Ofor is Upstanding

"Ofor is Upstanding" by Ugwu Kelvin depicts life in Ezzum, once pleasant, disrupted by the Local Authority. A new custom becomes a nightmare for elders like Obiageli, who laments its dishonesty and recalls a simpler past. While older generations resent the changes, the youth embrace them. The narrative explores the struggle for dignity through characters like Ngozi Njoku and Nkoli, who maintain their values. Obiageli's dignity falters, while the hardworking Ijeoma initially upholds the custom but eventually succumbs to circumstances. Nwanyikwele offers healing, but Nwosu's wisdom is rejected, and Obiageli's efforts to intervene prove futile. Political tensions escalate with the Local Authority’s arrival. Initially welcomed with excitement and promises of goodies in exchange for thumbprints, the community soon realizes the ulterior motives: the Chairman needs thumbprints to retain power. Despite a resolution to resist, events shift with the rumored capture of a masquerade, necessitating a journey by the Igwe and diviner to headquarters. During this absence, the Local Authority seizes the community. Nwanyikwele later reveals the cause of this misfortune, which ironically alleviates Ijeoma's distress. Ijeoma, having faced shame attempting to reclaim her father's name, is ultimately taken away by a stranger assessing the community's suffering.