This is the ghetto
A place filled with suffering
A place filled with Love
ibi kún pẹlu agbara
Ebe jupụtara na udo
Wurin da gidan yake zaune
Na, for here life start
Love Gives
Hate Takes
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Ka a ale Mummy, Simi greeted as she walked into the huge corridor of The Abiola's Victoria Island Mansion. Good Evening my Daughter. Finally, I have you in my arms again, Dr Shade said as she embraced Simi, who had just returned from London the previous day.
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Mummy, that is okay. Besides, you were with me at Tope's wedding. I wasn't gone for that long, na, and I'm here for good now. I'm not leaving your side again, Simi said as she wore a contagious smile. Thank you, my daughter; words can't even comprehend how I feel right now, Dr Shade said as she gazed into her daughter's eyes. So how have you been, Mother? How is the company doing? Simi asked. Business is fine; we have opened more hospitals in the south and east, but we will need funding to keep them going, Dr Shade said. Do not worry besides The Baloguns, promised to help us; that is one of the reasons I came back, Simi said.
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You mean you came back for Taiwo; we both know you've had a crush on him since you were kids. To the rest of the family and me, this may a contract marriage but for you, Simi, this a dream come true, Dr Shade teased. Stop that, Mother; yes, I can't fight the feeling of relief and joy right now; I am marrying the man of my dreams, Simi said as she blushed helplessly.
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🎶Baba mo dupe oh🎶
General Abiola sang in Yoruba as he walked into the corridor. Daddy, Simi screamed as she rushed to hug her father. My Baby girl, How are you?
Look at you so beautiful; you ain't even as close to the ground as before, General Abiola complimented.
Stop it, Father. I wasn't gone for long; even if I added height, it wouldn't be that obvious, Simi said.
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Ahh, Oko Mi, you seem to be in a good mood; you are glowing with so much excitement, Dr Shade said. Ahh, why won't I be happy my baby girl is home, I got a call from Ayoola today; The company is about to launch the oil refinery here in Lagos, all we need is to seal that contract with The Baloguns, and for both sons of the Families to win the election, General Abiola said in excitement. Wow, Congratulations, my Love, meaning everything is in place. Chief Balogun called earlier and said there would be a meeting between both families Concerning Simi and Taiwo's wedding, Dr Shade said.
Wow, Mother, I'm so excited; thank you, Dad, Simi said as she hugged him. I think you should thank your Mother for that. I guess her conversation with Kate got to Chief, General Abiola said. Thank you, Mother, Simi said as she hugged her in tears. It's fine, dear; anything for you, Dr Shade said.
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By the way, where are my brothers? I haven't seen them around since I came, Simi asked. Adeola has been transferred to the north; he is now a Major in the Army; Femi is busy with the election; you know he is running alongside Ayo for The Governorship of Lagos, Dr Shade said.
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Wow, that's great; very soon, Adeola will be a General like a father; certainly, Femi will be Deputy Governor. The Balogun's are The gods of Nigeria politics, Simi said. Relax, my dear; Adeola still have a long way to go before he gets there, General Abiola said. I know, father, but I know he will get there. I also learnt that The Baloguns are making headlines; I think something about Mr Balogun caught on camera with his mistress, Simi said. Yes, my dear, but you shouldn't worry about that; I spoke to Chief Balogun about it; everything will be fine, General Abiola reassured me. I'm not worried, father; the Baloguns are powerful people; they always find a way to get what they want, Simi said.
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No, you can't kick me out; this is my home and my life; I will fight for it, Mrs B Balogun said as she gazed angrily at Chief Balogun, who seemed to be enjoying watching her rant. Bisola is very simple; you accept the situation or leave, Mrs K Balogun said. Ma, I will advise you to keep your tongue in your mouth on this issue; this is between me, Ayo and Chief, Bisola warned . I said what I said, Bisola; the choice is yours, Chief Balogun said as he held on to his golden walking stick. But Grandfather, you can't ask Dad to marry this woman; we can't accept her into the family, Bayo said. I agree with Bayo; there must be some other way we can resolve this, Temi said.
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My decision is final; this is the best we can come up with; your father's poor choices affected the election, all eyes are on us; the only way we can make up for this is to make it official, Chief Balogun said. But Chief, how do you expect me to accept this? This isn't easy for me, Mrs B Balogun said. I said what I said, and that is how it's going to be, Chief Balogun emphasized. You know what? Do whatever you all want to do, but Ayo, this isn't over, Mrs B Balogun said.
