The road is closed today
A family head is dead again
White shelters harbour gleeful heads
Gaudy aso-ebi reigns
This soiree is till dawn
The road must be blocked for their cause today
The road is closed today
Aunty Sidi and her flirty ilk
With superfluous face paints
And tacky neckpieces
Boda Sikiru’s red-cup comrades
All bop to the dance floor
In steps that mismatch the beats
Like earthworms protesting salt baths
The town is still for their family head
The road must be blocked for their cause today
The road is closed today
Gluttony of unbidden guests
Tussle for food and drink platters
Unevenly shared keepsakes
Deafening songs permeate closets
Robbing neighbours of decent rest
It’s the praise singer’s windfall
The road must be blocked for their cause today
The road is closed today
Commuters curse under tired breaths
Wheels screech in disgust
Then pay homage to unfrequented routes
The family head deserves a rousing send-forth
The neighbours should spare their peace today
