power and corruption in three selecteed igbo plays ... jacinta ndidi.pdf · and even corruption...
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DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS, IGBO AND
Ezeh Remigius
FACULTY OF ARTS
DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS, IGBO AND
OTHER NIGERIAN LANGUAGES
POWER AND CORRUPTION IN THREE
SELECTEED IGBO PLAYS
OKEY-AGBO JACINTA NDIDI
PG/MA/09/51592
Digitally Signed by: Content manager’s
DN : CN = Webmaster’s name
O = University of Nigeria, Nsukka
OU = Innovation Centre
Ezeh Remigius
0
DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS, IGBO AND
OTHER NIGERIAN LANGUAGES
POWER AND CORRUPTION IN THREE
SELECTEED IGBO PLAYS
AGBO JACINTA NDIDI
: Content manager’s Name
Webmaster’s name
a, Nsukka
i
POWER AND CORRUPTION IN THREE SELECTEED IGBO PLAYS
BY
OKEY-AGBO JACINTA NDIDI
PG/MA/09/51592
DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS, IGBO AND
OTHER NIGERIAN LANGUAGES
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
JUNE, 2013
ii
TITLE PAGE
POWER AND CORRUPTION IN THREE SELECTEED IGBO PLAYS
A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POST
GRADUATE STUDIES
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.) IN IGBO
WRITTEN LITERATURE AND STYLISTICS
BY
OKEY-AGBO JACINTA NDIDI
PG/MA/09/51592
JUNE, 2013
iii
APPROVAL PAGE
This thesis has been read and approved for meeting the requirements for the
award of the Degree of Masters of Arts in the Department of Linguistics,
Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
By
----------------------------------- -------------------------------
Prof. C.N. Okebalama External Examiner
Supervisor
------------------------------------------ ------------------------------
Prof. C.N. Okebalama Internal Examiner
Head of Department
-------------------------------------------------
Prof. Uchenna Anyanwu
Dean of Faculty of Arts.
iv
CERTIFICATE PAGE
Okey-Agbo, Jacinta Ndidi, with the registration number PG/MA/09/51592, a
post graduate student of the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and other
Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has satisfactorily
completed the requirements for the course and project report for the award of
Degree of Master of Arts (M.A) in Igbo written Literature.
This work embodied in this project is original and has not been
submitted as part or full for any diploma or degree of this or other
universities.
_________________________ _____________________
Prof. C.N. Okebalama Oke-Agbo Jacinta Ndidi
Supervisor
v
DEDICATION
This work is specially dedicated to my dearly beloved husband, Barr.
Okey Agbo and my children, Oluoma, Ifeanyi and Amobichukwu
vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
My immeasurable and inexplicable thanks go to Jesus Christ who
made the completion of this programme possible. Many sincere thanks are
due to my academic father and God-chosen supervisor, Prof. C.N. Okebalama
who left no stone unturned with a view to giving this dissertation the best
and thorough supervision it deserved. My special thanks go to my dealing
husband, Barr. Okey Agbo without whose encouragement and assistance my
dream would have been a mirage. I should also acknowledge with immense
thanks the assistance rendered towards the timely completion of this work by
Dr. B.M. Mbah, Dr. (Mrs.) Eze Eucharia, Dr. (Mrs.) Ugwuona C.N., Mr. Eze
Celestine N, Prof. E.E. anugwom and family Prof. G.I. Nwaouzu, Mrs.
Akaeze C. who made some useful materials available to me.
I am highly and most specially indebted to my mother who gave me
university education from the little resources available about two decades
ago. In the same vein, I thank my caring friends, Mrs. Eunice Ezugwuorie,
Eze Chinedu, Mrs. Esther Ugwu, Mrs. Mabel Ogenyi, Mrs. Eze Jacinta C.
who assisted me both financially and morally. I love you all. Our relationship
will remain life the river, which never goes dry. The contributions of my
classmates in the department will remain evergreen in my memory. They
include lady Eze Grace Chinyere, Mrs. Eze Monic Ngozi, Mrs. Ugwu Tessy,
vii
Mrs. Eze Nkechi, Mr. Ugwuede Emeka and Okafor Josephine. I thank you all
for your encouragement.
There are also to be thanked Mr. Polycarp Abonyi, lady Vero Asudu,
Mr. and Mrs. Ugwu Onyebuchi, my nephew, Mr. & Mrs. Cele Eze O., Mrs.
Onyeke B.N., little niece Onyebuchi Chioma and a legion of other relations
who contributed in one way or the other towards my education. Finally, to
my lovely kids- Oluomachukwu, Ifeanyichukwu and Amobichukwu, I say
thank you for your understanding and co-operation during these periods of
tough times. The last but not the least is Miss Juliet Ugwuanyi, the computer
operator who always gave special attention to my work.
My solemn prayer is that God will reward everyone who contributed to
my education up to this level a billion and one folds.
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page - - - - - - - - - i
Approval page - - - - - - - - ii
Certification page - - - - - - - iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - iv
Acknowledgements - - - - - - - v
Abstract - - - - - - - - - vii
Table of contents - - - - - - - - viii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION - - - - 1
1.1 Background of the Study - - - - - - 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - 4
1.3 Objectives of the Study - - - - - - 7
1.4 Research Question - - - - - - - 7
1.5 Limitation of the Study - - - - - - 7
1.6 Significance of the Study - - - - - - 8
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW - - - 10
2.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - 10
2.1 Conceptual Framework - - - - - - 10
2.1.1 Literature - - - - - - - - 10
2.1.2 Drama - - - - - - - - 12
2.1.3 Power - - - - - - - - 13
ix
2.1.4 Corruption - - - - - - - - 17
2.2 Theoretical Framework - - - - - - 19
2.3 Empirical Studies - - - - - - - 23
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY - - - 26
3.1 Research Design - - - - - - - 26
3.2 Method of Data Collection - - - - - 27
CHAPTER FOUR: SYNOPSES OF NWADIKE’S DRAMA- - 29
Synopses of Nwozuzu’s Drama - - - - - 30
Synopses of Akoma’s Drama - - - - - - 32
Obidiya - - - - - - - - - 32
Analysis of three Igbo written Drama Texts- Nke m ji ka, Obidiya and
Okwe Agbaala - - - - - - - - 33
4.1 Forms of Corrupt Practices Associated with Power - 34
4.1.1 Destruction of Lives and Arson - - - - 35
4.1.2 VIctimisation of Obidiya - - - - - 35
4.1.3 Victimisation of Okwe Agbaala - - - - 36
4.1.4 Selfishness - - - - - - - - 37
4.1.5 Murder - - - - - - - - 38
4.2.6 Power Style in the Drama Texts - - - - 38
4.2.1 Autocratic Power - - - - - - - 39
x
4.3.2 Effect of power and Corruption - - - - 40
4.3.3 Language Features of Power and Corruption - - 42
4.3.4 Figurative Language in the Texts - - - - 42
4.3.5 Diction as Style - - - - - - - 43
4.3.6 Proverbs - - - - - - - - 45
4.3.7 Idioms - - - - - - - - 48
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION - 53
Conclusion/ Recommendation - - - - - 55
References - - - - - - - - - 58
xi
ABSTRACT
The exercise of power by individuals in the society has been the greatest
problem of man from creation. This power cuts across all cultures of the
world. Different characters from time immemorial have used power either
negatively or positively. When negatively used it leads an individual into
corruption. In the light of the above assertion, this paper therefore takes a
critical look at power and corruption in some selected Igbo written plays. It
examines how the Igbo playwrights use characters to present the excessive
use of power by some individuals in authority on their subjects. To carry out
this work effectively, an eclectic approach of literary criticism is adopted.