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Grandfather, must I tie the knot with Simi? I'm not ready for such commitment, Taiwo grumbled. We have discussed this before, and we've decided that this must happen; you are the future of The Balogun's Legacy this must be done to secure your future, Mrs K Balogun said as she gazed at her Grandson. But Grandmother, countless times, Taiwo has said he has no feelings for Simi; I think it's unfair to make decisions on a man's future just because it's beneficial to all of us, Eniola said.
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You have to understand that this must be done; the Abiola family are powerful people with much influence both financially and politically, especially in the military. We have been trying to dominate this region for a long time; we can't lose this opportunity just because of Taiwo's feelings, Hon J Bola said. I understand this, uncle, but I think it's unfair to place political influence and power above the interests of individual family members. You claim this is for our future but what is the essence if our happiness are in chains? Temi asked.
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That is okay; this is an issue that cannot be debated.
I have made arrangements with The Abiola's; this weekend, we will all gather to discuss and plan your wedding, Chief Balogun said as he gazed at Taiwo, who denied his tongue the liberty to speak of his paranoia at that moment.
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Grandfather, I don't think I'm ready to work for the company, and besides, the company's structure doesn't suit me, Eniola said. Eniola Balogun, You are a Masters's Degree Holder in Petroleum Engineering; how does this not fit into Festac Oil and Gas? Mrs k Balogun asked in an angry tone. Grandma, we all know I only did Petroleum because Grandpa said that is the only way I can be useful to the family business, but asking me to practice is something I'm not interested in, Eniola said. I am certainly not interested in your opinion and your interest. If I were, you wouldn't be on this table; non of you will; You are all here because of me. I gave you power in your names, identity money can't buy, and the best you can find out there; I have sacrificed a lot for this family; forgive me if I feel no compassion for your opinions and personal feelings, I believe this meeting is over if you would excuse me, I have somewhere else to be, Chief Balogun said as he got up to leave.
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How are you feeling now? Mrs Adesoji asked as she gazed at Stella. I'm okay, mom; I'm just worried about Daniel, Mother we must save him, Stella said In a frightened voice. Leave that to us; worry about yourself, Tony said to Stella. But we have to do something; you and I know this has something to do with The Elections, Stella said. I will get your brother out safe and sound; I promise you that, Mrs Adesoji noted as she adjusted Stella's bed.
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Mother, what did you do? This matter is getting out of hand, And we both know Chief wouldn't go this far if you didn't push him to, Tony said as he gazed at his Mother. I did nothing, son, Mrs Adesoji said as she avoided eye contact with Tony. Mother, this is serious I know you very well; you did something to provoke The Balogun's; I will ask again, what did you do? Tony asked as he walked towards his Mother.
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Fine, I did something. I threatened The NEC Chairman, Mrs Adesoji confessed. But why Mother, why the chairman of all people? Didn't we agree that you wouldn't do anything too suspicious? Chief wouldn't be happy about that, Tony said at the top of his voice. I'm sorry, son, I just had to do something about the election, Mrs Adesoji said.
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Mother, you went too far; you touched someone important to Chief. My hunch also tells me there is more to your involvement in Mr Balogun Scandal please tell me I'm wrong. Tony asked. Yes I planned everything , Mrs Adesoji confessed. But Mother, it would be best if you were careful; you are dealing with The Baloguns remember what they did to father; that family is dangerous, Stella warned. So what do we do? I can't lose your brother, Mrs Adesoji said.
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You will step down; there is no other way; we have no choice, Tony instructed . As much as it pains me, I support Tony on this; Mother, Daniel's safety is important, Stella said. But this isn't over; trust me, the ball will be in our court again, Tony said.
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I have heard you; I will step down; my son's life comes first, and I won't let history repeat itself; the Baloguns might have won this time again, but the game won't end here, Mrs Adesoji said.
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Good Morning, Ma, Maria greeted as she walked into Temi's room. Good Morning Maria, how was your night? Temi asked. My night was okay, and yours? Maria asked. Mine was okay, Temi said as she pulls out clothes from her wardrobe. Nanny said you requested my presence, Maria said. Oh yes, I need to ask a favour from you. Do you know exactly where Michael and his family live? Temi asked.
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Michael? Do you mean my Cousin Michael? Maria asked in Surprise. Yes, dear Michael, Temi said.
