NONE of them ever imagined a childless marriage while they courted in the 1980’s. But for 18 years after marriage, Adebola Awonorin and his wife, Adejoke, ran from pillar to post seeking the fruit of the womb. At their wits’ end, they opted for adoption. They were kept on the waiting list. Then something mysterious began to happen to the woman’s tommy…

Now happy parents of twins —- a boy and a girl—- the husband and wife open up to ELIJAH EDA SAMUEL on those stormy years and how accidental discharges turned the family polygamous!

Iyaabeji (mother of twins), how do you feel about these blessings?

It is beyond my comprehension. I could not really appreciate what God has done until it was finally accomplished.

When did you marry and how long did you wait before conception?

We were married on the 2nd of  April, 1994. I actually had conception for a few times within the first two tears of our marriage. Afterwards, there was cessation until the recent breakthrough. We had visited several places across the country to get solution to our problem.

How did you cope during those anxious years?

I had absolute faith in God throughout, although the place of children in a marriage cannot be downplayed in this part of our world. Besides, I have a husband whose relatives (parents inclusive) showed great understanding during those difficult years. Again, the strong love and bond that exist between my husband and I has immense contribution to the stability in the family during the turbulent period of childlessness.

What was diagnosed and what type of treatment was recommended during the period?

At a time, fibroid was diagnosed and it was operated accordingly. Thereafter, the search for solution continued in several places during which tests and medications were dispensed. You continued honouring appointment until your hope was spent. This continued on and on.

When you finally conceived, were you placed on fertility drugs?

As I was using orthodox drugs, in equal measure I was taking herbs. But it’s important to say this: I was once visiting Divine Mercy Health Services. Here, I was placed on some herbal medication, I became weary later and discontinued. But a friend with whom I had always attended the clinic came and pleaded that I should pay a visit once more, that God will answer my wish. Thus, I resumed visiting and taking the dispensed herbal mixture. And to my surprise, I discovered that I was pregnant.

At what stage did you discover that you were pregnant?

Sincerely I didn’t know I was pregnant. Although I was having some strange feeling inside of me which I just presumed to be a recurrence of fibroid. But I became very agitated and decided to see a doctor who, after series of tests and scan, could not detect what the problem was.

The strange feeling persisted. I became more worried, so I decided to visit Divine Mercy Centre for examination. It was there that it was disclosed that I was about six months pregnant. And that I was having twins.

You mean you were still menstruating while pregnant?

Yes. But surprisingly, immediately I got the news, it stopped.

How did you react to the news?

I was overwhelmed with joy. I called my husband who was overseas on a business trip. He was equally surprised but only said we should keep our fingers crossed.

Where is Divine Mercy Health Services  located?

They are actually based in Port Harcourt but regularly come to their Ikorodu centre in Lagos to attend to patients.

Prior to the delivery, what were the signs noticed?

I began experiencing sleeplessness, severe pains in the waist and the legs about a week to the delivery. And on the very day, September 5, 2012, my stomach became intensely unsettled, and I was taken to Divine Mercy where I was delivered of first, the baby boy at exactly 10.53pm., and within a few minutes interval, the baby girl.

During those waiting years, what really were the challenges?

I was able to withstand the psychological trauma of those harrowing years only by the grace of God, through the strength of His words. But something happened that greatly devastated me, and almost shattered the dream and peace of our home. It was the confession of my husband.

He started behaving strangely: feeling uneasy and uncoordinated whenever I was around and engaged in discussion with him. I did not suspect anything, but I woke up one Sunday night to find him awake. It was alarming when I got up and moved closer to find out what was amiss. I noticed he was having high temperature, so I passionately beckoned to know what he was going through but he could not mutter a word.

Having found it difficult to get his response to all my prodding, I wondered what on earth could make a man so terrified and dumbstruck. Then, something occurred to me, and I asked him: “Have you impregnated somebody?”

And he burst into tears.

He started begging me.

I still don’t understand how it happened; God must have touched my heart because I   I found myself ministering to him. I told him he should not allow that to affect his health but to cheer up.

Thereafter, much as I tried to save my marriage, it became increasingly traumatizing. But God gave me strength to sail through. Thereafter we made arrangements, and put things right.

What manner of arrangement?

As things have turned out, it was essential to formalize relations with the families of the two ladies that just conceived for my husband so that adequate attention be given to their wellbeing and safe-delivery. By putting things right, my family, his family and the church were informed of the development.

How did the church take it?

At least those that were supposed to be in the know were informed, and they just bore it and continued to pray for us.

After the discovery, what was the relationship between you and your husband like?

There was really no problem as we carried on in the manner we were used to. The only problem now was in the financial management of the family: what was used for the two of us now had to be shared with the new entrants into the family.  However, he really tried to manage the situation and ensured there was peace and harmony.

What do you do for a living?

We are both business persons, with interests in many areas.

Any advice for those in similar situation?

There is nothing God can not do, only remain absolutely faithful to Him.

Do you know that we had actually gone for child adoption although many people kicked against it? Our file is with the Lagos State Government. We started the process in 2009 and ended it in November 2011. We were being told to wait until they get to our turn as there were many people to be attended to before us. All glory be to God, I am eternally grateful to Him.

It’s An Act Of God

Babaabeji  (Father of twins), how does it feel to father twins after waiting 18 years?

I feel so very happy that, at last, we are able to  carry our babies. The feeling is exceedingly great.

How did you feel during those turbulent years?

It was really tough having had to wait for such a long time.

Was that why you took the option to sort yourself out?

(smiling) It was not really premeditated, but I have to take it as the will of God.

But at least the occurrences afforded you the knowledge that you were okay and have every course to be happy.

No, no, it’s not as if one wanted to know if one was okay or not. We were virtually everywhere together trying to get solution to our plight.

Where are those children you had from those ladies?

They are with their mothers: a boy and a girl.

Have you had additions after them?

No, I just decided to let it remain like that.

Are you married to those ladies?

(Evasively) You said so.

Are you saying you have now taken to polygamy?

( Husband, wife and the reporter exploded in  laughter…)