When the Moon Rose for Love at Polobubou: The Elopement of Perelade and Selekekeme

When the Moon Rose for Love at Polobubou: The Elopement of Perela  de and Selekekeme

By Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond
For Global Egberi Media International

In the fishing-rich community of Polobubou nestled along the gentle currents of the Egbema creeks, love is not always easy. Traditions run deep, and the elders’ voices often rise louder than the whisperings of young hearts. But when Perelade, a graceful maiden with eyes like fresh water, fell in love with Selekekeme, a humble fisherman and flute player from the same village, they knew their path to happiness would not be smooth.

Perelade was the daughter of a respected hunter, a man known for his stern discipline and unwavering expectations. He had dreams of marrying his daughter off to the son of a chief in Opuama — a political union that would elevate the family. Selekekeme, on the other hand, had no titles, no family lands, only his honest trade, his kind heart, and the songs he played by the riverbank every evening.

The two met during a moonlight dance at the Amaokosuwei square. Selekekeme had played his flute that night, and Perelade danced until the stars seemed to bow. From that moment, their spirits tangled like fishing lines in a swirling tide. But whispers soon followed, and when Perelade’s father heard about the affair, he forbade it.

What followed was a drama whispered for generations.

One night, under the cover of the rising tide and the full moon, Perelade tied her wrapper tight, tucked her small clay necklace into her bosom, and tiptoed out. With help from her cousin who acted as lookout, she made her way to the narrow path leading to Selekekeme’s family house. They had agreed: if love could not wait, then tradition must follow them.

Selekekeme’s family welcomed her in silence, knowing the weight of what had just happened. His mother gave her a mat to sleep on, and the next morning, word had already begun to spread through Ofunama — “Perelade jeimon-teide! She has followed man go house!”

By the second day, a group of elders from Selekekeme’s family, including his uncle Ayebi and his elder brother Timi, went to Perelade’s family compound with a calm message:

“Our son has taken your daughter not by force, but by love. If your heart agrees, let us come and do the proper thing — let us bring the drink, the kolanut, and the yam.”

Perelade’s father fumed, threw down his walking stick, and refused to answer. But her mother, seeing the glow in her daughter’s face and the sincerity of Selekekeme’s family, whispered to her husband that sometimes, a child’s joy is worth more than social status.

Three weeks later, the bride price was paid at the Amaokosuwei family hall. Kolanuts were broken. Hot drink flowed like a small stream. Songs were sung — not of shame, but of love that defied fear.

Today, Perelade and Selekekeme are old, but still together. They live in a low bamboo house near the river. Children play around their compound, and sometimes, in the evenings, Selekekeme still plays the flute. And whenever a young couple is caught in the whirlwind of forbidden love, they are told:

“If your love is like Perelade and Selekekeme’s — strong, respectful, and fearless — even the most stubborn father will one day give his blessing.”

Moral:

Elopement, though controversial, was sometimes the only path love could take in the strict customs of old Egbema. But when done with respect and intention, it often led to unions that stood the test of time.

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