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Yes, ma, I do; it's not far from that Club we picked Eniola from the other day; why do you ask, ma? Maria inquired in curiosity. Awelle was discharged from the hospital for some reason, so I was hoping I could convince them to bring her back, Temi said. Oh, but why? Is she not fine? Maria asked. Not at all, my dear; that child needs serious medical care; I haven't been able to get my mind off her ever since, Temi said. Oh, I hope it's not serious. Can I come with you? Maria asked.
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You are coming with me, dear; go and get ready. We leave in forty minutes, Temi instructed . But shouldn't you be leaving for work in an hour? Maria asked. I'm on night duties, so I have the whole day to myself, Temi said. But wouldn't Michael be at work? How do you plan on seeing him? Maria asked. Michael is on night duties too; you ask too many questions, go and get ready and meet me downstairs in Forty Minutes, Temi instructed. All right, ma, let me help you with your clothes, Maria said as she attempted to join Temi in picking out her outfit for the day. Oh no, it's fine, dear; I will do this myself, Temi said. Are you sure? Maria asked. Yes, dear, go and get ready, Temi said. What are you doing, Temilade Balogun? Mrs B Balogun asked as she walked into Temi's room. Nothing, Mother, I am getting ready for work, Temi said as she avoided eye contact with her Mother.
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"It wasn't in her nature to lie especially to her Mother; she couldn't even explain why she lied."
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All right, join us for breakfast before you leave. Maria join us too, Mrs B Balogun instructed as she walked out of the room. Why did you lie? Maria asked as she couldn't help but wonder why Temi, of all people, would lie. I don't know Maria; I couldn't bring myself to tell her where I was going or what I was trying to do. By the way, hurry and get ready so we can have breakfast with the others before leaving, Temi said. All right, ma, I will be going now, Maria said as she walked towards Temi's Bedroom Door.
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Good Morning, Tina greeted as she walked into the dining room. Father, does she has to be here? Bayo asked as he dropped his cutlery. Bayo that is not nice. Just eat your food, Taiwo scolded. Of Course, why wouldn't you come to her rescue? You both belong in the same box, outsiders who shouldn't be here, Bayo said.
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That is enough; what the hell is wrong with both of you this Morning? I didn't spend time raising you to fight all the time; you are brothers, for God's sake, Mrs Aisha said at the top of her voice. Nanny, please calm down. It would be best if you weren't stressing yourself. You know this isn't good for your health, Temi said as she held onto Mrs Aisha's left arm. Excuse me; I will be in my room, Tina said as she turned to leave the room. Seat down; in this house, we all have breakfast together, so please sit down, Mr Balogun said as he pointed at one of the empty chairs.
Yes, sir, Tina said as she pulled the open seat towards her.
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Bisola, how was your night? Mr Balogun asked as he noticed Mrs B Balogun hadn't said a word to him since the family meeting. Sleepless, but I'm okay, Mrs B Balogun said as she forced a smile on her face. How about you, Tina? Did you sleep well? Mr Balogun asked. Yes, Ayo, I did, Tina replied. Hope you like the food? Mr Balogun asked. Yes, it's nice, Tina said as she chewed slowly.
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You know what?
I thought I could put up with her being here, but I can't bring myself to come to terms with this, Mrs B Balogun said as she walked out of the room. Bisola! Mr Balogun called out to her. Dad, I think you should let her be, Eniola said.
Breakfast is ruined. I hope you are happy now, Bayo said as he got up to leave. Sit down, ṣe o ya were? Never walk out on me; you are not the only one on this table. Grow up, Mr Balogun said to Bayo as he walked out of the room.
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As you know, your days in this house are numbered, Bayo said to Tina as he got up to leave. Let this girl breathe, na belle she gets she nor kill person, Eniola said. I don't know what is more annoying, the fact that Taiwo defended her earlier or your ignorance, Bayo said as he walked out of the room.
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I feel guilty for saying this because I should be on my mom's side, but he shouldn't have spoken to you that way. I do not want you here too, but I do not care that you are here, Eniola said gazing at Tina. I apologize for my brother's behaviour. He shouldn't have spoken to you in that manner, I wish I could sit and talk, but I have to be somewhere now, Temi said. I understand, I know I'm not welcome here, but I have nowhere to go; my mom won't let me come back home, Tina said. It's fine, Tina; just stay out of my Mother's sight and know your place, Temi said. Ma, the car is ready. We can go now, Maria said. All right, let's go, Temi said as she picked up her designer bag.