These approaches are the Marxist theory of literary criticism which
emphasizes class struggle for limited resources, and the psychoanalytic
theory of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. The Psychoanalytic theory analyses
the mental state of the individual. Through negative use of power, it was
discovered that people in authority, in a bid to satisfy their selfish ends
indulge in all kinds of corruption like murder, arson, victimization,
assassination, examination malpractice etc. It is recommended among other
things that all efforts should be made by individuals in any position of
authority not to allow power to intoxicate them. It is the excessive use of
power that lead some people into corruption. People should use powers
entrusted to them judiciously so that they may not get involved in corruption.
1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study:
This study focuses on the study of power and corruption in
Obidiya, Okwe Agbaala, and Nke M Ji Ka. Moreover, power and
corruption have occupied the greater percentage of every sphere of life.
Power and corruption as themes in some selected Igbo plays have been
identified as problems in the society.
Due to the fact that drama cannot exist without literature, drama is
a form of literature intended for performance by actors. Wali (1965)
sees literature as the exploitation of the possibilities of language.
Literature sometimes is a mirror of life when it reflects what
happens in the society. It is the language of the literature that essentially
makes literature what it is. Literature is the use of well chosen words to
tell a story which involves characters in conflict situations.
Caudwel (1977) observes that one of the functions of literature is
keeping the collective imagination of a society alive, so that members of
the society are in the position to channel their energies to communal and
social construction.
2
It pertinent to note that it is through literature that society brings
out its ways of life, belief, custom, arts and make them known to the
people. Be that as it may, drama is one of the three genres of literature.
Drama simply put, is one of the greatest achievements of man. The
ultimate objective of drama is to edify or to entertain, and sometimes to
do both. Drama is very powerful in making and shaping the society.
Ogunbiyi (1981) contends that drama was borne out of fundamental
human needs in the time of human civilization to express relationship
between man, society and nature and has continued to express those
needs ever since. However, the drama under study is Igbo written
drama. Ikeokwu (2005) opines that modern Igbo drama is about three
decades old when compared with the Igbo novel that is about seven
decades old. The Igbo playwrights out of personal experiences express
Igbo cultural life, consciousness and world view, with the aim of
educating, influencing and recreating the society.
Igbo written plays address a lot of themes concerning human
lives and endeavours. Some themes in Igbo plays include power and
corruption, domestic violence, murder, inflidelity wars, divorce,
infertility, marriage etc. It is in line with the above that the themes of
3
power and corruption captured in the Igbo plays under study examine
crucial areas of Igbo life and humanity.
Power and corruption are age-long phenomena and man has been
in position of exerting power over fellow men through time. Social
scientists have made critical enquires into the nature of power and
corruption and found out that absolute power corrupts an individual
absolutely. Literary critics, have looked at the ways power and
corruption changed the individual characters through their works in Igbo
drama in the society. Power as defined by Ogunna (1983:26) “is the
ability to cause others to take a course of action by the possession of
means or sanction which could be applied for non-compliance”. When
power is used negatively, it leads to corruption, but when used
positively it brings harmony and progress in the society. One possible
outcome of the negative use of power is corruption.
Corruption in this case entails the usage of public position or
office to advance personal interests or gains. This especially obvious
when corruption or illegitimate personal gains are derived from the
negative exercise of power. As observed by Ugwu, (2003:16) corruption
can be seen “as behaviour, which deviates from the formal duties of a
public role”. This deviation from the formal duties entail a wide range of
4
corruption such as examination malpractices in schools, bribery ritual
killings, assassinations and so on. Given the critical influence of power
and even corruption which may emanate from it in public life, the study
explores how the playwrights of the three Igbo plays under study used
characters, characterisation and props to show the influence of power on
corruption.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Power and corruption and their effect are critical to public life
throughout the world . This is especially the situation in the developing
nations of the world where the quest for power and the utilisation of
power engender both abuse and corruption. It goes without saying that
even where drama is based on the imagination of the writer, as is mostly
the case, such imagination is rooted in the social and environmental
realities of the writer. A work of drama may claim to being fiction, it is
mainly a reflection of the society as captured by the writer. Therefore,
works of drama including Igbo drama are recreations of social reality.
Without doubt, the phenomena of power and corruption occupy a
prominent place in public discourse in a society like Nigeria where
power often confers unlimited scope of action on the power holder and
where corruption appears endemic. Hence, Igbo drama has recently
5
focused on power and corruption as major themes reflective of the Igbo
social life and realities of nowadays.
In spite of the above increase in the number of Igbo drama,
research on them has been scanty see works on criticism on Igbo drama.
Examples are Enete (2013)’ Ossai (2012). Hence, there is no gain saying
the need for a research of this nature.
Power and corruption are as old as man. Nnoli (2008) sees power
as that non-divisible unit of energy that changes a victim’s action
despite the resistance of the victim to the change As a result of this, the
victim does the mind of the subject rather than his/her personal will. On
the other hand Debel (1998) sees “corruption as essentially a factor of
special cultural attitudes regarding loyalty, morality and usurpation of
the public good”. These two themes when joined together definitely
have effect on each other. The exercise of power may lead to corruption
when not regulated, exercised within the ambit of the law or constrained
by moral values of the power holder.
The likelihood of power being abused or excessively used may be
higher in a society like Nigeria where the weakness of public institutions
and regulatory agencies often create spaces for undue exercise of power.
In this sense, power when not checked or regulated can be easily abused
6
and results in corruption and so many other social vices. As any cursory
observer would readily agree, the exercise of power in untoward ways
has been on the rise in Nigeria and at the same time corruption, inspite
of the various measures intensibly put in place to tackle it has equally
been on the rise. Hence, power and corruption appear crucial elements
in the understanding of public life and interpersonal relationship in
Nigeria. Given the above reality the Igbo dramas that reflect these
themes remain literary imagination trying to capture both the dominance
and nature of both phenomena in modern Nigeria. Therefore, the present
study seeks to ascertain how such imagination of power and corruption
in Igbo drama has been achieved in three selected Igbo dramas as well
as the interplay between the two themes and their effect on the society.
It does appear that most problems in governance or power
emanated from corruption. Bearing in mind that power corrupts, this
work is therefore aimed at discovering and studying some of the things
that make power corrupt in the selected Igbo plays under study.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The broad objectives of this work is to carry out an in-depth study
of power and corruption in three selected Igbo plays. To this end, the
specific objectives of this study are to:
7
i. Examine how the playwrights’ use characterization to present
power and corruption.
ii. Identify and account for the various ways in which power and
corruption are exercised in the three plays under study.
iii. Assess the aspects of the props in the work through which exertion
of power and corruption were made.
1.4 Research Questions
Against the background of the above research objectives, the
following research questions are asked to serve as a guide to this study:
i. To what extent have the playwrights used characterization to
present the exertion of power and corruption in the texts?
ii. In what ways were power and corruption exercised in the texts
under study?
iii. Which aspects of the props in the works were used to exert
power and corruption on the subjects?
1.5 Limitation of the Study
Studying the entire Igbo plays would be highly cumbersome and
unattainable in this research. This study therefore is limited to showing
how the playwrights used characterisation to present the use of power
and corruption. In doing this, an in-depth study is carried out in order to
8
harness the various ways power and corruption were exercised in the
plays under study. It also examines the aspects of props in the texts
through which the exertion of power was used negatively. The study
focuses on three selected Igbo plays in relation to power and corruption.
