'AND A CALL CAME THROUGH' By Adesina Ogunlana

Agnes knew that a quarrel with her husband Addeh was inevitable. While she was very interested in attending a big “owambe” party by a friend of their family in Ilesha, Addeh was not keen at all.

She decided to battle him early. So as early as 5.30 am, she had jumped out of the bed and started making preparations. When it was 6.50 am, she breezily announced to Addeh who was still in bed, “Dear, you have to get up now for your bath. You know we are going to Ilesa today.” The loud declaration forced its way into Addeh’s hearing. He opened an eye and grunted, “What did you say? Ilesa?”

“Yes we are going to Ilesa for chief’s party,” Agnes replied even more breezily. Her husband now groaned and said “Oh my God, not today. I am so tired. Ilesa? Ah, no, no, Ilesa is too far.” “Don’t worry about the distance. I have asked Kayode to come to work today to drive us down,” Agnes explained.
“But you know I don’t have the time. I have a very serious trial on Monday. I must still get to the chambers today.”
“When will you ever have time, you this man? Work, work, everytime. Chief will not be happy if we don’t attend his father’s burial. We’ll be there together. You are fond of giving excuses every time. Your cases are always more important, than the happiness of your home. Are you the only lawyer in Lagos? Agnes said sourly.

“Will you stop that? There you go again with your annoying queries,” said Addeh, annoyed that sleep had cleared from his eyes.
Suddenly Agnes changed tack as she swept down to Addeh and hugged him. But Addeh got even more irritated and scrambled up to his feet.
“No need for all that. I’ll go with you.”
The journey to Ilesa was smooth but rather quiet. Addeh buried his head in two big files, almost all through the three hour journey, much to the annoyance of his wife who so badly wanted to chat with him. Even when she offered him on-the-road snacks, he only nibbled at them absentmindedly while mumbling occasionally to himself.

The party was a success as far as Agnes was concerned. There was enough to eat and drink and ample opportunity to dance. She loved to dance and particularly with her husband.

Addeh however did not “catch fire.” He was just going through the motions of greeting friends and acquaintances. He ate distractedly.
The journey back to Lagos was also smooth. And, quiet. Addeh slept all through. The rest was strategic, for later at about 2.00am, he woke up and headed straight to his study. To face those files again.

The barrister managed to attend church service but escaped straight to his chambers, once it was 1.00pm. and he did not come back home until 10.00pm.

Though weary, he was happy. In his happiness it took him some time to realize that Agnes was rather glum.
“Ha, sis, where are my kids? My opponents will smell pepper tomorrow” said he, addressing Agnes, who was curled up on a seat, a scowl on her face.
“Welcome O, Lagos lawyer. Your kids are asleep sir. We should thank God that you have time for us now, since Friday?” said Agnes coldly.

It was time for Addeh to be in a chatty mood and for Agnes to be sober and quiet. As Addeh ate his dinner, he continued to regale his wife with stories of his deep preparation for the case. He concluded with a boast: “See, even if they (the adverse party) should wake up both F.R.A Williams and Gani Fawehinmi from the dead and line them against me, I can’t lose the case. I am bringing an expert in philately all the way from Gambia for this case.”

The next morning, Barrister Addeh was the first counsel to be in court. His expert witness and his client came in together, a few minutes after. The time was 8.25am.

When it was 8.46am, Addeh sighted the opposing counsel, a fat, pompous and garrulous lawyer trundling in to the court with his customary self important airs.
“You are in for a shock today, you and your client,” said Addeh to himself. Suddenly an idea flashed into Addeh’s mind. He quietly glanced at his watch which indicated 8.50am.
“I just have to check this up,” muttered Addeh as he rushed out of the court and half sprinted to the court library. It was 8.58pm when he sprinted out of the library.

He was out of breath when he reached the door of the court. Just then the court registrar called out his case, “ID/12999/11 Sogolongo Nigeria Ltd.vs Ologose Electricals!” Addeh stopped dead in his tracks. He could not see the judge in his customary place or anywhere else in the court. What was happening?

“Are parties present? Counsel, which date? Asked the registrar.”Date?” ejaculated Addeh, looking quite bewildered.
“Oh sorry counsel, but milord is not sitting today he went for a seminar,” answered the court registrar.

POSTSCRIPT:
Last week, a call came through to me. The voice on the other end said “Good evening Mr. Ogunlana. Milord asked me to tell you not to bother to come tomorrow for your matter before us, as the judgement is not ready yet. His Lordship also said for you to pass the message to the counsel on the other side.”
The piece is my way of saying “Thank you milord, for the call.”