In a quiet Igbo village lived Mbe and his hardworking wife. Every morning, she went to the farm while Mbe wandered from one compound to another, claiming he was “looking for opportunities.”
One market day, his wife cooked a delicious pot of ofe onugbu with smoked fish and wrapped pounded yam in leaves. Before leaving for the farm, she smiled and said, “My husband, let us eat together when I return.”
As soon as she disappeared down the footpath, Mbe uncovered the pot.
“The aroma alone is enough to weaken a man,” he whispered.
He ate one piece of fish… then another… then another. Soon the soup was gone. Thinking quickly, he filled the pot with water and a few leaves.
When his wife returned, she stared into the pot.
“What happened to the soup?”
Mbe sighed dramatically.
“I heard strange sounds. I believe the spirits of the ancestors came while you were away. They must have taken it.”
His wife said nothing.
The next market day, she cooked another pot, but instead of going to the farm, she quietly hid behind the kitchen wall.
Before long, Mbe looked around to be sure no one was watching. He uncovered the pot, laughed to himself, and began eating with both hands.
His wife stepped out.
“So… these are the ancestors?”
Mbe froze. The fish slipped from his hand.
Ashamed, he could not lift his head.
From that day, whenever the elders spoke of honesty, they reminded children that a lie may satisfy hunger for a moment, but it can never hide forever.
A home is built on trust, not clever excuses. Deceiving those who love you may bring a full stomach today, but it leaves an empty heart tomorrow.
#IgboFolklore #AfricanFolktales #Mbe #AfricanWisdom #Storytelling #Culture #Tradition #MoralStories #jollyonyeka
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