In the midst of tales and tradition, my life journey is one of unbelievable adventure, filled with trials, memories, pain, happiness, laughter, and love.
As salam alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
My name is Haneefah Zubair, a practicing Muslimah, Yoruba by tribe, and currently in my fifties. I was blessed with so many things in this life, a loving family and a life filled with drama. My story is one of the strangest and most unimaginable stories in the land of the Yorubas.
But one thing I learned most is that tradition and culture often begin with one man before they are adopted by many.
Welcome to my life journey.
HANEEFAH’S POV
It was a beautiful morning, though the sky was still dark. My heart was filled with dreams coming true. I gently turned to my other side and woke my husband with a soft kiss on his forehead. He groaned for a few seconds, then smiled.
Haneefah: Good morning, okomi.
Anas: (Chuckles as he sits up) I love that name. Finally. (Pulls her gently onto him) Good morning, my lovely wife.
Haneefah: (Laughs softly) I love the name too. It is time for Salatul Fajr.
Anas: I know. (Looks at her warmly) Thank you.
Haneefah: For what?
Anas: For everything. For loving me. For choosing me. For deciding to spend the rest of your life with me. Thank you so much, Haneefah.
Haneefah: (Smiles, holding his hands) No, I should be the one thanking you for choosing me too. It is such an honour to be your wife. (Her smile fades slightly as she sighs) I just hope I will fit into your family.
Anas: You will. I assure you. You are in safe hands. My family will love you, and I know you will be a wonderful wife. Just be yourself and follow my lead.
Haneefah: Are you sure?
Anas: Yes. Do not be scared. I know my family is the weirdest family in Nigeria, but once you join us, you will understand why we live the way we do. I love you, Haneefah, and I never want to see you in pain or sadness. Many women rejected me because of my family, but you chose to stay. You have no idea how mighty you are in my life.
Haneefah: (Exhales softly, smiling) Alright then. Let us pray. (She moves to get down from the bed. He pulls her back) What are you doing?
Anas: Wait now. Oya, give me a kiss.
Haneefah: You cannot be serious. After eight days of being together all day? I cannot even count how many times we have kissed. Rest jor. (She frees herself and hurriedly gets down) Do not be a baby. Get down.
Anas: Alright then. Just know you owe me a kiss. (Follows her toward the restroom)
(LIGHT FADE)
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AT OLAKUNLE’S MANSION
The mansion of an old man buzzed with life. The compound was filled with family members, everyone busy with different activities. The wives moved back and forth in the kitchen, while the husbands sat with their father in the large living room, relaxing. Children ran around the house, laughing and playing freely.
Jamiu: (Enters the kitchen, searching) Una welcome o. (He spots his wife at the dining table and rushes to her, whispering) Iya Beji. You people should hurry now. They are almost here.
Zainab: As you can see, we are almost done. Can you not see we are setting the table?
Jamiu: (Irritated, whispering) Are you calling me blind?
Zainab: (Wipes sweat from her face with her veil) As you can see, we are busy. I do not have time for this. (Looks around) Iya Muiz, where is the chicken?
Jamiu: (Furious) You will repeat that statement again. (Walks back to the living room)
Maryam: (Panting as she carries the chicken in) Here, ma.
Zainab: Good. Well done. What else? Remains the salad and fruits. Tell Iya Nusaybah to hurry up.
Maryam: Alright, ma. (Returns to the kitchen)
Chief Olakunle: (Descending the stairs with his staff, smiling as he watches his grandchildren play) Hmm.
Jamil: (Notices him) Dad is here. (The three sons stand respectfully) Watch your steps, Chief.
Junaid: He is aging really fast (smile sadly)
Chief Olakunle: (Chuckles) What are you all waiting for? They are already at the gate.
Junaid: (Calling out loudly) Oya o. They are here. Nusaybah. Yusuf. Hassan. Call your siblings.
Zainab: (Places the final plate, adjusts her dress and veil) Oya, let us join them outside.
Aishat: Alright, Iya Nusaybah. Let us go.
Maryam: I am coming.
At the front of the mansion, the entire family gathered. Parents adjusted their children’s clothes while standing beside their spouses. The head of the family stepped forward with his staff, smiling brightly.
HANEEFAH’S POV
I was already nervous. My body trembled as I watched the entire family waiting for us. My husband turned to me, squeezing my hand with a reassuring smile. I returned a weak smile, my heart pounding uncontrollably.
I noticed one couple quietly pinching each other, exchanging deadly stares while trying to compose themselves.
My husband opened the car door and helped me out, adjusting my khimar gently. My knees almost gave way.
As we approached them, greetings filled the air. His brothers embraced him warmly. I moved toward the wives, embracing them too, but all I received were forced smiles and silent glances exchanged among them.
My father in law stepped forward. He was the sweetness of the family, the pillar holding everyone together.
Chief Olakunle: Welcome to this beautiful family, my child. As you step your feet into this mansion, may our blessings multiply with peace, love, and happiness. You shall be blessed with the fruit of the womb and righteous children.
The family chorused “Ameen” as our luggage was carried inside.
