoted the Bible, specifically the part which says that a house divided against itself can not stand, and then preached a full sermon on the topic. He even lectured them on the fight for Nigerian independence and the Nigerian civil war, showing how discord between brothers could bring about tragedy, death and destruction.

Two hours and ten long minutes later, the whole family was willing to kiss and make up just to end the speech. Grandfather Nobuka asked everyone to break away into sub-groups and talk more candidly, Zibby included, about their grievances, perceptions and suggested solutions. By the time the day was done, everyone decided to start on a fresh page and call it a new day for the Nobu household. The clan trooped to the sitting room to thank Grandfather Nobuka for his timely intervention, but found him slumped in a chair, head back, mouth slightly open, snoring gently. They all smiled and chuckled quietly, as Aunty woke him up and escorted him upstairs for his afternoon nap.

Things were much better at home from that day forward, for Zibby, Ama and everyone else. When he walked out the door the next morning, Zibby was filled with a new hope, a fresh zest for life and the calming assurance that he was no longer alone. Whatever challenges this new life would throw at him, Zibby was sure his family would be there to support him.