The Mistake of the Past

It was a custom in an unmapped geographical location of West Africa sub-region that every female birth must be followed with rites within seven days of birth. This was the role of queen Olomowewe. The queen was fierce and scary. She usually robbed in black and red gowns, and had a protruding stomach with a pouch containing a tiny dagger hung across her waist.
“This is the practice of our ancestors and has come to stay. The real daughters of our land survive except the obstinate ones.” She laughed as she expressed herself.
She pulled out the dagger and placed it in a prepared fire. This remained therein for more than 10 minutes.The dagger was red and hot.
Nkowa, the mother of a new born baby was present for a ritual to be performed on her recently delivered baby. Despite bringing her baby by herself, she was highly sceptical of the survival of the innocent baby girl born into this cruel world. She began sweating profusely and engaged in fervent prayers.
The queen pointed the hot dagger towards the external genitalia of the baby and spilled over it a red oil with other unidentified substances.
The mixtures rolled down the genitalia, the part was reddish and the baby cried continuously. Immediately, a cut was made on the same surface.
Other women were also at the entrance waiting for the ritual to be performed on their babies with no real consent.
According to the social norm of the community, the belief was that the ritual will secure girls’ marriage and prevent them from being promiscuous.
Years later, Tade had grown up and moved to the city for her bachelor degree. She graduated with second class honour and later became a managing director of a Fintech company in Abuja.
She got married and her marriage spanned a period of fifteen years with no procreation. Several medical examinations and tests had been run on her but to no avail.
Within these years of settling for marriage, she had experienced four instances of divorce with different men. All clamouring infertility.
Her high paid job was also lost as she couldn’t cope with the suffering she was experiencing.
This was very tough for her and resorted to committing suicide. The harmful practice made her suffer psychological consequence that later claimed her life ignorantly.