Major Themes in Bosede Afolayan’s Once Upon An Elephant: Tyranny, Complicity, and Resistance in Yoruba Society

Bosede’s Once Upon an Elephant is a socio-political commentary and satire set against the backdrop of Yoruba Traditional society. Bosede comments on the issue of Monarchy and tradition in the Yoruba community, where there is misuse and abuse of customs and traditions. Once Upon An Elephant is metaphorical in meaning as it portrays Ajanaku as the “Elephant” in which he happens to be an archetype of the modern tyrant, for he serves as the illegitimate oppresor of the unnamed Yoruba society. Ajanaku serves as the symbol of “Power drunkeness” and “Abuse of customs and traditions” in the play. This, however, turns out to be the  subject matter of the play, in which Bosede critiques the cultural and social order of this unnamed Yoruba society. And she uses his downfall to represent that “No regime built on fear can withstand the strength of collective resistance ”. This project, shall try to put down the Themes of Once Upon An Elephant, portraying the symbolisms that exist in all, the relevancy and also paint events or sceneries in which they all fall.

Themes

One of the major themes visible in the play Once Upon An Elephant, is the theme of “Abuse of power and tyranny”. This theme is evident in the power drunkeness and tyrannical rule portrayed by Ajanaku as he was assisted by Serubawon to ascend the throne of the unnamed Yoruba Land. Where he is to serve as their king. The power he acquires through illegitimate means as Serubawon who happens to be a Kingsmaker tweaks the rituals performed to fall in the favour of Ajanaku. This illegitimate power he acquires births the abuse of Power and tryrannical rule of Ajanaku in the unnamed Yoruba land. Ajanaku neglects the customs and tradition of the land, which is unbefitting for a ruler, he also humiliates the elders by rejecting their counsel particularly “Iya Agba”, who is the eyes and the mouth of the grieving subjects. She preaches the removal of Ajanaku for his tyrannical rule. He also confiscates people’s farmland and he corrupts the ritual rites. This is evident in the perveting of rituals, one of which Desola happens to be a victim. The theme of Abuse of Power and Tyranny is a major theme of the play, in which Bosede uses to critique the tyrannical system of not just Yoruba tradition but also the governance of other places in Africa and beyond.

Another of the major themes visible in the play Once Upon An Elephant, is the “theme of Complicity”. Complicity means the fact of getting involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong. This act or theme is portrayed by the character of Serubawon, being a priest and Kingmaker Indulges in an unlawful and customs infringing act. Where he assists Ajanaku in getting the throne to the unnamed Yoruba land. Upon the death of the current king (King Akinjobi), a conflict of succession arises in the land, and Ajanaku who happens to be illegitimate to succeed the throne takes part in the contest of Succession. Serubawon meets Ajanaku in a bid to assist him ascending the throne. He assists for his own personal benefits and ambition. The pursuit of ambition by Serubawon shows the complicity in the book, as he assists Ajanaku in an activity that is unlawful (Ascending the throne as an Illegimate successor and performing of perveted rituals). This complicit act bounces back on the guilt-ridden Serubawon as he later finds himself responsible for the consequences of his customs infringing acts, in which he has assisted Ajanaku to ascend the throne and also taking part in the perverted rituals. The activities he has performed comes to haunt and he later commits suicide. The theme of complicity is evident in his act and it also portrays how political betrayal damages not only the societies but also individuals who facilitate it.

Another major theme in the play is the theme of “Resistance and the Power of Colletive Action”. This theme is portrayed by characters like Iya Agba, Desola, Odejimi, Odegbami  etc. These characters resist the tyrannical governance of Ajanaku, who performs activities that superceed his powers as a king. These characters uphold this theme by revolting in a collective action against this governance. They show the power of collective action, as Iya Agba continues to pass her fearless speech despite constant oppression from above.  Also complaints were murmured in the markets in revolt of this rule. The elders also refused to bow to the false authority of Ajanaku. This shows forms of resistance against tyrannical governance and also how the power of collective action can pierce the toughest of leaders. These subtle resistance later grow into a united force when the entire community finally confronts Ajanaku tyranny and restores justice.

Another major theme in the play is the theme of “Justice and Restoration”. This is somewhat a replica of the theme of “Resistance and the Power of collective Action”. But this theme is the product of the resistance theme as the revolution against the tyrannical government is one that brings about Justice and restoration of social and moral order in the unnamed Yoruba society. This theme is portrayed by the resistance by Iya Agba, Yaga and other contenders to the cause, which officially brings about the end of the tyrannical government and also the restoration of Justice and social Order. This restoration brings about peace, order, proper observance of rituals and communal unity amongs the indigenous members of the society.

In addition to the above, there is the theme of “Corruption of Tradition and Ritual”. This is one of the major themes, as it is an extension of the theme of “Abuse of Power” as portrayed by Ajanaku. This theme is shown through his character in which he indulges in perveted and corrupted rituals to affirm his ascension of the throne. Serubawon assists in this act of Moral decay as he is a priest, he rigs the rituals to favour Ajanaku’s ambition. There exist the Kingmaking rites (Olubori rites), The ijedodo ritual (the horrific rape of virgins in the community) and Jobele cermony (Ritual for immortality). All these are rituals that Serubawon rigged to affirm Ajanaku’s ascension to the throne. This rituals serve an ironic purpose, as they were to affirm his ascension but instead the rituals debunks his ascension as it sparks resistance and speech from elders and the community of the Unnamed Yoruba society.