These plays are:
Nwadike’s, Okwe Agbaala (O.A) (1991),
Akoma Enyinna’s Obidiya, (1977),
Nwaozuzu, G.I’s. Nke m Ji Ka (NJK), (2005)
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study on power and corruption will be gainful to the youths
especially students will learn from this study as they will be able to
dictate any illicit behaviour from both lecturers and other students. They
will equally learn to be strong willed and say no to sexual advances. On
the other hand, people in position of authority could learn from the study
that there are always consequences for evil deeds. They will gain from
this work by avoiding the pitfalls that befell the characters that used
power recklessly in the text under study.
Teachers will gain from this work by knowing the implications of
examination leakage in schools. Students in literature will gain
immensely from this study because they will use. It not only as a
9
reference material but as springboard to carry out further researches in
related area. This is because the review of literature and literary
appreciation therein will impact on them the various techniques needed
in appraising related works of literature.
10
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This section, deals with certain concepts which need to be
highlighted upon and are important to the understanding of the work.
These are key points which we may come across in the course of review
of related literature.
Conceptual Framework
2.1.1 Literature
Literature plays a very significant role in the society. It is
necessary for the growth and development of moral behaviour. The
literature of different regions of the world like any other aspect of the
human endeavour has passed through various stages of evolution.
Literature is a work of imagination, in Nigeria the realistic fiction may
reflect the history of the ethnic groups. As a result of the activities of our
leaders in Nigeria, issues on literature texts mainly deal with wars,
violence, power and corruption, murder, greed, hypocrisy, etc.
Fafunwa (1967) defines literature as life, for it deals with men in
every conceivable relation with others, his joys and woes, his tragedies
and comedies, his fears and hope… It is therefore the expression of the
11
whole man, for in literature, we meet face to face with men we
experience in our daily lives and even meet with ourselves. Caudwel
(1977) says that the task of literature is keeping the collective
imagination of a society alive such that its members are able to channel
their energies to communal social construction. It is very important for
the growth of critical thinking and to enlarge our experience through the
insight into the experience of others. Lending credence to what others
have said, Obi (2006) says that “literature has become an important
means of understanding and interpreting human beings and aspects of
society such as politics, religion, economics, social conflicts, class
struggle and human condition through the medium of language.
Literature is one of the greatest creative tools and also a vehicle
for communicating the emotional, intellectual or spiritual concerns of
mankind. The literature materials or literary text is used to paint a
picture of man and his society for our entertainment, teaching and moral
lessons.
Literature has been used to transform the society. Through
literature, governments, rulers and people with questionable characters
are satirised and ridiculed and this can reform the person or government
to behave well in future. Our culture is reflected and made known
12
through literature. It therefore, comprises ideas that are significant to the
culture that produces it.
The literature we are talking about here is Igbo written literature.
The Igbo ethnic group like any other ethnic group in Nigeria has written
literature where her belief system, world view and understanding of the
cosmic world are portrayed. Nwadike (1995) opines that any literature
written in non-Igbo language like English, French, Hausa, Yoruba by an
Igbo is not an Igbo literature. He holds the opinion that Igbo written
literature is any material be it in drama, prose or poetry, which is written
in Igbo language, about the life, belief, and culture of the Igbo people.
Hence, Igbo written literature is such literature which is written by an
Igbo person, with the theme covering the Igbo belief system and based
on Igbo subject matter and setting.
2.1.2 Drama
The term “drama” is derived from a Greek word “dran”. As an
imaginative work of art, drama is written as a script to be acted on stage.
Anyachonkeya (2006) contends that drama is a literary composition
involving conflict, action crises and atmosphere designed to be acted by
players on a stage before an audience. Drama seems to have greater
influence on the society than other genres of literature because what one
13
sees he/she remembers. In addition, drama is literature written for
performance or at least written in a style that would allow for stage
performance. As a text form, drama can be thought of a story told
through spoken remarks and stage direction to concretize and change
society.
In summary, what constitutes the written Igbo drama are events,
stories, experiences. of what is happening in Igbo land today. The
difference between drama and other genres of literature is that one can
read it or hear it as prose or poetry respectively. Only in drama one can
act, see and feel the experience.
2.1.3 Power
The exercise of power is accepted as endemic to human race as
social beings. Greiner and Schein (1988) see power as the ability to
exercise one’s will over others. According to them, power is the tool one
can use to control people or things. They opine that power can influence
the behaviour of others with or without resistance. It is not always the
case that power changes people’s behaviour. It depends on one’s
perception and attitude experience shows that people in power, who are
entrusted with public funds due to poverty and greed in most cases
embezzle the money with impunity. This is evident in Nigeria where
14
many former governors, heads of banks, village heads are facing
criminal trial in many courts both within and outside the country.
Similar to Nwabueze’s (1990) Guardian of the Cosmos, where the
chief character Akukalia struggles to control power and when that
power came into his hands he plunders the national resources and
thereby amassing wealth for himself and subsequently abused it.
Crick (1992), observe that power is the capacity to affect
another’s behaviour or modify the conduct of others by the use of threat
of some from of sanction. He observe that it is the ability to intervene in
events or an overwhelming presence of severe deprivation that may
cause a change or difference. Hoffman and Graham (2009:4) have an
idea about power that it implies constraint, force, subordination and
dependence.
However, there are some other things that can affect somebody’s
behaviour apart from power. It can also make somebody do things he or
she cannot ordinarily have done. These include sentiments, emotion and
lust. In the book of the Judges, chapter 16:1-20, it was emotion and lust
that made Sampson to reveal his secrets to Delila, which eventually led
to his down fall inspite of his super-natural powers from God. But that is
not to say that power is not at the centre stage of human life. Absolute
15
lack of power means ceasing to be human. A head of department whose
child scored below the cut off mark can out of sentiments considers that
child for an admission in his or her department. This is not power, he or
she did it out of sentiment because if it is by power, the child is not
qualified.
Power is exerted with a view to the attainment of an objective and
therefore, exists when an objective has been achieved. If a man gives
instruction in his house and the instruction is obeyed, he has achieved
his objective. That means that power even has control.
There are three basic sources of power. These include force,
influence and authority. Force is the actual or deliberate use of coercion,
to impose one’s will on others. Coercion is generally unacceptable but
the ruled may be unable to resist it. However, time may come when
those governed by coercion can jointly reject it and the resistance will
lead serious crisis, rebellion or civil disobedience. When there is
outright disobedience or disrespect to the law of the land, a powerful
leader must use coercion to stop it and that is acceptable. Another one is
influence, which refers to the exercise of power through a process of
persuasion. In Macbeth by William Shakespeare the chief character
Macbeth was persuaded and convinced by his wife to commit evil when
16
he was in power. Macbeth killed the king that paid him a visit so that he
can succeed him. In Eriri Mara Ngwugwu by Onyekaonwu, the nurse
that has the power to deliver a woman of her baby was persuaded and
influenced by the money Uduaku gave her to change her baby and gave
her a male child belonging to another person.
The last one is authority. It refers to the power that has been
institutionalised and is recognised by the people over whom it is
exercised. Authority is sub-divided into legal, traditional and
charismatic power. Legal power is power made legitimate by law.
Leaders derive their legal authority from the written rules and
regulations of the society. For instance, Nwadike (1991) in Okwe
Agbaala Dr Emezina has legal power. This was the reason why he dealt
with Ozuruigbo and denied him first class position because he thought
he was his rival in the hands of Chinyere. Traditional authority is where
power is conferred by custom and accepted practice on an individual.
Nwozuzu (2005) in Nke m ji ka reveals how Eze Onyekwere used his
traditional power to maltreat his wife and children. He also aided and
abetted other corrupt practices like arson in the play.
