POLITICAL SAGACITY IN THE FICTIONAL WORLD OF YEJIDE KILANKO’S DAUGHTERS WHO WALK THIS PATH

Abstract

A literary discourse can recognize history and culture using the canvas of fictive world. For a writer,
fiction becomes an ideological screen on which the preceding and contemporaneous issues can be
conveniently represented. Contemporary Nigeria is struggling with colonial legacy, identity politics,
cultural conflicts and power struggle. This research attempts to examine political thought in Kilanko’s
fictional world through an episode of past elections in Nigeria where violence has become a part of
political culture since independence. Kilanko depicts corruption, violence, deception, nepotism, on the part
of politicians who are enjoying absolute power supported by equally corrupt bureaucratic structure. It
gives Kilanko an opportunity to write on the behalf of the suffering nationals who are confronting
repressive leadership. By revealing the picture of dystopian Nigerian society, the writer has offered critical
assessment of the existing political situation to redirect the actions, beliefs and values observed by her
fellow citizens. She has documented historical realities and mysteries which otherwise remain hidden from
the descendants.