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AFRICAN PLAYWRIGHTS AND THE POST-COLONIAL SOCIETY: 

A STUDY OF EMEKA NWABUEZE’S A PARLIAMENT OF 

VULTURES AND ESIABA IROBI’S HANGMEN ALSO DIE 

 

Chiamaka Thelma Oparah 

Department of English, 

NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka 

Email: chiamakaoparah444@ gmail.com 

 

Abstract 

Writers, like preachers, write to moralize as well as criticize the ills in the 

society. Their major aim is to recreate and correct using their pens which 

speak great volume against the moral decadence dominant in the society and 

the world at large. African playwrights write on several inherent issues 

dominant in the post-colonial society of which corruption takes the lead. This 

study examines corruption as one of the pre-dominant issues in the post-

colonial society and as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of 

the society in the works of two West African writers namely 

EmekaNwabueze’sAParliament of Vultures and EsiabaIrobi’sHangmen Also 

Die. Satire as a tool is employed to mock these corrupt leaders who have done 

more harm than good as well as their level of ignorance in governing the 

masses. This paper can be x-rayed through the critical lens of Post-colonial 

theory, Marxism and Eco-criticism. This paper also reveals the effects of 

corruption as it subjects the masses to poverty, oppression, hunger, depression 

and even death. Activism is seen as a revolutionary tool among characters in 

both texts. The selected texts are used as channels for mocking leaders who 

employ various corrupt practices to oppress the people without taking 

cognizance of their plight, while aiming for a better and corrupt free society. 

 

Keywords: African Playwrights, Postcolonial Theory, Marxism 

 

Introduction 

The history and the making of many parts of the countries of the world is a 

history rooted in deep and long years of colonialism and slavery (Asika, 423).  

In other words, most parts of the world have experienced colonialism, slavery, 

or imperialism with Africa not being an exemption. According to Ifejirika, 

‘‘Colonialism means the forceful occupation of a people’s land, or territory by 

a stronger and more developed country and unauthorized control and 

administration of such a weaker state by a more influential state’’(135). Most 

African countries were colonized by the whites who were interested in 

exploiting them while expanding their political tentacles and imposing their 

culture and religion on the colonized states. These countries were seen as the 

weaker or inferior states who should count themselves lucky to be colonized 

by them. Colonialism had a great influence on the colonized states while 



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leaving behind indelible marks. Religion and culture of the colonial masters 

were embraced wholeheartedly. This they said made us civilized, but what 

about other negative effects of colonization? The colonizers were only after 

their selfish goals. Although many nations have moved on and have 

successfully shoved off the ashes of colonialism, there is no denial that 

colonialism left behind some negative practices and conducts among which is 

Corruption. 

 

The prefix ‘‘Post’’ attached to colonialism simply implies after colonialism. 

Post-colonialism is defined as the academic study of the cultural legacy of 

colonialism and imperialism, focusing on the human consequences of the 

control and exploitation of colonized people and their lands (Okoye, 1; 

Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia). In other words, it is concerned with the 

looking back at history the period of colonialism and the effects or 

consequences of the colonial masters. Post-colonial literature justifies this 

definition with their writers focusing on the effects of colonialism on the 

people, a reclaim of their identity and the bid to recreate a better society. 

Jonathan Spivak, HomiBhabba, Nestor Garcia Cancili, Stuart Hall, 

GayatrikSpivak, amongst others are principal theorists of hybridity who are 

concerned with the effects of mixture upon culture and identity (Okoye, 3-4). 

This may take various forms; Linguistic, Cultural, Political, racial, etc. For 

Instance, in Africa, the coming of the white man had an impact on the culture 

of Africans. Religion, Language, formal education, and other cultural 

practices were new and a bit strange but nevertheless was adopted and 

imitated consciouslyand unconsciously. There was a clash in culture and 

identity. The principle of Orientalism by Edward Said raises questions about 

colonialism, imperialism, and construction of the ‘other’ with an intention to 

study what happens when one culture is dominated by another. As earlier 

stated, the post-colonial theory, Marxist theory and Eco-criticism are applied 

in analyzing the aforementioned texts. Satire, used in ridiculing or mocking 

human vices or weaknesses is employed by the writer to criticize the selfish 

and evil practices of these corrupt leaders in our contemporary society. 

