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, "Our duty is not to blame this man or to praise that, but to settle the dispute" (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 flexibili

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mother is supreme" (Achebe, p. 124). Thus, Unoka and Okonkwo display opposing traits, which are both valued in Ibo society. While Okonkwo initially succeeds in his community because of his inflexible will to power, he cannot survive in such a society that values comprise and respects both authoritarian and humanitarian ideals. When Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna, we see how Okonkwo's iron will undermines the tradition of Umuofia. When the Oracle calls for the death of the child, Ezeudu, the oldest man in the village, warns Okonkwo that he must not resist the pronouncement but that he should not take part in the killing. Nevertheless, Okonkwo viciously cuts down his son in an effort to please the gods and avoid being thought weak. Literary critic Oladele Taiwo contends that, in the novel, "man's survival depends on his ability to carry out correctly the wishes of the gods" (Taiwo, 1976, p. 119). Taiwo recognizes a symbolic condemnation of Okonkwo's disrespect for human values in his accidental killing of a boy at Ezeudu's funeral. Taiwo reasons that Okonkwo's exile is brought about by the gods, for they are displeased by his lack of human values. Obierika, unlike his friend Okonkwo, recognizes that one must be both powerful

Category: Foreign - U