Understanding the Origins of Political Instability in Nigeria
Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart, may be used as a tool to understand the origins of the political turmoil that has existed in Nigeria throughout the 1900's. Achebe's story takes place in an Ibo village of Nigeria during the early part of this century when the British began colonizing the region. His characters illuminate different elements in Ibo culture and demonstrate how the society reacted to imperial influence. If we compare the Ibo society to that of other areas in Nigeria, we can begin to understand the forces that cause instability in Nigeria to this day.
The Ibo culture depicted in Things Fall Apart has a remarkably fluid social structure. There is no established tradition of central political authority within the society. Decisions are made by a consensus between the wisest members of the village, those who are most accomplished and experienced. Furthermore, disputes are not settled according to any tradition notion of truth or law. In the ritualistic trial held by the nine egwugwu, the Evil Forest, after hearing the conflicting sides in the case, says, ôOur duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the disputeö (Achebe, 1959, p. 88). Thus, the egwugwu make no effort to reconcile the opposing claims, but simply resolve the conflict to avoid confrontation and insure the peace and preservation of the tribe. Literary critic David Carroll contends that this flexibility which underlies the organization of Ibo culture ôencourages a tolerant skepticism toward authority and customö (Carroll, 1980, p. 38).
The unreconciled duality displayed in this law case parallels a greater dialectic within the society. This dialectic creates a conflict between the individual's human values and the violent will of the gods that act to preserve the community. Such a conflict is exemplified by the fate of Ikemefuna, whose ôsad s...