 

African writers like journalists, have a strong inspiration to write plays from 

their experiences. They write generally to tell the experiences of Africans, 

their dealings with the whites during colonialism and issues being experienced 

after colonialism(Post-colonial issues). Their literature is usually imbued with 

despair and anger at the state of their nation and leaders who replaced former 

colonial oppressors. The people have a lot of expectations from their leaders 

after gaining independence but are disappointed at the exploitative nature of 

their leaders who are very corrupt, self-centered and greedy.Their main aim is 

to acquire wealth thereby complyingwith the get-rich-quick syndrome, 

without considering the poor citizens who are eager to feed and survive. But 

the people not only suffer. What about the environment?  



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EsiabaIrobi’sHangmen also Diereveals an exploitation of not only the people 

of Izon state but also the environment. The notion of ‘‘the rich gets richer’’ 

and ‘‘the poor gets poorer’’ is cemented on corruption where injustice takes 

the lead. A society where the rich oppresses the poor and the haves 

suppressing and exploiting the have’s not. The Marxists are against the 

exploitation of the poor for self-enrichment and in most cases take violent 

revolutionary movements in order to be heard.Ifejirika opines that ‘’there is a 

class-struggle and distrust which leads to socio-political conflicts’’ (187). 

Eco-criticism is employed by the writer to critically examine the effects of 

exploitation and the unquenchable quest for wealth on the environment. 

Human beings and aquatic animals are not also exempted in the share of 

environmental injustices caused by corrupt and self-centered leaders. They are 

either exposed to hazardous substances or subjected to having little or no 

chances of survival owing to their polluted environment. This gives rise to 

activism and sparks off conflicts, protests and revolts that eventually lead to 

revolution and an expected change.  

 

African playwrights like NgugiwaThiongo, Wole Soyinka. EmekaNwabueze, 

Zulu Sofola, Ama Ata Aidoo, Sefi Atta, Olu Olagoke and others wrote using 

their works to conscientize the masses and the leaders against corruption, a 

plaque that has built its web round societies while even infecting the unborn. 

Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the peopleand AyikweiArmah’sThe Beautiful 

Ones are Not Yet Born are good examples of post-colonial novels that clearly 

expose the corruption that has engulfed the African society. The selected 

novels are discussed below to further expose different levels of corruption. 

 

A Post-colonial Discourse of EmekaNwabueze’sA Parliament of Vultures 

and EsiabaIrobi’sHangmen Also Die 

 

Corruption is defined as a dishonest or illegal behaviour especially by 

powerful people (such as government officials or police officers) (Meriam 

Webster Dictionary). EmekaNwabueze’s A Parliament of Vulturesportrays a 

society that is governed by corrupt leaders. Nwabueze describes them as 

‘’vultures who eat the nation to death leaving nothing for the masses to 

quench their thirst’’. These leaders are described as selfish, hypocritical and 

materialistic vultures inhuman attire. The insatiable desire for money and 

wealth leads Madam Omeaku to politics. She sees politics a game where the 

national cake can be shared and the fastest means of making money. In her 

discussion with Nkechi, her daughter, she expresses her regrets over her 

marriage to Mr. Omeaku, a teacher whom she feels isbelow her standard after 

she is made a member of the House of assembly. She expresses thus: 

Madam: I married your father when my eyes were not yet open. In 

those dark days, what does a woman know about the choice of an ideal 

man? But why should you ask me such a question? Eh? Who gave 



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mother impetus to ask me such a foolish question? What gave you the 

audacity to ask your sweet mother such a senseless question? (8) 

 

Her regret knows no bounds when Mr. Brown, a political colleague expresses 

his disappointment at the filthy, unventilated and congested nature of the 

buildings in Madam Omeaku’s household.  

Brown: … I had a rough time finding this place. The houses 

must have been numbered by someone with a peculiar way of 

counting. The whole place is so congested. And the inhabitants 

look like hungry folk. The whole place is filthy and …. 

