CHAPTER ELEVEN: POINT OF NO RETURN
Stardom Schools organized an emotional, week-long farewell for Mr. Adewale Adebepo, honoring his years of dedication before his relocation abroad. The celebration was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and reflection on his invaluable contributions, highlighting how his leadership and passion had transformed the institution into a respected center of learning.
The festivities began on Wednesday with a novelty match between the staff and students. With the assistance of Mr. Ibe, the games master, the staff secured a narrow, though somewhat dubious, 3–2 victory, much to everyone’s amusement. Thursday featured a debate in Bepo’s honor on the topic, “The arts have contributed more to national development than the sciences.” He was deeply impressed by the brilliance and eloquence of his students, recalling the Yoruba proverb that even if Onirese, the master carver, bows out, the carvings he leaves behind will endure.
Friday marked the grand finale. The day featured musical performances, comedic sketches mimicking teachers, and an array of dances by the drama club. A special Canoe dance, inspired by the students’ excursion to Badagry and their encounter with the Heritage Slavery Museum, moved Bepo profoundly. Overcome by emotion, he inadvertently exclaimed, “Noooo!”—stopping the performance and drawing startled glances. Recovering his composure, he quickly added, “I mean no school could have done the Canoe dance better. None! None at all!” prompting applause from the audience.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, Managing Director of Stardom, delivered a heartfelt speech. She recounted how Bepo’s career at the school began under her late father, Chief David Aje, who had recognized his potential even before he officially joined Stardom. She praised his unwavering dedication, empathy, and commitment to students and staff. As a mark of gratitude, she presented him with a farewell gift—an envelope containing a cheque for $10,000, the most generous the school had ever awarded a departing staff member.
Finally, Bepo addressed the assembly, struggling with emotion as tears welled in his eyes. Amid sobs, he expressed his gratitude to the Stardom family, reflecting on the deep bond he had formed with the school and the realization that leaving this second home would be one of the most difficult moments of his life. The farewell was a fitting tribute to a principal whose influence and legacy would continue to resonate within the walls of Stardom Schools.
CHAPTER TWELVE: …DAWN
The day of Mr. Adewale Bepo’s departure had finally arrived. His flight to the UK was scheduled for 10:00 p.m., with boarding set to begin around 5:00 p.m. Choosing to leave early, Bepo prepared to depart around 3:00 p.m. Just as he was about to call an Uber, his landlord, Mr. Ogunwale, and his family arrived to bid him farewell. The landlord insisted on driving him to Murtala Muhammed Airport, offering a brief prayer for his safe journey before pulling his Honda Pilot out of the garage.
Bepo had packed two large bags and a smaller one. Following his wife’s advice, he had traveled light but ensured he included essential items like iru (locust beans), egusi with ground crayfish, and dry snails, all sourced from the famous Oyingbo market. He had also sold his car to the Stardom School accountant for N1.5 million and gifted his electronics to the landlady.
On the way to the airport, they encountered the vice principal, Mrs. Grace Apeh, the school accountant, Mr. Oyelana, and Mr. Audu, who had planned to accompany him. At the airport, the Stardom staff followed him through check-in and security, bidding their farewells before leaving to avoid Lagos traffic. Settling down to wait for the boarding call, Bepo drifted into a dream. He found himself at the Heritage Slavery Museum in Badagry, counting the seven million slaves forced onto ships at the Point of No Return. A white man commanded him to enter the ship, and he screamed, “Noooo!”—only to be gently tapped on the shoulder by an airline official, signaling it was time to board.
The departure was bittersweet. Bepo reflected on his time at Stardom, the relationships he had built with students and colleagues, and the culture he had fostered. Though memories of his experiences—both uplifting and challenging—weighed heavily on him, he took comfort in knowing that the school and its students would continue to thrive.
Once on the plane, he alternated between a dream-like state and reality, haunted by visions of the Heritage Museum. The echoes of suffering, injustice, and resilience lingered, reminding him of the importance of his work and the legacy he had built.
Back at Stardom, life without Bepo was noticeably different. The students, who had grown attached to his guidance, felt his absence keenly. During Monday assembly, the unexpected happened: the students, unable to accept the change, rushed to the school gate, chanting “Principoo!” They lifted Bepo on their shoulders in celebration as he returned, declaring, “I am here to complete my mission!” His presence, even temporary, reminded everyone that his influence and vision for the school endured.
Bepo’s heart swelled with pride as he witnessed the love and respect he had earned from the students and the wider school community. He realized that his mission at Stardom was not defined solely by his physical presence but by the values, inspiration, and legacy he had instilled. As the students danced around him, singing the school’s victory song, Bepo knew that the impact of his work would live on in their hearts.
