Book Title:  Adeyinka

Author:        Ezechi Onyerionwu

Publisher:     Literaseed

Genre:           A play

Synopsis

The story is about Professor Adeyinka,  an intellectual who is arrested for not supporting government’s plan to import arms which he regards as instruments of war and their use of military to intimidate citizens; rather he advocates for non-violent methods of conflict resolution. The story begins with Adeyinka’s arrest with his hands and feet chained as if he is a criminal.  While in the cell, government through her agents  uses different offers and strategies to win his support and loyalty but   Adeyinka rejects all of them.

Plot

Exposition:  The story is in media res.  The reader meets Adeyinka in cell chained both hands and feet, making it difficult for him walk. 

Complication:  Adeyinka has an  ideology different from that of  government.  He campaigns against importation of arms, speaks against tyranny and military intimidation.  The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kudaisi, accuses Adeyinka of forming a group to campaign against importation of arms.

Rising Action:  Rising action comprises of government’s effort to win Adeyinka’s loyalty.  They offer him the headship of a committee they are about to form and also to preside over the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.  Adeyinka rejects the offer. So they make his stay in the cell very uncomfortable.  They deny him access to books and other writing materials. Later, they send his wife to coax him.

Climax:  When Adeyinka’s wife, Funke, visits him in cell, the reader expects him to listen to his wife especially when government through the wife assures him of freedom.  But when Adeyinka refuses, it is obvious that government has exhausted all strategies and the reader looks forward to their next line of action.

Theme

Patriotism:  In the play, Adeyinka demonstrates his love for his country and fellow citizens.   He campaigns against importation of arms because they are instruments of war, intimidation  and oppression.  It will result in anarchy,  lack of freedom and military brutality.

Characterisation:

i)                    Adeyinka is resolute:  He is convinced of the cause he is pursuing and stands firmly by his belief.

ii)                   Patriotic:  Adeyinka loves his country and fights for his people’s welfare and peace.