Madam: You see that is what it takes to marry a bush man for a 

husband. (9)  

 

Her disregard for her husband is as a result of her great desire for money and 

comfort.  She shows ingratitude to her husband who started a business with 

his gratuity of thirty –five years spent as a primary school teacher. Madam 

Omeaku creates an image of an irresponsible wife and wayward mother. 

Nwabueze’s satirizes politicians like Madam Omeaku whose major aim of 

being a parliamentarian or a leader is to enrich themselves and their 

generations to come no matter what it takes.  She is not perturbed about her 

daughter’s happiness or safety when she encourages her to become a 

prostitute, just like she did to her first daughter, so that she gains favour from 

her colleagues.  

 

Get–rich quick becomes the desire of these politicians who believes that 

politics alleviates them from poverty. Mr Brown’s response to Madam 

Omeaku when he asked for a very chilled drink justifies his aim to be in the 

parliament. 

Brown: Madam, I prefer it on the rocks. 

Madam: I’m sorry, Mr Brown. Our fridge is not working. The 

compressor is bad. 

Brown: Too bad! (Sips the drink). That’s why you have to 

support me in my quest for the chairmanship of the purchasing 

committees of parliament. In a couple of months you’ll have 

enough refrigerators to give as presents to your friends. (10) 

 

A society where ignorance is celebrated and illiterates govern the people. 

What then will be the fate of such a society? Madam Omeaku sees education 

as irrelevant and boasted in ignorance. She considers her husband a failure 

who can’t provide for the family. She advocates for whom you know than 

what you know. 

Madam: … You’re an educated man, but you can’t even 

maintain your family. With your education, have you ever 



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given us a decent life? … I’ve worked my way into a position 

of authority without education…. (20) 

 

Mr. Omeaku feels disappointed at his wife’s behaviour. He wonders why a 

roadside food seller should become one of the country’s lawmakers. He 

frowns at the lawmakers who encourages prostitution and contributes to the 

malfunctioning of the family system.  Her victory over Mr. Barrister Umehto 

become a member of the house, indicates what money can do and how 

election is conducted in the country. She emerged victorious with the 

assistance of MrAsili, her campaign manager, who convinces the crowd and 

later throws money at them.Hypocrisy is demonstrated in the play by Rev. 

Jossy. He is not really a priest but is given a title to earn credibility from the 

voters. Some religious leaders are only concerned about their welfare, not 

even about the people’s salvation. To earn the people’s trust, they give 

themselves noble titles thereby deceiving and defrauding the masses. 

According to Mr. Brown, 

Brown: Yeah, Prof. Prof. He was a factory worker in London. 

We asked him to take that title in order to make our political 

party look intellectual. You see, our people are obsessed with 

titles. He doesn’t have a certificate. (11) 

 

This is corruption. The masses are deceived with an intention to exploit them. 

Rev. Jossy and Dr. Parkers are men of integrity who are against corruption. 

They represent some good leaders who yearn for a better nation but are rather 

blown out lik tiny flame. In other words, whosoever stands in the way of these 

leaders or oppose their intentions are forcefully arrested or silenced forever as 

seen in the play. ‘‘And after the Presidential press conference, we shall 

arrange for their replacement. They are going to be put out of circulation for a 

very long time’’. (92). In the play, their corrupt colleagues deceive them by 

giving them a wrong time and collecting the minute book from Mr. Otobo 

who gets carried away by Nkechi and her friends.  This leads to Madam Ho-

ha being the new secretary. A secretary who can’t read nor write, but is rather 

helped by Habanero in the pronunciation of some words. 

 

The parliament, a place to run the affairs of the nation, becomes a hall of 

touts. Parliamentarians of low integrity and class, who delight in abusing, 

tongue lashing and even fighting themselves. Madam Omeaku in seen holding 

Dr. Parker’s coat while he struggles to free himself (46). The question is:  Is 

this what should be done in a parliament? Important issues are not discussed   

for solutions to be proffered. Rather, they discuss their personal and family 

problems, practice fetish rites, allocate unnecessary allowances and vacation 

fees and so many other meaningless things that lack substance. An oath is 

sworn by the parliamentarians so that no member shall expose their corrupt 

practices. Habanero states the condition of the oath sworn. 