Lastly is charismatic authority where power is made legitimate by
a leader’s exceptional personal or emotional appeal to his or her
17
followers. Charisma lets a person lend or inspire without relying on set
rules or traditions. Nwadike (2005) in Ụwa bụ Agha, Professor Odili
was a man of the people. Infact he was loved by the students. They
always hail him with a nickname wherever he goes. But the case is
contrary in Akoma (1977: 60) where Oriakụ was controlling a large
crowd after he had sent assassins to assassinate Ọnụma. The whole
community gathered and honoured him with Ozo chieftaincy title. He
used his own charismatic power to victimise Ọnụma.
2.1.4 Corruption
Corruption is a scourge and is not peculiar to any society. It is
pervasive in almost all facets of life in contemporary society. Corruption
is rather one of the manifestations of evil in the society which has
caused havoc on our people. Lipsets and Lenz (2000:112) see corruption
as effort to secure wealth or power through illegal means for private
gain at public expense. In addition, Ikejiani-Clark (1995), sees
corruption as illegal, antisocial behave our, dishonesty, violation of duty
especially by people in power for money or private gain. Corruption is a
widespread phenomenon in the society. The experts, critics and lay
people consider that corruption has harmful consequences for our
society.
18
Ndubisi (1986) and Tambiyi (1998) have one idea about
corruption as an act of deception deliberately done to gain unlawful or
unfair advantage. They observe that it is misplacement or total disregard
of an approved norms and established value system of the society.
Corruption and morality are in parallel lines, that is why it is one of the
moral problems of our society. Everybody in the society, both the rich
and the poor have sealed their consciences when committing this
heinous crime that has serious consequences on the society.
Lending credence to what others have said, Emezi (1998:5) opines
that corruption is a question of conflict of value. It is a situation where
bad behaviour triumph over good things. A leader in a community can
pervert justice in order to subdue or favour another person who is wrong
when the guilty person has offered a thing he deserves to have, may be
to take his wife or land. See (Onyekaonwu, 1985) and 1986). A
political office holder who goes into the office is expected to make
money. If the person’s tenure in the office turns otherwise, the society
will blame the person and look at that person as a failure and a societal
misfit.
However, it is viewed that corruption is any form of immoral act
that abuses behaviour which society considers improper or immodest.
19
But it is quite surprising that sometimes, the society recognizes people
that have made it in life through fowl means. They are the people that
are given different titles both in the church and in the community. Osoba
(1996) states that corruption is an anti-social behaviour contrary to legal
and moral norms, and which undermine the authorities to improve the
living condition of the people. Amundson (1997) states that corruption
is the misuse of public authority. Corruption invariably implies the
notion of taking advantage, prevaricating, exploiting others. Corruption
is an illegal activity, through which people with some degree of power
prevaricate over those who have less power; the strong violate the right
of the weak. Nwadike (1998) opines that corruption, here does not only
mean the taking of bribes, it also includes living the negative aspects of
life, thus exhibiting immoral and banal living. In other words, corruption
can be seen as an abuse of power.
2.2 Theoretical Framework
In literary analysis, sometimes, a single theory or approach may
not be adequate. In this study, eclectic approach was adopted. This is
because each approach has its merits and demerits. Eclectic approach
was adopted in the analysis of power and corruption in three selected
Igbo plays. This theory is the most appropriate theory needed in the
20
analyses of the texts under study especially as they dealt with power and
corruption. One of the theories that will be influential to this work is the
Marxist theory to literary criticism. The Marxist theory is propounded
by German Philosopher, Karl Marx and his friend, Fredrick Engle
When power is abused it brings corruption in the society. It is a
common saying that power intoxicates and it is in the cause of this
intoxication that corruption comes in. Marxism started in the nineteenth
century, with their concern on literature and society within the context
of class struggle for power and control over limited resources. This
theory is very important and as a related approach to this study because
the actions of the characters under study show that individuals struggle
over limited resources to actualize self.
According to Engleton (1976:25) Marxist criticism is a type of
criticism in which literary works are viewed as the product of art and
those who practice it emphasize the role of class and ideology as they
reflect, propagate and even challenge the prevailing social order.
Moreso, Ngara (1985:39) contends that Marxist study of literature
concentrated on content analysis at the expense of form as it considers
no aesthetic pleasure in literature. Marxist theory is thus a radical
approach to the issue of man’s exploitation in the society. Marxists
21
believe that literature is not just the reflection of the norms and values of
any society but that, it should contribute positively to changing that
society.
The Marxists see the society as class structured. According to
them, class is a social group that share the same means of production.
As a result of this, there is conflict between the leaders and the led. This
theory helps to understand that literature should be used as a weapon for
change. The playwrights should write what should spur people into
action if their rights are being trampled upon.
However, this theory seems a powerful vehicle in mass
stimulation for action. It is important to note that this theory is very
appropriate because Marxism was originally formulated to analyze just
such tensions and contradictions within society. Marxists see literature
as intimately linked to social power in the society. Again, Marxist
criticism is materialistic, so it focuses on how literature functions within
social, political and economic structures. Akoma’s (1977) in Obidiya
could be seen as both social and economic in nature, as Oriaku had to
kill Onuma for social and economic reasons. Nwadike’s (1991), Okwe
Agbaala deals with class struggle which is social as Dr Emezina had to
deal with one of his students he caught with his girl friend. Nwaozuzu’s
22
(2005), Nke m ji ka is both economic and social struggle. Therefore,
this theory is best for this study because it is an appropriate theory that
handles social and economic issues.
The psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud and Karl Jung both
men lived between (1846 and 1939) is also relevant to this study. This
theory analyses the characters and psyche in relation to their
personalities, attitudes, emotions and feelings which makes them to
involve in corrupt practices. This theory is also based on human
characterization. According to Ikeokwu, (2008) characters could be
idealist, realist and centrics.
Idealists seek the interest of generality of the people. The centric
character is one who mediates between the idealist and realist. Lastly the
realist character talks about oneself. Psychoanalytic theory explores the
role of consciousness and the unconscious in literature including that of
the author, reader and characters in the text.
The psychoanalytic theory posits patterns of behaviour that are not
depended on specific times, places and cultures. This theory is relevant
to this study because most of the characters like Oriaku, Dr. Emezina
and Eze Onyekwere are realists, and this condition made their powers to
be corrupt.
23
2.3 Empirical Studies
In the study sexual immorality in Inno. Nwadike plays Okwe
Agbala and Onye Kpaa Nku ahuhu Ossai (2012) carried out a
study on Nwadike’s drama works: Okwe Agbala and Onye Kpaa
Nku Ahuhu. The study captioned sexual Immorality in Inno.
Nwadike’s plays focused on the following.
a. Causes of sexual Immorality in the plays.
b. Effect of sexual Immorality in the plays.
The study used purely descriptive approach in its analysis. From
the result of the study the causes of sexual immorality include
corruption and lack of moral courage to say something and stand
by it.
Equally based on the result, the effect of sexual immorality
includes telling lies, which results to Dr Emezina losing his job
and Chinyere lost what she laboured for during the past four years
because her result was cancelled.
In Onye Kpaa Nku Ahuhu (Nwadike, 2004) , Ossai (2012) states,
The major cause of sexual immorality is the society
In which they live in. This is because both Ikechukwu and
Amaka were already engaging in sexual intercourse before.
24
They were friends and there were no commentary which
shows that the society in which they live in is against this…
The major cause of intercourse that resulted in pregnancy
was that Amaka was not strong willed she cannot say no
and stand by it. She knew she was having her ovulation
period but when Ikechukwu pressed harder, she accepted ….
The finding of the study based on the result showed that the causes of
sexual immorality in Onye Kpaa Nku Ahuhu include not being strong
willed lack of self control and inability of the society to show good
example and monitor the activities of the youths. The study based on the
critique of the two dramas concludes that the major cause of sexual
immorality is rooted in corruption.
