Èpè (Curse)!

“This is unfair treatment, conductor! You didn’t tell us that you don’t stop at Ketu…now we have to drop at Ojota and spend extra money in returning here. You are wicked! You will not…you will not…” the ladies were cursing the conductor, who was standing by the entrance of the red bus, shrugging nonchalantly and staring outside.

The ladies, who would be in their mid-twenties, were spitting fire in anger. They felt betrayed. Even when other passengers had tried to pacify them and remind them of the rules of red buses, they turned deaf ears.

“We had no idea that red buses do not stop at Ketu. If we knew, we wouldn’t have entered. What does it cost this man to tell us that before now?” the more confident lady, who was dressed in a peach-coloured chiffon top and blue pair of jean trousers, yelled.

These ladies were indeed furious and they expressed their disappointment by cursing the conductor. Yes, curses that were worse than insults. Curses that would make a person feel scared and threatened. The conductor had an unflinching look on his face and he turned deaf ears to all they were saying.

But, they have just cursed! And we’re Nigerians and Africans. Also, Africans believe in this!

Commuting in Lagos has its perks. You would witness quarrels between conductors and passengers…drivers and passengers…drivers and drivers…a Lagosian and a fellow Lagosian…cursing the lives out of each other without the fear that it might come to a reality.

In fact, some Lagosians curse themselves all in a bid to have fun and greet themselves.

So the question goes… Do Lagosians believe that these curses wafting the air like a whirlwind would become a reality? Is there a basis for cursing?

To gather opinions, I’ve interviewed nine (9) Lagosians to give their views on Èpè (curse).

Alasa Abomeili

Have you ever been cursed on the streets of Lagos?

No.

Do you think these curses would become a reality?

Most times, Lagosians curse you out of annoyance. So, it doesn’t mean a thing. Some people believe that it might work, that’s why they reply back with ‘God forbid’ just to reverse the negative thought.

So in my opinion, no, it won’t happen.

Kingsley Edewor

Have you ever been cursed on the streets of Lagos?

No.

Do you think there is a justification for cursing?

I believe something must have instigated it. Generally, Lagos bus drivers and conductors are mad. They must drink ‘something’ to make them work well during the day. If you don’t trouble them, you don’t have to get cursed.

Do you believe that these curses would come to pass?

A curse curseless will not curse. In other words, if you didn’t offend the person, it will not hold you. A curse curseless can still curse if the person chooses it. Our mind has a way of accepting stuff. The tongue is powerful. You have to say it out to rebuke the curse.

Don’t forget we live in Africa and the life of a man is desperately wicked. You never really know what is going on in people’s mind. We live in a place where there are beliefs in black magic. When someone says it, you speak it out and reverse. Anger and annoyance have their own spirit. It depends on you…will you accept it or reverse it?

When Lagosians curse out of play, will it have an effect and become a reality?

Words are intent…very powerful.

Ademola Lawal

Have you ever been cursed?

No.

Any justification for cursing?

There’s no reason. People see it as fun.

Do you think it will happen?

Yes. It depends on the person. Some people are spiritual. You can never tell who cursed you. So, it depends on the person. It might work and it might not. Some people will take black pepper and cola before saying these things.

Some people can also inherit a curse so one has to be very careful. It can pass from one generation to another.

READ ALSO: The Hopeless Romantic (Fine Guy in Kaftan).

Azeezah

Have you ever been cursed?

No.

Is there any justification for cursing in Lagos?

No matter how furious you are, you don’t have a reason to curse anyone. It is mainly a battle between who can curse better in Lagos.

Do you think these curses will become a reality?

I don’t believe in them and I don’t think so. The people they curse, they don’t know who they are and where they come from. If it will happen, almost everyone in this world will be messed up.

I don’t believe these curses will come into a reality.

Justina Braimah

Have you ever been cursed in Lagos?

No.

Any justification for cursing in Lagos?

There is no justification. Cursing usually occurs out of annoyance.

Do you think these curses will come to reality?

When I went to the market on a particular, I asked an elderly Yoruba woman this question and she replied that it usually happens during the olden days. I don’t know if it will happen now.

The danfo drivers and conductors that curse out of fun, do you think these curses will still come to pass?

Since it isn’t coming from their mind, it won’t happen.

READ ALSO: Habits Women Must Stop in Lagos.

Anonymous

Have you ever been cursed?

No.

Do you think these curses will come to reality?

No, I don’t believe in curses. I’ve heard stories but nothing is new under the sun.

The danfo drivers and conductors that curse out of fun, do you think these curses will still come to pass?

No, I don’t believe.

Anonymous

Have you ever been cursed?

I’ve been insulted but not cursed. I flagged down a danfo and the conductor told me to occupy a small space at the back… a space that cannot contain an extra passenger. I told him that the space is too small, he insulted me and I did so in return.

Is there any justification for people to curse themselves in Lagos?

There’s no reason. It isn’t necessary.

Do you think these curses will come into reality?

It depends on the person cursing. Psychologically, if you believe it won’t, it won’t happen.

The danfo drivers and conductors that curse out of fun, do you think these curses will still come to pass?

It is out of fun. It will not happen.

Joseph Etukoko

Have you ever been cursed?

Yes. In a bus (Obanikoro to Ojota), I had N500 and N200 and I was supposed to pay N100. It was dark and I couldn’t see very clearly. I paid N200 thinking that it was N500. So I requested for a change of N400 instead of N100. I then discovered that I gave him N200 but he cursed me, saying that I tried to swindle him.

Is there any justification for people to curse themselves in Lagos?

There’s no reason.

Do you think these curses will come into reality?

If there’s no basis, it won’t stand. If I offend someone, it will stand based on the offence committed. It depends on the condition surrounding the curse.

The danfo drivers and conductors that curse out of fun, do you think these curses will still come to pass?

No, it won’t happen out of fun.

READ ALSO: THEFT!

Anthony Maduabuchi

Have you ever been cursed?

No.

Is there any justification for people to curse themselves in Lagos?

There is a reason. If someone does badly to another person (depending on the level), the person is deserved to be cursed.

Do you think these curses will come into reality?

If it is justifiable, yes.

The danfo drivers and conductors that curse out of fun, do you think these curses will still come to pass?

If it is out of fun, it has no meaning and it won’t happen.

Are you a Lagosian? What is your view on Èpè? Do you think it will come to pass? Let’s know in the comment section!