In Dependence

o serve younger British men who knew so little yet felt naturally entitled to power.

There were moments when Tayo felt guilty about Modupe, but he reasoned with himself that he and Modupe had been too young to make promises to each other.

Don’t forget the Ajayi motto – In all things moderation, with exception of study.

They are duly impressed. In your next letter, you will please apprise me of the precise names of these gentlemen so that I can provide complete statistics to colleagues and Uncle Kayode.

September 1963

One could begin with the dust, the heat and the purple bougainvillea. One might even begin with the smell of rotting mangos tossed by the side of the road where flies hummed and green-bellied lizards bobbed their orange heads while loitering in the sun. But why start there when Tayo walked in silence, oblivious to his surroundings. With a smile on his face he thought of the night before when he had dared to run a hand beneath the folds of Modupe’s wrapper. Miraculously, without him even asking, Modupe had loosened the cloth around her

ayo felt disappointed that they had to mingle outside rather than inside where it was warmer, but it seemed to Tayo that this was the British way. People spent all day talking about the weather, complaining about how cold, damp and miserable it was until the sun poked its head around the clouds and then everyone cheered up and started talking about lovely weather.

Mr and Mrs Barker

always remember that you are an Ajayi man. Don’t forget the Ajayi motto – In all things moderation, with exception of study.

The independence celebrations (three years of independence now!) were quite fantastic.

The tutors look more distinguished, but many are surprisingly ignorant about Africa.