Another critical appraisal of Nwadike’s Okwe Agbala is carried
out by Nwizu (2010). According to Nwizu, the romance between
Chinyere and Dr. Emezina depicts sexual harassment. Also, Dr.
Emezina intimidated Ozuruigbo because he is the head of Department
and Ozuruigbo’s destiny is in his hand. From the result of the study the
cause of all these evils in the society is as a result of corrupt mind.
However, the issue of examination malpractice is not new to us in
schools. Sexual harassment and victimization is a topical issue in
25
Universities. Dr. Emezina and Chinyere were severely punished by the
law.
Enete (2013) in her work on corruption in Onyekwaonwu’s plays Eriri
Mara Ngwugwu and Uwa Ntoo identify corruption as a malignant
cankerworm that threatens the hopes of the common man.
The study used descriptive approach in its analysis, from the result of
the study the causes of corruption include bribery, poisoning, murder.
Moreso, based on the study, the effect of corruption is tragedy and death
on the part of corrupt characters as they were paid according to their
deeds.
26
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
This chapter deals with the method used in this research work.
The method is discussed under method of data collection, research
design, review of documents and data analysis.
3.1 Research Design
Research design can be defined as the strategy or approach to be
used in conducting a scientific enquiry Eboh, (1988). It is the enabling
operation paradigm of the scientific enquiry. The research design gives
shape, form and identity to the research activity. It is the arrangement of
conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to
combine relevance of research purpose with economy in procedure.
Ali (1996:255), opines that research design is the blue print or
plan which determines the nature and scope of study carried out or
proposed in such a way as to obtain relevant and appropriate data for
answering pertinent research questions. Obasi (1999) defines it as a term
used to describe a number of decisions, which need to be taken
regarding to collection of data before the data are collected. A design
can therefore be referred to as a plan or structure of any aspect of
27
research endeavour. As a result, this study will make use of the library
research design.
Ifidon (2007:30) in his opinion defined library research design as
a method which relies primarily on the use of library materials most
commonly located in large libraries. It is interested in seeking out for
significant facts and interpretations from the past and from extensive
data and statistical information about contemporary life or past events.
This work will also adopt descriptive research design. Descriptive
studies are those which investigate, explain, describe documents and
events in their natural settings. No variables are manipulated in
descriptive studies. This study samples three Igbo plays namely:
Obidiya, Okwe Agbaala, and Nke m ji ka. The above texts collected will
be interpreted and analysed in their various contexts. The plays will
equally be subjected to thorough examination in order to find out the
effects of power and corruption in them to an individual and the entire
society.
3.2 Method of Data Collection
Since this research work has to do with the written form of
literature specifically drama, both the primary and secondary sources of
28
data collections are involved. The use of library helps the researcher to
be able to have assess to valuable information found in the internet,
articles in journals and other valuable materials which serves as
secondary sources of data collect.
29
CHAPTER FOUR
SYNOPSES OF NWADIKE’S DRAMA
Okwe Agbaala
It is one of the contemporary drama texts of our time written by
Nwadike, I.U. It has 74 pages packed with what is happening in our
present society especially in the universities. The issue of sexual
harassment, intimidation and victimization, examination malpractices
etc.
Dr. Emezina, a lecturer of high repute in the Department of
Culture and Tradition of the University is lured by a female student,
Chinyere, to whom he exposes the examination paper contrary to the
University ethics. During one of Dr. Emezina’s visits to Chinyere, he
meets Ozuruigbo who is Chinyere’s class mate in her house. In his bid
of cover his shame and out of jealousy, Dr. Emezina threatens to deal
with Ozuruigbo. He actually fails Ozuruigbo in the final examination
and awards first class position to Chinyere. Ozuruigbo who became
helpless complained to the University Senate in writing and the Senate
responded. They intervened into the matter and ordered that the
examination paper be remarked. The end result was that Ozuruigbo’s
rightful position was given to him, Chinyere was stripped of her first
30
class and expelled from the University. Dr. Emezina’s appointment was
terminated, and was sentenced to two years jail term.
SYNOPSES OF NWAOZUZU’S PLAY
Nke M Ji Ka (NMJK)
It is a drama text written by Nwaozuzu, G.I. It has ninety five (95)
pages packed with obnoxious tradition of marginalization as a result of
lack of male child, deposition of twins in the evil forest, arson etc are
prevalent in our present society. This drama text reveals the coming of
Christianity in Igboland. The heroine, Ugochi is depressed at that time
and sees this religion as her last hope after hearing their sermon. She has
female children and has performed many sacrifices and visited various
diviners in order to remedy her lack of male child. Her major problem is
to have a male child but the situation remains the same. This results in
nagging and beating both the mother and children in the house by their
father. Agbọọma is always by Ugochi’s side, she assures her that they
will do what a male child can do for her.
The heroine faces a lot of challenges from the husband, sister-in-
law and her co-wife Achalụ. Achalụ is married to beget a male child to
carry the family’s name. in contrary, Achalụ comes and has a female
31
child like Ugochi. Moreover, Ugochi is humiliated and ridiculed
because of her faith in God. Eze Onyekwere calls Ufere a priest of
Ogwugwu to perform cleansing ritual because Ugochi is said to have
committed abomination. In order to strengthen her faith, Ugochi gets
baptized and is called Lydia. The name is given a wrong interpretation
as “O-luu-diye’ meaning one who marries her husband.
Eze Onyekwere bans Ugochi from entering into his compound
because he believes that Ugochi has defiled the land. He chases her with
a matchet. The heroine escapes and found refuge in the church under
Pastor Daniel. When it is discovered that she is pregnant, she was sent
back to her matrimonial home with police escort from the district
commissioner and her husband is warned not to disturb her again. After
a long labour, she gives birth to twin baby boys and the children are
later thrown into the evil forest as their custom demands.
Furthermore, help comes through Ezeribe, one church teacher who
assisted Agbọọmma to rescue the twins. Ugochi is called to come and
nurse her twins while Eze Onyekwere orders for the burning down of
the church building/premises by the youth. Eze Onyekwere is jailed for
committing arson and while in jail he embraces Christ and becomes a
Christian. When he is out from the prison, he denounces his position as
32
the Eze of Umueleme and Ukwenga is appointed in his place. After his
conversion, he calls his wife, Ugochi back with her twins, Pịta and Pọl
and their daughters. As a matter of fact, Achalụ has been sent back to
her place for giving him a female child. Onyekwere, said that what he
has is more than what he lost as a result of becoming a Christian.
SYNOPSES OF AKOMA’S DRAMA
Obidiya
It is a drama text written by Enyinna Akọma. It has eighty-eight
(88) pages centering on what is happening in the society like murder,
victimisation, oppression, power, corruption etc. The hero of this Igbo
drama text Oriakụ Dike is a wealthy man who marries several wives,
many servants, children, landed property and viable business empire. He
sets his eyes on Ọnụma Ejimofonna’s only piece of land. Ọnụma could
not allow him to take this land and the matter is taken to the court. The
court of law decides the judgment in favour of Ọnụma and Oriakụ
refuses to accept the verdict of the court of law. He boasts that Ọnụma is
too small to win him in a case. This led to the hiring of assassins to
assassinate Ọnụma.
33
The head hunters besige Ọnụma’s house while the wife is away to
the market and assassinate him in cold blood. When his wife, Obidiya
comes back from the market, she calls her husband but there is no reply,
finally she discovers that he has been murdered. The woman avenges
the death of her husband by going to Akakaka who invites the same
group that kill Ọnụma to kill Oriakụ.
