Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan is a Nigerian playwright and scholar known for addressing sociopolitical issues through drama. Her works typically highlight struggles within traditional African societies, blending historical insights with contemporary messages.
Plot Overview
"Once Upon an Elephant" revolves around the struggle for power and its abuse within a traditional Yoruba community. Following the illness of King Akinjobi, Ajanaku, with support from the manipulative Serubawon, seizes the throne through deceitful means, ignoring established traditions. Ajanaku's reign becomes tyrannical, oppressive, and destructive, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. A courageous group of villagers, led by elders like Odejimi and wise figures like Iya Agba, ultimately rise against Ajanaku, seeking justice and the restoration of their valued traditions.
Settings
- The Yoruba Village: A microcosm representing Nigeria's political and cultural landscape.
- The King's Palace: Symbolizes authority, legitimacy, and later, corruption.
- Hunters’ Guild and Ritual Grounds: Highlight the tension between tradition and misuse of sacred customs.
Chapter-by-Chapter (Act-by-Act) Summary
Act 1-2: Rise to Power
King Akinjobi falls ill, prompting a succession crisis. Serubawon plots with Ajanaku, arranging his fraudulent rise to power against rightful heirs.
Act 3-4: Ajanaku’s Tyranny Begins
Ajanaku becomes king, arrogantly asserting his dominance and disrespecting past traditions. Odejimi openly challenges Ajanaku’s legitimacy, beginning the resistance.
Act 5-6: Brutality and Ritual Abuse
Ajanaku exploits villagers, unjustly seizing lands and conducting horrific rituals (the abusive Ijedodo ritual), symbolizing his ruthless consolidation of power.
Act 7-8: Family Secrets and Betrayal
Ajanaku’s illegitimate lineage (he is secretly Serubawon's son) complicates matters. Serubawon faces internal conflicts, realizing the moral decay he's facilitated.
Act 9-10: Courageous Resistance
Iya Agba courageously interrupts the ritual abuses, saving victims like Desola and encouraging others to oppose tyranny. Villagers begin organizing resistance.
Act 11-12: Consequences of Greed
Serubawon, burdened by guilt, takes his own life. Ajanaku’s paranoia deepens, prompting increased violence to suppress opposition.
Act 13-14: Triumph of Justice
A united community rebellion overthrows Ajanaku, restoring order, tradition, and justice. The village reflects on lessons learned from tyranny and resistance.
Major Events
- Ajanaku’s fraudulent rise to power.
- Odejimi's resistance and open challenge.
- The horrific Ijedodo ritual symbolizing power abuse.
- Serubawon's internal conflict and eventual suicide.
- Community-led rebellion resulting in Ajanaku’s downfall.
- Restoration of traditional governance.
Major Themes
Corruption and Abuse of Power
The destructive impact when authority is obtained and maintained unjustly, exemplified by Ajanaku's rule.
Tradition vs. Ambition
The clash between preserving cultural traditions and the dangers posed by unchecked personal ambition.
Resistance and Justice
Emphasizes the importance of collective action and courage in confronting oppression and injustice.
Betrayal and Consequences
Explores the tragic outcomes resulting from betrayal, especially by those entrusted with community welfare.
Major Characters Summary & Analysis
Ajanaku
- Role: Main antagonist, illegitimate ruler.
- Traits: Ambitious, ruthless, corrupt.
- Analysis: Represents the dangers of power unchecked by morality and tradition. His character embodies tyranny and self-destruction through corruption.
Serubawon
- Role: Co-conspirator, manipulator.
- Traits: Ambitious, conflicted, manipulative.
- Analysis: Symbolizes those who facilitate corruption due to personal gain, only to be consumed by guilt and self-destruction.
Odejimi
- Role: Elderly voice of reason, opposition leader.
- Traits: Wise, courageous, principled.
- Analysis: Symbolizes integrity and the importance of standing against injustice regardless of personal cost.
Iya Agba
- Role: Wise matriarchal figure, activist.
- Traits: Courageous, compassionate, strong-willed.
- Analysis: Represents feminine strength and wisdom, highlighting women’s crucial role in community resistance and restoration.
Desola
- Role: Victim and symbol of innocence betrayed.
- Traits: Innocent, vulnerable, resilient.
- Analysis: Symbolizes the innocent victims of tyrannical regimes, underscoring the play’s moral urgency.
WAEC/NECO-Style Practice Questions
Objective Questions
-
Who ascends the throne through manipulation?
- A. Odejimi
- B. Serubawon
- C. Ajanaku
- D. King Akinjobi
-
Iya Agba symbolizes:
- A. Traditional weakness
- B. Feminine resilience and courage
- C. Blind obedience
- D. Personal ambition
-
Serubawon's death highlights:
- A. The power of forgiveness
- B. The consequences of guilt and betrayal
- C. Community unity
- D. Religious tradition
Answers: 1. C, 2. B, 3. B
Essay Questions
- Analyze how the play portrays the theme of power and corruption through Ajanaku’s character.
- Discuss the significance of traditional values and resistance in Once Upon an Elephant.
- Examine how the playwright uses female characters to advance the theme of justice.
- Describe the role of betrayal in shaping the tragic outcomes within the play.
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