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Do you know why you are here? Chief Balogun asked Daniel, who had several bruises on his face. I do not care; I know my Mother won't let you get away with this, Daniel said as he struggled to keep his swollen eyes open. Your Mother is certainly not worth half the dust on my shoes. If she were, you wouldn't be here kneeling before my feet; Chief Balogun said as he wore a devious smile. Your words mean nothing to me; they melt off before they get to my eardrums; I certainly do not fear The Almighty Chief Balogun, Daniel said. Relax; you will be fine if your Mother does the right thing, Chief said.
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Chief, I'm sorry; please spare my life; I will make sure your son wins the elections, Mr Adetola said. Yes, you will, you have no choice, or I will do worse things to you, trust me losing your daughter cannot be the worse that can happen to you, Chief Balogun said. How did you know about that, Chief? MrAdetola, asked in Surprise. There is nothing that can be hidden from me, Mr Chairman; I am the king of Lagos, Chief Balogun said. I'm sorry, Chief, she killed one of my daughters, and I was scared she would finish off my remaining family, Mr Adetola said as he held on to Chief Balogun's legs. Your life and that of your daughter and wife are in my hands; if you want them alive, you know what to do, Chief Balogun said. But Chief, Mrs Adesoji could kill them before then. Please, you must save them now, Mr Adetola pleaded in tears. No, she won't; she is too distracted to give a damn about your family; that is her son over there, Chief Balogun said as he pointed at Daniel. All right, Chief, I will do my best to make sure your son is announced the winner; consider it done, Mr Adetola said.
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Untie him, Chief instructed one of his boys. Thank you, Chief; I promise I won't fail you this time, Mr Adetola said. You and I know The Baloguns do not give a damn about anyone but themselves; my Mother will not give up so easily; if she killed one of your daughters, I assure you the other will follow, Daniel said as he wore a smile. Shut up your mouth, one of Chief Balogun's men shouted as he dropped a punch on Daniels's face. I will tell you what to do with him when the time comes, Chief said.
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This is the place; you can park over there, Maria said. Michael and his family live here? Temi asked as she wondered why the place was so unkept and Razy. Mama Pecu, Good Afternoon ma, Maria greeted. Ahh, Maria my pikin how you dey? E don tay I see you oh, Mama Pecu said as she hugged Maria. I'm fine. Oh, how Peculiar! Maria asked. Peculiar dey fine she don go school, you know say she Dey prepare for her primary six exams, Mama Pecu said. Oh, that is good; Peculiar were you born which day here, she don big finish, Maria said.
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Yes, oh, I just Dey Thank my God every day. Ehen who be that girl were you follow come? That her car fine oh, Mama Pecu whispered as she gazed at Temi, who was walking towards her. Good Morning ma, Temi greeted as she wore a smile. Good afternoon my dear; how are you? Mama Pecu asked. Mama Pecu this na my Madam, na her family house I dey work, Maria said. Wow, welcome ma, Maria don tell us all the good things you Dey do for her and Auntie Aisha, Mama Pecu said. Oh, ma, it's fine; Maria is very hard-working and loyal; she is family to me, Temi said. Mama Pecu, you know if Michael Dey is around? Maria asked. Yes, e never tay he commot from here, Mama Pecu said. All right, thank you, we Dey come we won see Michael, Maria said. Oh, okay, no Walhalla, make una Dey careful oh hold Madam well well oh you know as this area be, Mama Pecu warned.
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Maria, Onyinye screamed in excitement as she rushed to hug her. How have you been? Maria asked. Very fine, oh, ahh, Doctor, what are you doing here? Onyinye asked in Surprise. I came to see you guys, especially Awelle, Temi said. Wow, welcome to please come in. Mama will be so happy to see you, Onyinye said as she gazed at Maria. Where are Michael and Awelle? Maria asked as she sat on the chairs. Oh, they are inside. Let me call them, Onyinye said as she walked into one of the rooms. I know you are not familiar with places like this, Maria teased Temi who was struggling with the sagging chair. Oh no, I'm fine, Temi said as she scanned the room; she noticed that most of the furniture was old, curtains were torn, and the refrigerator in the dining room was too old to function.
