Niyi Osundare's 'Not My Business' as a Reflection

Introduction

Niyi Osundare's poem 'Not My Business' serves as a poignant reflection on the socio-political landscape of Nigeria, portraying the impact of political and military abuse of power. Through a fictional narrator, Osundare explores themes of injustice, oppression, and societal apathy. This essay delves into the intricacies of the poem, examining its thematic depth, narrative structure, and poetic techniques.

Narrative Structure and Tone

The poem, presented as a dramatic monologue, unfolds through the lens of an ignorant and selfish narrator, effectively highlighting the societal indifference to political atrocities.

The title, 'Not My Business,' encapsulates the prevailing attitude towards injustice, emphasizing the detachment and self-centeredness of the narrator. The poem's tone is direct, portraying the narrator's obliviousness to the suffering of others.

Structured with intentional detachment, the lines describing the narrator are physically separated, underscoring his perceived superiority over those affected by oppression. This structure mirrors the societal disconnect prevalent in Nigeria and serves as a commentary on global indifference to human rights abuses.

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However, the narrative takes a compelling turn as the narrator, despite his detachment, faces a similar fate, challenging the very essence of his indifference.

Poetic Techniques: Imagery and Symbolism

Osundare employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the brutality of the regime and evoke empathy from the reader. The use of African-specific references, such as the word 'yam' and African names, roots the poem in its cultural context. Figurative language, like similes and personification, vividly illustrates the aggression faced by the victims.

In the first stanza, the description of Akanni being "beaten soft like clay" and "stuffed" into the jeep creates a harrowing image, emphasizing the dehumanizing nature of the arrest.

Personifying the jeep as a savage animal adds another layer of brutality, intensifying the reader's emotional response. The strategic use of verbs like 'beat' and 'stuffed' accentuates the inhuman treatment, exposing the stark reality of the oppression.

The second stanza escalates the tension, portraying the violent disruption of Danaladi's household. Phrases like "booted the whole house awake" and "mistreated Danaladi" employ harsh verbs, conveying the calamitous nature of the events. Osundare's choice of words creates a sense of urgency and frantic aggression, underscoring the helplessness of the victims.

Themes of Injustice and Oppression

The overarching themes of oppression and injustice are pervasive throughout the poem, encapsulating the experiences of Akanni, Danaladi, and Chinwea. The poet strategically introduces uncertainty regarding Danaladi's fate, employing euphemism to allude to a "lengthy absence." This deliberate ambiguity heightens the cruelty faced by the victims, leaving the readers to contemplate the grim possibilities.

In the third stanza, the unjust dismissal of Chinwea from her job amplifies the theme of societal apathy. The abrupt loss, depicted with phrases like "finds her job was gone" and "neat sack," emphasizes the arbitrariness of the injustice. Tripling in "no query, no warning, no probe-" intensifies the unfairness, highlighting the absence of justice in the dismissal process.

Global Relevance: Drawing Parallels

Beyond its specific Nigerian context, 'Not My Business' draws parallels with global instances of political oppression and societal apathy. The poem's themes resonate universally, reflecting the tendency of individuals to turn a blind eye to injustice, believing it is 'not their business.' The poem becomes a powerful commentary on the collective responsibility to address human rights abuses worldwide.

The portrayal of the ignorant narrator serves as a metaphor for the collective consciousness that often remains indifferent to the suffering of others. This global perspective enhances the poem's relevance, encouraging readers to introspect their own societal attitudes and responsibilities.

Impact of Cultural References

Osundare strategically incorporates cultural references, such as the mention of 'yam' and African names, to root the poem in its specific cultural milieu. This not only adds authenticity to the narrative but also provides a lens through which readers can engage with the socio-political issues in Nigeria. The use of figurative language, deeply rooted in African imagery, serves as a powerful vehicle for conveying the harsh realities faced by the characters.

By intertwining cultural elements with broader themes of oppression, Osundare invites readers to appreciate the nuanced layers of the poem and encourages a more profound understanding of the societal context.

Conclusion: Provoking Thought and Conveying a Message

Niyi Osundare's 'Not My Business' emerges as a powerful commentary on the societal repercussions of political and military abuse. Through its nuanced narrative structure, poignant imagery, and exploration of universal themes, the poem prompts readers to reflect on the consequences of indifference to injustice. The poet effectively communicates that, despite initial detachment, the impact of oppression is far-reaching, ultimately making it 'everyone's business.'