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Habanero: It’s concluded. Now, let us repeat what we have 

sworn before Ogbunani. Anyone here who reports any other 

member to the journalists, or who accuses another member of 

any offence without going through the chairman, anyone who 

talks evil about anyone here, especially with regard to financial   

gratification, may Ogbunabani rub that fellow with ash.(59) 

 

Two billion naira is signed by the speaker of the parliament, Mr. Habanero, 

for inconvenience allowances, purchase of expensive clothes and hiring of 

music group for the thanksgiving service. How can a nation grow or develop 

when money is spent on selfish desires and needs of these leaders appointed 

by the people to lead them. A parliament that lacks decorum to discuss 

important issues. Is that a parliament?  

 

The playwright mocks these leaders who delight in sleeping around with 

young girls thereby encouraging immorality and prostitution. It is very 

appalling that these parliamentarians encourage this illicit act, pay huge sum 

of money to these girls and even accord some positions to some of them who 

didn’t merit it. The likes of Nkechi, who becomes the president’s press 

secretary because of her mother’s conviction and immoral lifestyle. Their plan 

of making Madam Omeaku the secretary is made concrete with Nkechi 

distracting Mr. Otobo and making him come late, coupled with the difference 

in their meeting time. While planning to honour the thanksgiving invitation 

from Members of St. Bottle’s church, Rev. Jossy inquisitively asks about the 

‘’girls’’, with Mr. Brown giving asooting answer to  his question with Madam 

Omeaku supporting his answer.  He expresses thus: 

Jossy: What about the girls? How do you plan to procure them 

for the party? 

Brown: Thank you for that Reverend. The Chief of Protocol, 

whose responsibility this is, has already taken care of that. All 

he has requested from the committee is ten air-conditioned 

vehicles and a modest sum of one million naira fuel the 

vehicles to collect senior girls from University campuses, and 

take them back after the party. 

Madam: … Furthermore, my daughter, Nkechi, has been 

contracted to bring the younger generation of aspiring senior 

girls, the young school leavers, popularly known as Jambites. 

We’re yet to receive their estimate. (85) 

 

The play also ridicules the ‘‘poor man’’ who seizes to criticize corrupt leaders 

when given a piece of the ‘‘national cake’’. Mr. Omeaku is a typical example. 

He becomes subtle and meek and respects his wife even stooping to the level 

of running errands for her. He doesn’t criticize or condemn the government 



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any longer and so is not concerned about others. In Madam Omeaku’s   

conversation with Mr. Brown, she narrates thus: 

Madam: Are you telling me? My husband is a typical example. 

Since he started cruising in a chauffeur- driven Mercedes, and 

living in a large estate, he has learnt to respect me. Now he 

treats me like a queen, and his family members believe I’m the 

best thing that happened to them. (102) 

 

Madam Omeaku laments over the state of the universities in the country, 

deeming it unfit for her children to attend. Yet, she is a parliamentarian, a 

leader, a lawmaker. What an irony!  She boasts that by being a member of the 

parliament, she has acquired houses in choice locations in the country, and can 

afford long holidays in choice spots in any part of the world.Revolutionary 

actions are taken by agitators, who storm the parliament and round up the 

parliamentarians as they attempt to escape from the building.This group of 

militants rush into the House and ties the Honorable members while singing 

war songs. These youth patiently wait for the government to alleviate poverty 

and create a better nation but rather their hopes are dashed. The University 

system suffers neglect by these leaders who show no interest in providing 

infrastructures, putting an end to recurrent strikes, extortion, curbing secret 

societies as well as the general management of these universities. Rather, they 

prefer to send their children abroad to study. Madam Omeaku, is a typical 

example. 

 

EsiabaIrobi’s Hangmen Also Dienarrates the ordeal of people of Izon state. 

The play exposes the tragedy of unemployed youth, an exploited environment, 

the suppression of the poor and the common man, corrupt leaders and their 

practices and an unjust society. Set in the Niger Delta in an imagineryIzon 

State, the play narrates the tragic story and experiences of Nigeria nation after 

colonization. 