ANALYSIS OF THREE IGBO WRITTEN DRAMA TEXTS –
NKE M JI KA, OBIDIYA AND OKWE AGBAALA
4.0 Power and corruption in three texts under study have to do with
human characters. Character is the outcome of actions because people
are what they are by performing actions. In this chapter, we will
examine the characters from the point of corruption against the
background of power they exhibited in the plays. Marxist critics have
seen characterisation as being crucial to literature. Characterisation is
behaviour of a character in a text, what the person does, likes, do not
like, all his behaviours. Each character has unique behaviours that
distinguishes it form other characters. This is what is called
idiosyncrasies for instance Chukwuezi in his drama Udokamma (1974)
in builds Obiekwe with selfishness as he was bent on taking Maduka’s
land.
34
The Marxist concern for characterisation goes beyond a mere
descriptive reproduction of the surface material. The characters who
populate a writer’s fictional universe also belong to social classes. In
this work, their behaviours will be identified against the background of
appropriate power. The playwrights used characterisation to tell stories.
They also put words in the mouth of characters and assign roles to them.
4.1 Forms of Corrupt Practices Associated with Power
Themes of power and corruption are exhibited in many plays such
as Nke m Ji Ka, Obidiya, Okwe Agbaala. In the works of Nwaozuzu
titled Nke m Ji Ka, Eze Onyekwere used his position as the traditional
ruler to victimise his wife, Ugochi. Ugochi was rejected by her husband
and his people because she was converted into Christianity. Eze
Onyekwere ordered her to leave his compound and her twins were
thrown into the evil forest. Hence, the following excerpt:
Eze: Ehe-e o jikwa nke ahụ asị
na ọ bụ ogwụ mgbe mụ
hụrụ ya ọ na-abịa, agaghi
m atụrụ gi asi, m were
mma chụwa ya ọsọ, sị ya
Ehe-e she holds that one they
called charm and when I saw
her, I won’t lie to you I
chased her out with knife to
make sure that she does not
35
ka ọ ghara ịtụ ụkwụ n’ụlọ
m…
step into my house.
Eze Onyekwere subjected Ugochi to all forms of ill-treatment as a result
of her faith in God.
4.1.1 Destruction of Lives, and Arson
In Nke m Ji Ka, Eze Onyekwere in his capacity as the traditional
ruler of Umueleme ordered the youths to destroy and burn down church
buildings to show his power. He also gave them power to destroy even
human beings that may stand on their way as indicated in this excerpt.
EZE: Ehe, ehe-e! Ọ dị mma,
ngwa geenu ntị . Ihe m
chọrọ ka unu mee bụ ije
ebe ahụ ha ruru ụlọ
sụpịasịkasịa ihe nile dị
ebe ahụ ọkụ … (p. 79)
O yes! All right it is okey
listen to me! What I want
you to do now is go to that
place they built a house,
destroy the house completely
and burn down everything.
4.1.2 Victimisationization
Akoma’s Obidiya Oriakụ demonstrated victimisation and
oppression on the life of Ọnụma. Oriakụ whose power lies in his wealth
36
used it brutally on Ọnụma. He had money which he could use to buy
justice from the Majestrate but he failed. He therefore used his money to
hire assassins who killed Ọnụma. Because Oriakụ was rich he was able
to buy everything the killers asked him to buy, as can be seen in this
excerpt.
ORIAKU: … Ebe nsi nile
enweghị ike gbuo
ya, mma na egbe
ga-egbu ya… (p. 3)
… Since he cannot be killed
with poison, gun and knife
can kill him.
There is evidence of power in what Oriakụ did because ordinarily,
if he had no power in terms of his wealth he would not have paid the
assassins to assassinate Ọnụma.
4.1.2 Okwe Agbala
In Okwe Agbaala by Nwadike, the same thing is applicable when
Dr. Emezina demanded for the registration number of Ozuruigbo when
he saw him as a rivalry in Chinyere’s house. He used his power as his
lecturer to victimise him as indicated in this excerpt.
DKT. EMEZINA: Aga m egosi
ya na m ji, jide mma,
I will show him that I have
right over him. I will show
37
onye m wanyere o
rie. Aga m emecha
ya, ọ hỤ n’anya (p.
29)
him something.
Victimisation in this context is corruption because Dr. Emezina denied
Ozumigbo what was due for him and gave it to another person because
he has the power to do so as his lecturer.
4.1.3 Selfishness
The theme of selfishness manifests in Obidiya. Oriakụ had wealth,
children, wives, servants, viable business and so on but his eyes were on
the little piece of land belonging to Ọnụma. The poor Ọnụma defeated
him in the court of law. Oriakụ in his type of person rejected the
judgment and he hired assassins to assassinate Ọnụma, as can be seen in
this excerpt:
ORIAKỤ: Ububu jam! Agaghị m
ekwe! Ụdị ahu agaghị
eme na ndụ nke a anyị
no n’ime ya. Abụghị
m onye nwa alọ ga-
Jam! I will not agree! This
has never happened in life. I
am not the type this riffraff
can defeat in a suit…
38
emeri n’ikpe. (p. 2)
Oriakụ was full of himself because he belongs to a class that
should be respected in the society. The selfishness was as a result of
power, but in a bid to acquire more wealth, he continued with
unimaginable corrupt practices.
4.1.4 Murder
In Obidiya, this theme of murder manifested because Ọnụma was
murdered by Oriaku, who hired assassins to kill him in the statement
below, Oriaku wants to kill just to prove to the magistrate that he was
above the law.
ORIAKỤ: Achọrọ m ka e fepỤ
ya isi, ka majistreti
iberibe mata na o
nwere kọt ka kọt, ebe
anyị na-achị (p. 9)
I want him to be eliminated, so that
the foolish magistrate will know
that court surpasses court where we
rule.
4.2 Power Style in the Drama Texts
Some characters in the plays under study use one form of power
or the other to exhibit corruption on their subjects.
39
4.2.1 Autocratic Power
It is otherwise known as force. Nnoli (2003) states that autocratic
power is the deliberate use of coercion to impose one’s will on others. In
Nke m Ji Ka, Eze Onyekwere in his capacity as one having traditional
power used brute force on his wife Ugochi. He wanted Ugochi not be
baptized and for that reason, beats her up and sent her out of the
compound. Hence this excerpt:
EZE: Iwe were m, m were mma
isi nkọ m jee chebiri ya
n’ama ka ọ ghara iburu
ukwu arỤ bata ebe a…
(p. 42)
I got annoyed and I used my
sharp knife to stop her at the
gate from entering into the
house with her cursed feet.
In Obidiya, Oriakụ was seen as an autocratic leader. He had all it
takes to be a wealthy man but he insisted on taking Ọnụma’s piece of
land by force. He took it at the expense of Ọnụma’s life.
In Okwe Agbaala, Dr. Emezina was autocratic. He was a lecturer,
who has power over his students. Dr. Emezina used his power
negatively and dealt with Ozuruigbo. The student was innocent of the
crime alleged him and he was not given fair hearing by the lecturer. He
met Ozuruigbo in Chinyere’s house and thought that he was Chinyere’s
40
boy friend. Or though he has that power, he is also autocratic. He had
love affairs with a female student in the text. In other to cover this
shame, he victimised Ozuruigbo in his degree result.
The power style in the drama texts are proved beyond reasonable
doubt through these characters. These corrupt practices like killing,
exam malpractice victimisation that came as a result of power are
negative vices that distort cordial and harmonious living in the society.
Some leaders in our present times have exhibited these autocratic power
on their subjects.
