Volume 04 Issue 07-2024
1
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
1-4
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study delves into the portrayal of absurdity in Nigerian politics and governance through the lens of Ola Rotimi's
drama. Rotimi's works serve as a poignant critique of societal issues, particularly the complexities and contradictions
within Nigeria's political landscape. Through textual analysis and contextual interpretation, the study explores how
Rotimi uses dramatic elements to shed light on corruption, power struggles, and the socio-political challenges faced
by the country. The findings underscore Rotimi's role in exposing and dissecting the absurdities inherent in Nigerian
governance.
KEYWORDS
Absurdity, politics, governance, Nigeria, Ola Rotimi, drama, socio-political critique.
INTRODUCTION
In the realm of Nigerian literature, particularly in the
domain of drama, Ola Rotimi stands as a formidable
voice whose works resonate deeply with the socio-
political realities of his time. Central to Rotimi's
thematic concerns is the exploration and critique of
the absurdities embedded within Nigeria's political and
governance structures. His dramatic narratives not
only reflect the tumultuous dynamics of power and
authority but also serve as insightful commentaries on
the complexities and contradictions inherent in
Nigerian society.
Rotimi's portrayal of absurdity in politics and
governance
goes
beyond
mere
theatrical
Research Article
ABSURDITY IN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: EXAMINING
THE DRAMATIC CRITICISM OF OLA ROTIMI
Submission Date:
June 21, 2024,
Accepted Date:
June 26, 2024,
Published Date:
July 01, 2024
Chizoba Nwadike
Ph.D., Department of Dramatic Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijlc
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 07-2024
2
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
1-4
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
entertainment; it serves as a compelling tool for social
commentary and critique. Through his plays, such as
"The Gods Are Not to Blame" and "Our Husband Has
Gone Mad Again," Rotimi exposes the inherent flaws
and challenges within Nigeria's political landscape.
These works vividly illustrate the struggles for power,
the clash of ideologies, and the pervasive influence of
corruption, all of which contribute to the perpetuation
of absurdity in governance.
This introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive
examination of how Ola Rotimi's dramatic criticism
illuminates the intricacies of Nigerian politics and
governance. By analyzing his works through a socio-
political lens, this study aims to uncover deeper
insights into the themes of absurdity and critique in
Nigerian literature, particularly in the context of
Rotimi's impactful contributions to the genre of drama.
METHOD
Data Collection and Selection
To examine the portrayal of absurdity in Nigerian
politics and governance through Ola Rotimi's drama, a
systematic approach to data collection was adopted.
Primary sources included a comprehensive review and
analysis of Rotimi's major dramatic works, such as "The
Gods Are Not to Blame," "The Trials of Brother Jero,"
and "Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again." These plays
were selected based on their thematic focus on power
dynamics, corruption, and societal critique, which align
closely with the study's objectives.
Textual Analysis and Contextual Interpretation
The methodology employed textual analysis and
contextual interpretation to unravel the layers of
meaning embedded in Rotimi's works. Each play was
scrutinized for its portrayal of political absurdities,
including exaggerated power struggles, arbitrary
decision-making processes, and the manipulation of
societal norms for personal gain. The analysis also
considered historical and cultural contexts to discern
how Rotimi's narratives reflect and comment on real-
life events and social issues prevalent in Nigeria during
his time.
Thematic Coding and Comparative Study
Thematic coding was applied to categorize and analyze
recurring motifs and themes related to political
absurdity across Rotimi's plays. Themes such as
leadership crises, societal disillusionment, and the
moral
decay
of
political
institutions
were
systematically coded and compared. This approach
facilitated a nuanced understanding of how Rotimi's
dramatic criticism captures the complexities and
contradictions within Nigerian governance, offering
insights into the enduring challenges faced by the
nation.
Historical and Theoretical Framework
The study situated Rotimi's works within a broader
historical and theoretical framework of Nigerian
literature and political history. It considered scholarly
perspectives on postcolonialism, neocolonialism, and
the impact of political upheavals on Nigerian society.
By contextualizing Rotimi's critiques within these
frameworks, the research aimed to elucidate how his
portrayal of political absurdity serves as a lens through
which broader societal issues and power dynamics can
be analyzed and understood.
Interdisciplinary Approach and Ethical Considerations
An interdisciplinary approach was adopted, drawing
insights from literature, political science, and cultural
studies to enrich the analysis. Ethical considerations
focused on maintaining academic rigor and integrity in
interpreting Rotimi's works, ensuring that the study's
Volume 04 Issue 07-2024
3
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
1-4
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
findings accurately reflect his intentions and
contributions to Nigerian dramatic literature.
This methodological framework provides a structured
approach to explore how Ola Rotimi's dramatic
criticism exposes and critiques the absurdities in
Nigerian politics and governance, emphasizing the
depth and significance of his literary contributions.
RESULTS
Ola Rotimi's dramatic works vividly depict the
absurdities entrenched within Nigerian politics and
governance. Through plays like "The Gods Are Not to
Blame," Rotimi critiques the arbitrary exercise of
power and the tragic consequences of flawed
leadership. The narratives highlight the clash between
tradition and modernity, exposing the complexities of
cultural identity and socio-political dynamics in
postcolonial Nigeria. Rotimi's portrayal of characters
like Odewale and Jero serves as allegories for societal
disillusionment and the moral decay within political
institutions, resonating with audiences through their
tragic and satirical dimensions.
DISCUSSION
The examination of Rotimi's dramatic criticism reveals
profound
insights
into
the
challenges
and
contradictions of Nigerian governance. His portrayal of
political absurdity transcends mere entertainment,
serving as a mirror to reflect societal realities and
critique systemic injustices. Themes of corruption,
nepotism, and the manipulation of power dynamics are
recurrent in Rotimi's works, reflecting broader societal
concerns and historical contexts. By juxtaposing
traditional beliefs with contemporary political
struggles, Rotimi challenges audiences to confront the
paradoxes of Nigeria's postcolonial experience and the
enduring legacy of colonialism on its governance
structures.
Moreover, Rotimi's use of dramatic techniques such as
irony, satire, and allegory enhances the effectiveness
of his critique. These techniques not only entertain but
also provoke critical reflection on the ethical
implications
of
political
decisions
and
the
consequences of unchecked power. The complexity of
his characters and their interactions further elucidates
the moral ambiguities inherent in Nigerian politics,
portraying individuals torn between personal ambition
and societal responsibility.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Ola Rotimi's exploration of political
absurdity in Nigerian governance through drama
represents a significant contribution to both literature
and socio-political discourse. His works continue to
resonate with audiences by illuminating the systemic
challenges faced by the nation and offering a critical
lens through which to analyze and understand them.
By engaging with themes of power, corruption, and
cultural identity, Rotimi prompts audiences to question
prevailing norms and envision alternative futures for
Nigerian governance. As such, his legacy as a dramatist
and social critic endures, challenging contemporary
scholars and practitioners alike to confront and
address the enduring absurdities within Nigerian
politics.
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Marx and Engels The German Way of Life: Marx and
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Foluke, Ogunleye An inaugural lecture entitled
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Volume 04 Issue 07-2024
4
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
1-4
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Nigerian Soul" was delivered on May 8 at Obafemi
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