After several minutes of greetings, I was finally welcomed into the mansion. I stood near the entrance, unsure of my next move, afraid of offending anyone. I glanced at my husband, but he had already been swept away by his brothers into the living room.
Suddenly, fourteen children ran toward me, welcoming me excitedly. They were the sweetest souls. The oldest was barely ten. They dragged me toward my husband, asking eagerly for their gifts.
As we moved upstairs, someone tapped me from behind. I almost collapsed.
Maryam: Our wife, welcome to the family. I am Mummy Nusaybah, the second wife. Come, join us. (Holds her hand)
Anas turned, searching for her, then smiled.
Anas: I told you. She will be welcomed.
HANEEFAH’S POV
Minutes later, my new family sat together at the dining table, laughing and chatting, including me. Yet I was far from comfortable. It began with the gaze of my senior wife. It felt like a silent “welcome to hell.”
I swallowed my discomfort and focused on the bright side. The meal was delicious. The children had their own table. Each couple sat together. My husband sat beside me.
This was the part I feared most.
I could barely eat. My husband kept touching my hand, silently asking if I was okay. I smiled to reassure him, though my heart was heavy.
After the meal, the men left the table, including my husband. I stared sadly at my untouched food as my co wives watched me. My body shook. Unsure of what to do, I stood up and began gathering plates.
Maryam: (Drops her juice) What are you trying to do?
Haneefah: Ma, I just wanted to…
Aishat: (Chuckles) I think she is trying to impress us.
Zainab: If she wants to do it, let her. Maybe that is what she is good at.
Maryam: (Rolls her eyes, taking the plates from her) You do not have to do that. It is the maid’s job. (Turns to Zainab) Iyale mi, we should not be too hard on her. She is a new wife.
Aishat: Look, Haneefah, do not worry about her. She is a sweet person, just not in the best mood. You will be fine. (Walks away) Yusuf, bring your sister. Let me change her diaper.
Haneefah: (Swallows hard, returning to her seat) Thank you, ma.
Maryam: (Rushing off as a child cries) Nusaybah, what happened to your brother? These children will not kill me ooo.
Haneefah: (Thinking quietly) Anas, why would you leave me alone like this? I do not think I can survive this house. That woman’s stare alone is a problem.
Anas: (Appears behind her) Baby, what are you still doing here? I thought you will be upstairs already.
Haneefah: (Relieved and whispers) Where did you go?
Zainab: (Laughs, folds her hand) Okoyawo, why did you leave your wife alone with us? Do you not think we might harm her?
Haneefah: (shocked)
Anas: Do not mind Mummy Twins. She jokes a lot. You will get used to her. Oya, let us go in.
Haneefah: (Glances uneasily at Zainab, then follows her husband) Bye, ma.
Zainab: (Shakes her head as they leave) New couples and their wahala.... una eye go soon clear...
(CURTAIN)
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LATER THAT NIGHT 8:23 PM
Anas: (Enters the room) As salam alaykum, my love. (Looks around) Baby? I am back from the mosque. (Walks to the bathroom, finds her showering) Hooo. Perfect timing. (Joins her)
Haneefah: (Startled) Ah. What are you doing? Can someone not have privacy again?
Anas: (Holds her waist) The only privacy you have is me. Come here.
(LIGHT FADE)
Minutes later
Anas: (Wrapping a towel) Baby, what is wrong? You have been acting strange since we arrived. You will not let me touch you. Is it because of Ummu Twins?
Haneefah: So you noticed. (Drying herself)
Anas: I told you, you have nothing to worry about. Worrying too much steals peace, even in a peaceful place. We suffer more in our minds than in reality. Just give them time. You will blend in.
Haneefah: (Sighs) Alright. You may be right. (Moves closer) Tell me how things work in this house. Cooking, cleaning, everything I should know.
Anas: (Sits her down) There is not much for you to worry about. My father ensures no daughter in law is inconvenienced. Each wife has her own kitchen for her family meals, including you. That is why I told you not to buy kitchen items.
The fifth kitchen is the largest and is only used for occasions like Eid, aqiqah, and ceremonies, when all the wives cook together, like today.
Haneefah: (Smiles) I understand.
Anas: As for cleaning, we have cleaners. Your duty is our room. No one enters another’s bedroom. Boundaries are respected here.
Haneefah: Who prepares father’s meals?
Anas: He has a personal chef. That is why the large kitchen is used daily by her alone.
Haneefah: Amazing. Who created these rules and built this mansion?
Anas: My father.
Haneefah: That explains why you said his dream was to live with his entire family every day. He is a good man.
Anas: He truly is. We tried to remarry him after our mother passed, but he refused. All he wanted was this family.
Haneefah: Masha Allah. A beautiful story worth writing someday. A Yoruba man creating such a masterpiece.
Anas: That is why you have nothing to fear.
Haneefah: My only concern is my co wives. You know how women are.
Anas: May Allah make it easy. They accepted me, and I was good to them. You will be fine.
Haneefah: (Lifts his chin) It is an honour to be part of this family. I cannot wait to raise beautiful children here. (Kisses him)
Anas: Me too.
(They fall onto the bed together.)