4.2.2 Effect of Power and Corruption
In literature power and corruption are depicted in the characters
who possess the power to perpetrate various dimensions of crimes. In
the three drama texts namely: Nke m ji ka, Okwe Agbaala and Obidiya,
it revealed how these characters in position of power corrupt their
subjects or committed one corruption or the other in the cause of
discharging their duties. Some of these characters that exhibited powers
in the texts received their full shares. In Obidiya, Oriakụ was paid in his
own coins. It was the same assassins that assassinated Ọnụma that were
paid to assassinate Oriaku. Here is an instance:
41
OMEIFE: Olee ụdị egbe na
mma ị chọrọ? (p. 52)
What kind of gun or knife?
AKARAKA: A chọrọ m ka
agbara na nsi lụkọta
ọlụ.
I want deity and poison to
combine in action
However, it is on record that Oriakụ’s family went into extinction,
there was nobody left in the family to carry the family’s name after his
death. Oriakụ was buried at night because he committed atrocities.
“Nzịza zara ezi Oriakụ” this means that his generation was wiped away.
Moreso, in Okwe Agbaala, Dr. Emezina received maximum
punishment for his bad conduct as a result of corruption. He was jailed
for two years and was relieved of his post as a lecturer. In summary, he
was jailed and his job terminated because of exertion of power. Hence
this excerpt:
CHIF JOSTIS: A na m atụ gi
mkpọrọ gbalụ afọ
abụọ. N’ e tikwa iwu
ka a chuọ gị n’ọrụ
Mahadum (p. 71)
I sentence you to two years
imprisonment and give order for
your dismissal from the services
of the university.
42
Furthermore, in Nke m ji ka, Eze Onyekwere was humiliated and
reduced to nothing by the priest. He was thrown into jail for destroying
the house of God. Hence, this conversation between Igwe Onyekwere
and the priest when he was in jail.
UKO: Jụọ ya ihe kpatara
na onye eze dịka ya
ga-etinye onwe ya na-
ịgba ụlọ Chineke ọkụ?
Ask him why a chief like him
should involve himself in burning
down the house of God? (p. 80)
Eze Onyekwere stayed for sometime in jail before he was released
for mobilizing the youths to burn down the church buildings and
brought the ashes to him.
4.3 Use of figurative language in the texts.
4.3.1 The playwrights whose works are being studied used different
styles to showcase the influence of power on corruption in their texts.
Warner Alan (1961) defines style as something ingrained in writing and
not stuck on top like a veneers, it follows that a man’s way of writing
will be an expression of his personality and his way of looking at life.
Stylistics, according to Chapman (1973), is defined as the linguistics
study of different styles. Also Okebalama (2010) opines that stylistic is
43
the linguistic study of different styles, be it legal, medical, religious or
literary. It is now clear that, stylistics can be adopted or applied to
various range of disciplines. One of such areas is literature. Some of the
features of stylistics include, diction, figurative language like anecdote,
proverb, simile, humour, irony, hyperbole etc.
According to Mbah and Mbah (2007) figures of speech are
expressions whose compositional meanings are not the meaning denoted
by the meaning of the individual lexical items comprising the
expressions. This means that figure of speech uses expression that is
different from the ordinary meaning of the words. Figurative language is
a kind of style which involves the creation of mental pictures that help
to garnish our literary works just as condiments are used in making
soup.
Figurative languages or figures of speech are among the stylistic
features employed in Igbo drama. It is the use of language in expression
that makes meaning not to be realized from the surface levels of such
expressions. It is also indispensable in the work of drama.
4.3.2 Diction as Style
The playwrights whose works were studied used everyday words
in narrating their stories. Nwaozuzu’s choice of language in Nke m ji ka,
44
made her plays especially this one emotionally packed. She chooses her
words to convince her readers and carry them along. When the
playwright was describing how Eze Onyekwere told his subjects to go
and eat before the crime of throwing the twins into the evil forest was
committed. She said it as if they were about carrying out a good job. She
employed esoteric language here.
EZE: Bikonu, onye choro ije
metụ aka n’ ọnụ tupu
oge eruo jewekwa.
Unu ma na o dighi ihe
a ga-esi n’ ụlo a taa,
beluso e mepụrụ ihe a
n’abalị a. (p. 63)
Please, if anyone wants to eat,
let him go and eat now because
there will be no cooking here
today, unless the deed is done.
Nwadike makes effective use of short sentences. His short sentences are
oftentimes used for serious matters, and they become forceful in
exertion of power on the subject. In expressing his reaction over seeing
his male student in Chinyere’s house, Dr. Emezina uses the following
short sentences.
45
DKT. EMEZINA: Chinyere,
Onye dị ihe a? o kwa
nwa akwụkwọ m? gịnị
butere ya ebe a? (p. 29)
Chinyere, who is this? Is he
not my student? What
brought him here?
After his comment, Ozuruigbo left in anger. Dr. Emezina asked
Chinyere about his registration number, which he got and used it to
victimise Ozuruigbo in his degree examination.
Akoma uses words appropriately in his drama Obidiya to portray
his points. He knows how best to put words across to reflect related
issues. In issues related to assassination, he employs esoteric language.
When the hired assassins came to his house for discussion, he used the
language of the assassins. Hence this example:
ORIAKU: Wepu ya taa ma o
bu echi (p. 9)
Remove him today or
tomorrow.
4.3.3 Proverbs
The importance of Igbo proverb cannot be overemphasised.
Chukwuma (1994:27) sees the Igbo proverb as, “part of living speech
tradition, a heightened and compressed form of language based on the
46
metaphor of daily living experience”. The use of proverb is employed
for purposes of clarity, re-enforcement and embellishment.
In Nke m ji ka, (Nwaozuzu, 2005) proverbs are prominent, as can
be seen in the following :
EZE: … o di mma anu laa taa,
echi bu nta. O–o kwa
mu na unu n’ulo a…
(p. 14)
It is all right, tomorrow is
another day, it is you and I in
the house.
This statement was made by Eze Onyekwere when he was
provoked by the actions of his wife Ugochi and Agbomma. He -`lieved
that what he cannot do today that he still has the power to do it another
time.
EZE: … A naghikwanu akpu
nnu n’onu agbu asu.
(p. 49)
… I cannot spite while salt is
inside my mouth.
Eze Onyekwere made this statement to show that he would fight
his daughter when he had finished fighting the missionaries with all his
powers.
47
In Obidiya, proverbs are made manifest to showcase power and
corruption. Oriakụ believed that Ọnụma has done what he is not
supposed to do for defeating him in the law court, and for that reason, he
must pay the prize for that. Hence this example:
ORIAKỤ: …Nwata tulie nna ya
elu, ogodo awuchie ya
anya. (p. 4)
… If a child throws his father
up, his clothes will cover
him.
After Oriakụ had hired assassins to assassinate Ọnụma, he
outlined all his achievements. He said that he is now satisfied, that what
remains is death.
ORIAKỤ: Ka m nujue mmanya
afọ taa. Taa bụ ụbọchi
ukwu na ndu m… Ọ
bụrụ na mmamiri
araghị ahụ ka okuko
nyuo ya (p. 57)
Let me fill myself with wine.
Today is a great day in my
life. If urine is easy let fowl
does it
In Okwe Agbaala, proverbs were evident to show how power
corrupts. Hence the following example can show:
48
DKT. EMEZINA: … Ụbọchi
nta, mụ na ya achụọ
n’owere nchi. Ọ
makwa na onye ka
mmadụ ka chi ya? (p.
29)
On the appointed day, we shall all
gather together to give account of
our individual endeavour. Does he
know that one who is greater than a
person is greater than his god?
