Title of book: lzelogha
Author: Okoedo Otalen Adodoh
Publisher: Magnet Ventures, Lagos, Nigeria
Pages: 111
Reviewer: Adjekpagbon Blessed
Mudiaga
The 111-page book highlights both the good and bad sides of
monarchical government by using Benin City of the historical ancient Benin Empire
(Edo State, Nigeria) as its setting. The heroic drama's central character is
Obamwonyi, a great warrior in lsi community, who commits suicide in order to
reincarnate to take vengeance on the Oba (King) whose sword - bearers beheads
his (Obamwonyi) only child after a wrestling contest at the king's palace.
Therefore, Obamwonyi reincarnates and become known as lzelogha,
a powerful teenage warrior, to emancipate lsi folks from perpetual tribute -
payment to the king of the then Benin empire. The name of the central character
and the historical drama's title makes the book an eponymous work of creative
art.
Through the twelve scenes that made up the linear plot full of
sub - themes, the reader is reminded about the exploits of the ancient Benin
empire during the precolonial British government and afterwards. It would be
recalled that the former Benin empire spanned from Asaba (Delta State in
Nigeria) to Akure (Ondo State in South - Western Nigeria), onward to Cotonou in
the present day Republic of Benin (former Dahomey). The drama gives vivid
insights into precolonial African societal system of governance in terms of
monarchical hegemony, tax and tribute payment to traditional authorities.
One of the major motifs in the storyline is the use of
divination by traditional priests whom the folks always consult for guidance
about complex issues of life and how to overcome them. This comes to the fore
in the scenes depicting how lzelogha is given birth and how he cries endlessly.
Another noteworthy scenario is when the daughter of the Oba of Benin fails to deliver
Izelogha's head to her father after implanting her as a deceitful wife on
Izelogha upon his victory over the king's warriors. Evbu, the Oba's daughter
delay to fulfill her father's plot against her husband, makes her father to
invite a diviner to unravel the reason for her delay.
From the foregoing, the author periscopes Africans monomaniacal
beliefs in traditional deities, river gods/goddesses, reincarnation and
ritualistic sacrifices, well showcased in a very interesting, informative and
educative style.
Using flashback, aside, soliloquy, humour, suspense and other
dramatic stylistics, the author delivers a very engaging storyline that keeps
the reader turning from one page to another at a fast pace, from the beginning
to the end of the book. The dialogue is written in blank verses infused with
rich African proverbs, idioms and wise sayings. It is a piece that any lover of
History, Sociology, Literature - in - English, Anthropology and culture will
find useful as a reference material.
Nonetheless, scholars that are interested in mysticism and
spiritual conjuration may also find some scenes engaging as they showcase
issues bordering on magical spells and invisible voices that reminds the reader
about William Shakespeare's drama titled "Tempest," wherein a
reference is made about "Somebody Nobody" by some drunken characters.
The diction is simple with clear presentation and description of
stage effects and furniture, for assimilation and practical production in a
theatre.
However, some colloquial expressions were noticed in the text.
One of them include words such as "talk less of," which can be
replaced with "let alone," as observed in one of the dialogues. The
translation of many vernacular words into English language is highly commendable
as it helps the reader comprehend the text well.
The author, Adodoh studied Theatre Arts at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. He also studied Journalism at the London School of Journalism, U.K. He is also a poet whose poems were published in the American Poetry Anthology edited by John Frost. Hence, he is an established playwright, poet, journalist and member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos State branch, Nigeria, where he lives at present.
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