
Image credit: Adetunji Faleye, Black Campus Magazine
There is a village named Araromi, a vibrant marketplace that bustled with activity during the day. Colorful stalls displayed an array of goods, from exotic spices and handcrafted jewelry to woven baskets and ripe fruits. Villagers from neighboring regions would gather here to trade, laugh, and share stories.
However, an ominous shadow had fallen upon the marketplace. For several nights in a row, the market had been attacked by a group of bandits under the cover of darkness. Their swift and silent raids left the villagers in a state of fear and despair. Valuables disappeared, stalls were left ransacked, and a feeling of helplessness began to creep into the once-thriving community.
The village elders, renowned for their wisdom, gathered to discuss the dire situation. Among them was Ajala, an elder known for his deep connection to the spiritual realm. Ajala had often been sought after for his advice and guidance in times of crisis. As they deliberated, he proposed a solution rooted in the ancient traditions of their ancestors โ a powerful protective ritual.
According to legend, their ancestors had once faced a similar threat from marauders. In their desperation, they had turned to the spirits of the land for help. The spirits had revealed to them a ritual that would create a shield of protection around the marketplace. Now, Ajala believed it was time to invoke the ritual once more.
The villagers embraced Ajala’s idea, for they too remembered the stories passed down through generations. Under his guidance, the villagers set to work preparing for the ritual. They gathered rare herbs, lit sacred candles, and adorned themselves in traditional attire. The air was charged with a sense of purpose and determination.
As nightfall descended upon the village, the villagers assembled in the marketplace. A large bonfire crackled in the center, casting dancing shadows across their faces. Ajala stood at the forefront, his voice resonating with authority as he chanted ancient incantations that echoed through the night.
The villagers joined in, their voices blending into a harmonious melody. The rhythmic beat of drums accompanied their chants, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Under the moonlit sky, the ritual began to work its magic.
Unknown to the villagers, the bandits had returned, assuming that darkness would again be their ally. As they approached the marketplace, they were met with an unexpected resistance. An invisible force seemed to repel them, causing confusion and panic among their ranks. They tried to push forward, but it was as if an impenetrable barrier held them back.
Inside the protective circle, the villagers continued their chanting, their faith unshaken. Slowly but surely, the bandits retreated into the shadows, defeated by the very darkness they had relied upon.
As dawn broke, the villagers ceased their chanting, their voices fading into the morning breeze. They gazed upon the untouched marketplace, their expressions a mix of relief and amazement. The ritual had worked โ the protective shield had thwarted the bandits’ attempt to wreak havoc.
News of the failed attack spread through the village like wildfire, rekindling hope and pride. The marketplace, once a symbol of vulnerability, had become a testament to the strength of their unity and the wisdom of their ancestors.
From that day forward, the villagers continued to perform the guardian ritual before every nightfall. The marketplace remained untouched by further attacks, and the bond among the villagers grew stronger. The power of tradition and the resilience of the human spirit had prevailed, transforming Araromi marker into a beacon of protection and community.
Araromi continues till today to be a market for prosperity that women, men, children and adult do not cease to visit. It became the source of wealth to many traders and business men and women who patronize the market for commerce.
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