The Conspiracy (Sad true story)

I was the Usain Bolt of my primary school, St. Saviors school, Ebute-Metta. In all humility, I was the king of the tracks. From class 4, I was already the reigning champion of the school in the 100 meters track race. I always came out top in races, and I was still the guy to watch each time the school got invited for inter-school competitions, especially for the relay events.

It was the inter-house sports event and the time came for the 100 meters’ final event. And so, after a few moments, the gun went off, and we were on our way. As I breezed through the sounds of screaming supporters and through the clouds of dust that were awoken by our stumping feet, my eyes firmly remained towards the finish line. And in about 10 meters to the finish line, I knew without a single doubt that I was well ahead. And at the finish line, with a feeling of total accomplishment, I spread my hands like a winner which kind of meant- “Is there anyone else.” I conquered, so I thought.

Love is blind

August 6, 2020

The therapeutic value of comedy

July 2, 2020

At the finish line, it was clear I was the winner. So, an assistant from the sports organizers the school hired arranged all the runners in a line accordingly from winner to last. Of course, I was placed in front of the line and other runners behind me. And we marched towards the point where other officials were seated to officially note down our names/houses for the medals ceremony. But before we got there, the head of the sports organizing committee hired by the school, came from nowhere and said the assistant got it all wrong. And that from his angle where he stood, Dotun, the guy who should be second took the first position in the race. The assistant was stunned. With my very innocent face, I was stunned too.

I looked back at Dotun, and he was also clearly stunned. As he made that statement, he was already re-arranging the line order, placing me behind Dotun. I couldn’t believe what was going on. Mrs. Annan, the leader of my house (blue house), questioned the new arrangement, and the head of the sports team repeated himself. A little scene was caused at the table that day. Somehow, the guy used his powers as the head of the sports organizing team and being the “professional” to insist I was not the winner, but Dotun was. I was robbed, and it was a sad day for me.

As I pondered this morning, inevitably, something transpired that day, a conspiracy took place. And one day, somehow, it will come to light. Nothing is hidden forever, no matter how seemingly insignificant it may be. Dotun may be innocent of what may have transpired, but I will like to ask his dad (who was present that day) some questions concerning what emerged on that fateful day.

By Ifeanyi Odiaka

Email address: [email protected]