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Ahh, Dr Temi, what are you doing here? Michael asked in Surprise as he walked into the room. Good Morning, Michael; I am here to see my patient, Temi said as she trembled at the sight of Michael's half-bareness. Ahh, but I thought you said you came to see Michael, Maria teased. No, I didn't; I said I want to see Awelle, my patient, Temi said. Auntie Temi, Awelle said as she hugged Temi. My Love, how are You? Temi asked as she carried her on her lap. I'm fine; you are looking beautiful today, Awelle complimented. Aww, Thank you, my Love, Temi said as she arranged Awelle's hair.
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Where is Maria? Mrs Adebayo asked as she walked into the room. Mummy, Good Morning, Ma, Maria greeted. Good Morning my dear; how are you? Mrs Adebayo asked. I'm fine ma, how is everything? Maria asked. We Dey fine my pikin, na just Awelle Dey sick, Mrs Adebayo said. Mummy, Good Morning ma, Temi greeted. Good Morning, my dear; this face looks familiar, Mrs Adebayo said. Oh yes, mama, she's Mr Balogun's second daughter; she was in the car that day we dropped you and Micheal at the hospital; she's also The Doctor that attended to Awelle at the hospital, Maria explained.
I remember her; Michael mentioned her name to me earlier, Mrs Adebayo said. Mama!!! Michael called out his Mother's name. Wow, he did? What did he say, mama? Temi asked in curiosity.
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He said you are different from all the other Doctors, that you were the only one who cared enough to ask after Awelle when she was discharged, Onyinye said as she gazed at Michael. You know you have a big mouth, Michael said as he walked towards Onyinye. Let the girl be; she's just speaking the truth, Temi said, as she wore a smile. My Daddy said you are a good woman, Awelle said as she dangled Temi's earrings. So Dr Temi, what can we offer you? Michael asked In an attempt to alter the topic of the conversation. Oh no, I am fine, don't worry, Temi said.
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No, that is not possible. You are our guest; courtesy demands that we offer you something, Onyinye said. Ahh, what about me? You didn't ask me, Maria said. Why will I ask you? You are not a visitor here, Michael said. I'm fine, really don't bother, Temi said. No, we insist; Onyinye come collect money make you buy them malt, Mrs Adebayo said as she untitled her wrapper to give Onyinye money.
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I came here to see how Awelle was doing, but I must confess I am also here for something else; I am requesting that Awelle comes back to the hospital and do the surgery, Temi said. We want that too, Doctor, but we Dey very rich this period, Mrs Adebayo said. We talked about this before; we all want her to get treated, but as mama said, we can't do that now; I will have to save up at least enough to start the treatment, Michael said. I am aware of this, but I insist that she return to the hospital; I will take care of the bills, Temi said. Ahh, Dr Temi, are you serious? Onyinye asked as she walked into the room. Dr Temi that will be too much on you. Are you sure you can do that? Mr Adebayo asked. Yes, ma, I can, and I want to, Temi said. Don't stress yourself, Dr Temi; I will come up with something before the month runs out, Michael said. That may be too late, I hate to say this, but her case is complicated and needs immediate attention; please do not deny me of my ability to help her and do not deprive her of this opportunity, Temi said.
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Michael, this will be best for her; please think about it; Temi drove down here because of this; please accept her offer, Maria said. I will accept, but you are lending us, and I promise we will pay you back in full, Michael said. Thank you, ma, Onyinye said as she rushed to hug Temi. It's fine. The most important thing is that she gets better, Temi said. Thank you, Doctor, may my God in heaven reward you, Mr Adebayo said; Amen, Mama, thank you too for accepting my help, Temi said as she got up. Ahh, are you leaving now? Michael asked. Yes, but I will visit from time to time; I will be expecting you to bring her to the hospital tomorrow, Temi said. All right, let me see you off, Michael said.
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Is it always this noisy over here? Temi asked as they walked towards her car. Yes, na the ghetto be this na, na for here hustling and struggle start, Michael said as he attempted to sound street. Wow, I must confess I have never seen anything like this before, but I love that it's all-natural, Temi said. Thank you, Dr Temi, for appreciating us and offering to help my family and me, Michael said. It's fine, Michael; I have to go now; see you later this evening, Temi said as she stepped into her Range Rover. All right, take care, Maria greeted Granny for me, Michael said as he waved at them.
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Father, have you seen this? Mrs Adesoji a governorship aspirant has pulled out from the Election, Taiwo said as he read out the Headline. Please give me that, Mr Balogun said as he took the Tablet from him.
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