by Oyindamola Shoola I was asked to describe Ibadan, and all I could think
of, is you, Abeni, and how the whipping stroke of your arm-length eyelashes can tone its brown roofs into sliver and cleanse its street like Christ washing our sins. You can twist your tongue into the tasteless culture of European accents. Yet, like Sango eats thunder for breakfast Ibadan clings to the home of your mouth. Ibadan's aroma seduces the atmosphere's whistles when you call cushion, "Kusine" and chicken, "Shikin." Unlike you claim to avoid shame, Abeni, I know your best food isn't fried Calamari. If I were to describe the treasures of Ibadan, it will be the memories that Mama Ope's Amala, served with a jungle of meat and Abula sunk in a stainless steel "555" bowl that burnt into our finger-licking soul. Abeni, I was asked to describe the beauty of Ibadan and of the towers, palaces, or hills I could pick, all I could think of is you. Omo Ibadan Kini So? – A Yoruba greeting attributed to people from the Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa.
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