When Mr. Abeokuta entered the lawyers’s office, a heavy silence followed him. Despite the warmth of the weather, a chill seemed to accompany him as he walked into the room. He motioned for his adult children, Oluwaseun and Oluwadarasimi [25, and 21 years old], to sit. The expressions on their faces were expectant yet tense.
The lawyer cleared his throat and began, “Mr. Abeokuta has prepared a statement regarding his Will which he wished to read himself.”
Mr. Abeokuta, a 76year old man weathered by years but with eyes still sharp, spoke with a voice that was clear but carried the weight of countless memories. “I know this is unconventional, but I need you both to understand why I’ve made the decisions I have.”
Oluwadarasimi shifted in his seat, always the impatient one. “Dad, let’s hear you”.
Mr. Abeokuta, a typical African Dad, shot him a look that immediately silenced him and continued, “When your mother passed, despite her illness, our wealth grew. I swore to her I’d ensure our fortune provided for you both. But I also realized…money isn’t the legacy I want to leave behind.”
Oluwaseun, ever the listener, leaned in closer, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. “What do you mean, Dad?”
Mr. Abeokuta took a deep breath. “You’ve grown up in comfort, with everything handed to you. You’ve had the best education, the grandest holidays, and the safety of knowing you’d never want for anything material. But in doing so, I fear I denied you the chance to build your own character and resilience.”
Both siblings looked at each other, confusion mingled with disbelief.
“I’ve seen too many families torn apart by inheritances, children becoming shadows of their potential because they never had to fight for anything. My darling daughter, Oluwaseun, you are talented in ways you’ve never explored because there was no need. My Son, Oluwadarasimi, your ambition is directed towards pleasures, not purpose.”
Mr. Abeokuta gazed at the ceiling momentarily, gathering his thoughts. “I’ve made sure you both have skills, education, and networks. What I haven’t given you is the freedom from the golden cage of wealth. It’s a paradox, but true wealth comes from knowing who you are, what you’re capable of, and how to battle life’s hardships.”
The lawyer passed a pen to Mr. Abeokuta, who slowly signed the final page of his will. “When I die, my kids aren’t getting anything from me. Except this—my challenge for you to find your own path, to use your talents to build your lives on your terms. There’s a trust fund for emergencies under strict terms and conditions, but the bulk of the estate is going to charity.”
The daughter’s eyes welled up, though she understood the brutal truth in her father’s decision. Oluwadarasimi, muttered, “This isn’t fair, Dad.”
“Life isn’t fair, son,” His dad replied gently. “But it’s the hard path that will truly define who you are. You and your sister have the chance to become the best versions of yourselves, unhindered by expectations or comparisons. That is my final gift to you.”
With that, he stood, kissed each of them on the forehead, and left the room. The weight of his decision hung in the air, as a challenge, waiting to be accepted.
As the siblings left the office, their minds whirred with a mixture of emotions—anger, confusion, but oddly, a budding determination. Mr. Abeokuta left the room with the hope that maybe, just maybe, his expectation would blossom into the legacy he hoped for—one not built on wealth but on the strength of their character
…..To be continued.
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