This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold, or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. Copyright Omorewa - An African Cinderella Story By Ade Kukoyi Copyright 2012- KukisMedia All rights reserved. Edited & illustrated by Ade Kukoyi.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl by the name Omorewa who lived in a beautiful village by the river bank in Nigeria.
Her mother died while giving birth to her, so she grew up with her father who later married another woman.
Her stepmother had two daughters however; Omorewa was her father’s favorite girl. He took very good care of her and made sure she had a good education.
During her final year in high school, tragedy struck, her father died in a ghastly motor accident and this made Omorewa very sad.
Her step-mother who was envious of the fact that Omorewa was her husband’s favorite daughter instead of her own two daughters started ill-treating her after the death of her father.
Despite this entire crisis, Omorewa was able to graduate from high school with excellent grades.
Omorewa’s stepmother also denied her the opportunity to further her education and sent her to hawk fruits, while she sent her own two daughters off to college. Often times, she goes home to do housekeeping and cooking for the entire family.
Hawking was a very tedious task for Omorewa because she lives home at dawn and rarely gets home until it’s dark but she never complained because she was a very hardworking girl. Hawking was a very tedious task for Omorewa because she lives home at dawn and rarely gets home until it’s dark but she never complained because she was a very hardworking girl.
Every-one in the village loved Omorewa because she is very friendly, humble and kind. Most especially is Iya-Oloja (the head of the Market Women Association). Anytime, Omorewa goes to the market on errands for her stepmother, she stops over at Iya-Oloja’s shop to lend a helping hand.
On one of such visits, Iya-Oloja discussed with Omorewa about the upcoming welcome party the King was organizing for his young prince – Adekunle, who is visiting home from the United States of America. Omorewa’s stepmother knew that the king’s party would be a special one because the King and Queen expect Prince Adekunle to choose a lovely maiden as his bride at the party.
Omorewa asked her stepmother if she could also attend the king’s party, but her request was denied and was told that she was not good enough to attend such a special event.
Rather, only her stepsisters would be allowed to attend.
Iya-Oloja heard about Omorewa’s situation and came to her rescue, “Don’t worry my daughter, you will not only attend the party but you are going to be the maiden the prince will choose as his bride.
“That is impossible said Omorewa, my stepmother would not allow me to attend the party moreover, and I don’t have any good outfit to wear.” Iya-Oloja smiled, and then said “I have decided to reward you for your good behavior, kindness and handwork by giving you all the things you will need to attend the party.”
As soon as Omorewa’s stepmother and sisters left for the party, Iya-Oloja arrived at Omorewa’s house. She also brought the outfit and jewelry that Omorewa would wear to the special event.
Omorewa was very surprised that Iya-Oloja could be so kind to her and lavish her with such gifts but Iya-Oloja reminded her that Omorewa is just like her own daughter and she will do anything to make her happy.
When it was time for Omorewa to attend the party, Iya-Oloja made available to her a beautiful carriage. She then informed her that she should get home before 12 midnights and also to keep her identity secret until the ideal time to reveal it.
Omorewa looked so beautiful in her new outfit; Iya-Oloja then adorned her with expensive jewelry.
She also gave her the bracelet she promised her with the secret code.
As soon as Omorewa, stepped into the King’s palace where the event was been held, every-one turned to look at her but no-one could recognize her because she was so beautiful and looked like a princess from another world.
When Prince Adekunle spotted her, he could not take his eyes off her. He quickly approached her and introduced himself. “My name is Prince Adekunle, may I have the honor of this dance?�
Prince Adekunle then refused to leave her side throughout the party and Omorewa was filled with joy all through the night.
She really liked the prince and found him to be quite handsome and caring. She enjoyed herself so much that she completely forgot about the time until suddenly she heard a distant clock begin to chime 12 midnights.
She then remembered what Iya-Oloja told her and informed Prince Adekunle that she has to go immediately. The Prince refused to let her go until she tells him her name.
Omorewa declined, snatched her hand from the Prince and dashed for the door. In the process, her bracelet slipped into the Prince’s hand.
Meanwhile, Prince Adekunle was very sad and disturbed about his mystery guest that he could not get her out of his thoughts and dreams. He also does not know how to find her since he does not know her name.
The only clue he has was the locked bracelet and he found out that he could not unlock the bracelet without the secret code. This gave him an idea that if only he could find the one who knows the secret code that can unlock the bracelet, then he will find Omorewa-- the love of his heart.
All the village girls including Omorewa’s stepsisters anxiously tried on the bracelet but they were not able to unlock the bracelet despite many guesses. As the prince’s guards were about to leave, Omorewa quickly ran to them and requested that she would like to try on the bracelet. The prince’s guard reluctantly allowed her to do so although they felt that this ragged looking girl cannot be the person that danced with the prince at the great feast.
Omorewa took the bracelet and elegantly unlocked it with the secret code and fitted it perfectly on her wrist. The prince immediately recognized her and was overwhelmed with joy to have found his mystery guest at last and quickly asked for her hand in marriage, which Omorewa gladly accepted. Prince Adekunle and Omorewa got married some weeks later and the young prince took his lovely bride back with him to the United States of America.
THE END