Abstract: This research examined the theme of corruption in Wole Soyinka’s The Road and Ola Rotimi’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again. In view of the two plays under investigation, it is evident that one of the problems confronting our Nigerian society is corruption, and leadership failure. Based on the two author’s points of view, corruption and bad leadership style has attained unimaginable height and is currently assuming a pandemic proportion in the Nigerian society through, and with the full support of the political leadership class since 1960. The study further bring out some tactics and practices used by politicians and military men how they go into politics not to lead the masses but to enriched themselves and to participate in their selfish interest, as seen in Rotim’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again.
The study further revealed that the problem with our Nigerian society is selfishness and corrupt attitude of the leaders, which on the other hand affects the masses negatively. The study therefore recommended that political leaders should desist from viewing corruption as a means for achieving what cannot be obtainable by genuine means.
The Theme of Corruption in Ola Rotimi’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again Wole Soyinka’s the Road
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Wole Soyinka and Ola Rotimi are on the nation that, independence is a source of disillusionment to most African societies as well as Nigeria. These two authors use their creative works in portraying how African society and the Nigerian leaders are corrupt. These authors introduce a paradigm shift from the culture of blame shifting which characterized most polemics defending by attacking colonialism towards culture of internal focus.
For instance, Wole Soyinka uses Sampson, professor and other police men in portraying the level of corruption in our Nigeria society. He further portrays how the Nigerian police for instance, flout the police code of conduct in order to secure convention of suspects through the use of falsified evidence. No doubt, corruption poses a serious development challenge, it undermined democracy and good government by flouting or even subverting former process as expressed in these novels.
Accordingly, Wole Soyinka in this novel under investigation The Road, he says Nigerian leaders lack transparency. For instance, in government it is when an elected representative makes decisions that are influenced by vested interest ever than legitimate or established government has well as party regulations. On the order hand, Ola Rotimi uses an ex-military officer named, Lejoka-Brown to portray the attitude of Nigerian leaders and how corrupt they are. He further asserts that, Lejoka-Brown is an ex-military officer who is so corrupt to the extent that he has taken to dabbling in politics so that he can partake in the national chin-chin.
According to Rotimi, one of the problems of Lejoka-Brown is that he does not have the slightest understanding of the working of politics, instead he relied on his military tactics and moreover to conduct his surprise and attack campaign. Consequently, it is on this note that the research work intends to research on the theme of corruption in Wole Soyinka’s The Road and Ola Rotimi’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again.
1.2 Statement of the Study
Soyinka and Ola Rotimi are on the view that, corruption in Nigeria and Africa in general today has permeated the society affecting human relation, family values, government, educational system, religion, law and Oder and virtually all the society as examined under the novels in research work.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this research work is to portray the theme of corruption in Wole Soyinka’s The Road and Ola Rotimi’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again.
The Theme of Corruption in Ola Rotimi’s Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again Wole Soyinka’s the Road
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research work will be significant to the general public, especially social organisations, institutions, social activists, psychological leaders and literally artists who should understand the level of corruption in the society. The study will also bring to the light the impact of corruption and other researchers who will find this work reliable
1.5 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this research work are;
- to examine some aspects of corruption in the novels by the two authors.
- to expose the problems caused by corruption and its effects in the society as examined in the novels under investigation.
- to portray the origin of corruption and its consequences to the masses.
