Chronicle Of Polygamous Brouhaha

Story of a polygamous man with only one Son...

Edikan was an only child and son of his parents. They made sure he attended good schools and enjoyed the basic things of life they could afford. Being an only child, he was encouraged to get married early at the age of twenty three.

He got married to Itorobong in an elaborate marriage. People gathered to wish them well and blessed them but the expectation of pregnancy was not forth coming. Days turned to years and their patience were already running out.

Both of them agreed to get another wife that will give them children considering the fact that he is an only child. That was how, Akaninyene was married into the family. Unfortunately, after three years of trying, she was not able to produce the needed son.

Tongues began to wag that probably, Edikan is the cause of the childlessness in his marriage, since the two wives could not give him children. His parents were worried sick and concerned that he has not been able to get a son. They assured him that they will assist him to look for a very fruitful and fertile girl for a wife. They apportioned the blame on their enemies.

That was how, Mbuotidem was searched for with caution and proper investigation to be sure she would bear children. She joined her mates in their husband’s house. To the expectations of everyone, she became pregnant and gave birth to a bouncing healthy boy.

It was a day of joy and celebration. Everybody rejoiced with them and the boy was named Aniebietabasi. Indeed, who’s like God? They were happy that God have answered their prayers.

Aniebietabasi, the only son of Edikan from the third wife _ Mbuotidem was loved and cared for by the family members. He grew up a good guy and got married to Mfonbong. She was very active and hardworking. She was also loved by all. She delivered seven children but none of them lived more than six months. 

They always died mysteriously.

What could be the problem? Now, that God have answered them by giving him plenty children through his daughter in law- Mfonobong, were the questions Edikan the father of Aniebitabasi could not find answers to.


Mfonobong, later gave birth to triplets but died after delivery. Aniebitabasi, the husband could not be consoled, likewise his parents and step mothers. They found solace in the fact that the children were alive. But it was barely seven months, when one of the triplets died in a strange manner. 

Aniebietabasi, cried and called upon God to intervene in his predicament, that he was tired of burying his loved ones. He never knew his problems were not far from him.

After three years, Akaninyene the second wife of his father, Edikan, became sick and was taken to so many hospitals yet she was not improving. People suggested taking her to a white garment church for healing. While in the church, the Alagba looked at her and told her to confess her sins.

With tears and pleas for forgiveness, she confessed that she was the one that killed the seven children that Mfonobong gave birth to,she also killed Mfonobong- her step daughter in law and one of the triplets that died.

Her inability to give birth to children made her to be envious of her mate – Mbuotidem the mother of Aniebietabasi. She said she was not happy to be barren which was as a result of the abortion she did when she was in her teens. 

Why should Mbuotidem have a child and even grand children while she had none? She pleaded for forgiveness from her step son Aniebietabasi and everyone before giving up the ghost.

But the harm had already been done. The dead cannot be resurrected. 

*na wah oooooo