The Ilorin Shock EPISODE 21

Episode Twenty-One: Chosen, Then Stopped

Life upstairs with Iya Okeami had become routine.

Me, my brother, my friend Olanshile, and the others ate from her kitchen. We were many, but we moved as one waking early, praying, rushing for school, returning tired. Some days were smooth, some days heavy, but at least there was order.

Occasionally, school brought small surprises.

Sometimes the principal would call me aside and give me food. Nothing loud, nothing dramatic just quiet kindness. I never told anyone. I just ate and returned to class, grateful and careful not to draw attention.

Then one day, something happened that I never imagined would happen to me.

They announced class captain selection.

Four names were called.

Mine was one of them.

For a moment, I thought I heard wrong. Me? In a class full of Ilorin children? I wasn’t even from the state. I still spoke differently. I still arrived late most mornings.

They told the class to vote. Everyone was to write a name on a piece of paper, fold it, and drop it.

I didn’t even think of myself.

I voted for one of my friends.

When the papers were opened and counted, the room went silent.

Then the teacher announced the result.

Most of the votes were for me.

My head spun.

I looked around, confused. Some students smiled. Some nodded like it was obvious. Others looked surprised themselves. I couldn’t believe it. Acceptance had found me where I least expected it.

For the first time, I felt truly seen not because of where I lived, not because of the principal but because my classmates chose me.

Just as they were about to confirm it, another teacher entered the class.

We had two class teachers.

He was informed immediately.

“The class chose him.”

He looked at me. Then he shook his head.

“No,” he said. “He shouldn’t be class captain. He is always late.”

That was it.

No discussion.

No reconsideration.

The air left the room.

I didn’t argue. I didn’t beg. I just sat there, quiet, watching something slip away before it could touch my hands.

It hurt but not the way rejection used to hurt.

This time, it hurt because I had been chosen first.

And I learned another lesson that day:

Sometimes people will see you clearly…

But authority will still decide you are not ready.

I went home that day thinking deeply.

Chosen by peers.

Stopped by rules.

And somewhere between both, I was learning how the world truly works.

To be continued… Episode 22