The statement is made by Dr. Emezina against Ozuruigbo,
because Dr. Emezina met him in Chinyere’s house suspecting him to be
Chinyere’s boy friend and at the same time a rival. Dr. Emezina sees an
opportunity to deal with Ozuruigbo when he wrote his degree
examination and he victimise him without any cause.
4.3.4 Idiom
Another figurative language used in Nke m Ji ka. Idiom was
idiom is used to show how powerful Eze Onyekwere was. This can be
seen from the statement below:
EZE: Ei! Onyekwere, Nwoke a
naghi amụ mma n’ihu
ya, Nwanyi ewerela m
nyefee ndi iro n’aka…
Ei! Onyekwere that is being
feared among his people, or
cannot be played with, a
woman has handed me over
49
(p. 15) to my enemies.
This shows that Eze Onyekwere is a powerful man who has dealt
with so many people but now is being dealt with by his wife.
Another instance of figurative language is Onomatopoeia. Eze
Onyekwere imagined how disastrous it will be when he wages war
against the Christians in their land.
EZE: Ihe m na ndị ụka ga-eme
n’obodo a nti nuru ya
ga-asụ wuru wuru… (p.
72)
What I will do to the
Christians in this land, any
ear that hears it will tingle.
We also have simile as one of the figurative languages used in the
text. Eze Onyekwere compared himself with lion. We know lion as a
powerful animal and ever ready to devour its victim.
EZE: Eze, agụ dị ka m… (p. 72) … King, a lion like myself.
Idiom:
Another figure of speech used in the text is idiom. Oriakụ used
idiom to show how powerful and corrupt he is.
ORIAKỤ: A sibedi na anyi a daa Even if we disobeyed the
50
iwu, … Nke a bụ uru
anyi na-eketa maka
agba anyi nwere… (p.
2)
law, … This is the gain we
deserve for our honour.
Rhetoric questions
However, the playwright also used rhetoric questions to drive
home the existence power and corruption. In the text. This can be seen
in the statement below:
ORIAKỤ: Ndi ole na-eweta
ego e ji ewu kot na
nke e ji akwu ya ugwo
onwa? … (p. 3)
… Who and who contributes
money for the building of
courts and the payment of his
salaries?
This statement refers to Oriakụ because he has money and is very
powerful. They are the people that contribute money for the building of
courts and for the upkeep of the magistrates. Therefore, the magistrate
should not have turned down the money he offered him as bribe to buy
justice.
51
Loan words:
Akoma in his own work employs loan words.
ORIAKỤ: … Goment, goment
ọ bụ ole ndị.
… Government, government
who are they?
ORIAKỤ: …Ọtụtụ ndị
majistreti emeerala
m udị ihe a
… Many magistrates have
done this for me.
In view of these, Akoma and Nwadike use loan words called
transliteration. They translate them into Igbo pronunciation and writing
and that makes their works beautiful.
Loan words:
The playwrights use loan words as style in order to create beauty
in their work.
DKT. EMEZINA: Nwada, lee
ya, Tọọ Skriiti: …
(p. 26)
Lady, see it, top secret.
Nwadike reveals that Dr. Emezina knows that what he is doing is
wrong but he does it to favour Chinyere, for the fact that power of the
examination paper is in his hand.
52
DKT. EMEZINA: … Bia nne,
Gwa m nomba ya …
(p. 29)
… please lady, tell me his
number.
Dr. Emezina demanded for Ozuruigbo’s registration number in
order to deal with him without any cause. It is simply that they meet at
Chinyere’s house, while Ozuruigbo is on a different mission.
53
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary of Findings:
The analysis of power and corruption in the three selected Igbo
plays reveals that the instances of power and corruption as shown in the
texts are carried out by characters in position of power. These characters
in a bid to exert power, indulge in various forms of corruption like
examination malpractice, murder, assassination, arson, prostitution etc.
This is in line with Marxist theory of man’s exploitation against fellow
man over limited resources.
AkỌma presented his character (Oriakụ) as a man in position of
power both financially and otherwise, Oriakụ sees himself as the mouth
piece of the community. He believes that nothing can move without
him, even the payment of magistrates are done by him and others. It is
this power that intoxicates the character to take a piece of land
belonging to Ọnụma. Ọnụma resisted giving out his ancestral farm land
to Oriakụ and thereby parid the supreme price with his blood. It was
revealed that Oriakụ hired assassins to assassinate Ọnụma in his house.
However, the case is not different in the work of Nwadike. The
character in the position of power (Dr. Emezina) was corrupt. Dr.
54
Emezina was involved in examination malpractice because he gave out
the question paper to his girl friend, Chinyere before the examination
date. It was also revealed that he descended his wicked power on an
innocent boy Ozuruigbo, whom he failed in his degree examination
without justification. He suspected Ozuruigbo to be Chinyere’s boy
friend, while the innocent student was Chinyere’s classmate.
Nwaozuzu, in her work presented Eze Onyekwere as an autocratic
man. His character compared himself with lion, therefore he is very
strong. He uses his position as Eze Umueleme to commit all kinds of
corruption like aiding and abeting arson, violence on the wife, Ugochi
and children etc. He ordered the youths of Umueleme to burn down the
church building which they did. He sent his wife and children away
from his house, even his twins were thrown into the evil forest.
It is interesting to note that these characters indulge in corrupt
practices due to one thing or the other. Akoma uses land as prop in his
work. It was because of land case that Oriakụbribed the magistrate in the
court, who rejected his offer and passed his judgment in favour of
Ọnụma. It was because of this same land, that he hired assassins to
assassinate Ọnụma, because he believed that there is court higher than
court.
55
Nwadike uses pen as prop in his work. The character that exerted
power and corruption used pen to commit some of the atrocities. It was
pen also that was used to set the examination paper he leaked to
Chinyere. He also used pen to write Ozuruigbo’s registration number.
Finally, he used pen to mark Ozuruigbo down in his degree
examination. On the other hand he used pen to give Chinyere first class,
she did not merit.
However, Nwaozuzu uses the Holy Bible as prop. Ugochi got
converted as a result of the preaching she heard from the bible. Eze
Onyekwere stopped her from entering into his compound because she
was carrying the bible. He also ordered the youths to burn down the
church building because they preach what is in the bible.
The exertion of power and corruption could not have been made
possible without these characters in the texts. It is also revealed that
something prompted them to act the way they have acted.
Conclusion/Recommendation
This research traces the effect of power and corruption on
individuals in the society. Power and corruption have been discovered as
having occupied the greater percentage of every sphere of life. Drama is
one of the genre of literature through which actors exhibit their
56
characters. It is through the actions of the characters that power and
corruption are being exerted. Different characters from time immemorial
have used power either negatively or positively. When negatively used,
it leads an individual into corruption. In the light of the above notion
Ugwu, T (2003:16) contends that corruption can be seen as behaviour,
which deviates from the formal duties of a public role. A people habit of
thought, their way of thinking therefore manifests themselves in their
character or behaviour.
Language is the only medium which serves as the vehicle for the
beautiful expression and conveyance of themes of this research. In the
light of the above notion Onuigbo, (1990:2) opines that language is that
special mechanism for information storage and conveyance. Every
information gathered is transmitted through this medium. The exertion
of power is the texts under study were made manifest through language.
It is in the light of the above that this work seeks to fish out the different
manifestations of the exertion of power and corruption in the works
under review. This analysis was made possible through the use of
Marxist theory and psychoanalytic theory of literary criticism. Through
the analysis we were able to discover that power when negatively
exerted intoxicates and this intoxication leads to corruption. We
57
therefore recommend that people in position of power should desist
from negative exercision of power as this leads to corruption. This, it is
believed, will go a long way in the fight against corruption of all kinds
in the society.
58
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