 

The Nation is faced with corruption, suppression and oppression from the 

haves’, leaders, the rich and the privileged. Obviously, an adverse effect is 

expected, as an action leads to another. The youth become violent as they are 

unemployed, helpless and confused. Instead of granting them jobs, the ‘Big 

Men’ use them as instruments to fight their political enemies. They indulge in 

stealing and other destructive activities. The people of Izon State experienced 

poverty, hunger and death. Blessed with oil, one of the natural resources that 

is currently the mainstay of the economy, this region suffers exploitation and 

extortion which constitute in a substantial dimension, retardation of healthy 

prospects and gradual imbalance of the eco-system in its entirety. The water, 

air, fauna and flora are gravely affected in all ramifications, with human 

beings not being an exemption. Compensation fees, though very little are 

given to these leaders who should distribute them equally to the affected 



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victims and the people in general. But, rather these leaders spend it on their 

selfish desires and wants. Chief Erekosima, is a typical example of a corrupt 

leader who isn’t considerate but is entirely self-centered. Three million naira 

is given to him but rather he gives one million naira to the councilors in 

Kalabari Local Government, another one million to the chairmen of all the 

local government and the rest in renovating the palace, the coronation party, 

paying his children’s school fees and bribing his god-son 

PeketuluboDaminagbo, the Chief Superintendent at Prison Headquarters, Port 

Harcourt. This bribe is to placate some eminent citizens from his Local 

Government Area, who were threatening to write petitions to the Federal 

Goverement when they heard that he confisticated the compensation money. 

He prefers to send his children to study abroad than in the local universities in 

the country. His response goes thus: 

Erekosima: The standard of education in this country has 

fallen. ...so badly that the only things our universities produce 

are criminals, hooligans, armed robbers, thieves, villains, cut-

throats, hangmen, like you. (114)  

 

What an irony! This man was a parliamentarian of the first republic and an ex-

senator of the second republic and an aspiring gubernatorial candidate. These 

leaders are not concerned about improving the educational sector in their 

country, but rather send their children abroad to study. Chief Erekosima 

understands politics to be the art of survival (self-oriented) to him; morality 

does not come into it. These corrupt  leaders are full of pride and insensitive to 

the plight of the poor masses seeing them as ‘creatures of the swamp’, ‘crabs’, 

‘periwinkles’ and ‘mudskippers’…. A definition Chief Erekosima gave. 

Ibiaye, a native of Amakalaka becomes a victim of the oil explosion. He 

becomes blind after he swam in a river which he didn’t know was dangerous. 

This he has done to save his life and that of his family while fleeing from his 

village. He narrates to Tamara, Orusoso and Sotonye, the Chief’s wives 

during the coronation ceremony: 

 

Ibiaye: It was one morning, we woke up to see the sea heaving. 

The sea was roaring, its face black with anger. On it’s blue 

surface was something black. Something thick and pungent, 

something like mud.But it was oily, oily like petroleum jelly. It 

surged like lavafrom the armpit of the ocean until it embalmed 

our little creeks. Covered it. Conquered it. Cordoned off the 

mouth of the fresh water spring from which we daily drink. 

Our plants began to die. Our roots to rot. Our seeds shriveled. 

…So we swam. On the shore. But little did we know that the 

water had been poisoned by the film of rancid crude oil where 

we saw our faces as we swam. … On the first day my eyes 

were only itching. The next day I scratched throughout the 



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night. Three days later, I could no longer see the sunlight. My 

eyelids were swollen. And my hosts said the nearest hospital 

was at Port Harcourt. And where was the money for the speed 

boat fare to Port Harcourt? And where was the money for the 

hospital bill? (97) 

 

Similarly, the oil explosion has negative effect on aquatic animals, farmlands, 

plants, water, making it unsafe to drink and even on human beings as it leds to 

the death of many.  Families are displaced and many are rendered homeless. 

Ibiaye’s sons are employed by the foreign companies to plant the mines in the 

bottom of the sea and they later died in action. It is pertinent to note that 

menial and demeaning jobs are only fit for the indigenes or natives of the 

land. One of Ibiaye’s sons dies of a ruptured hernia while trying to plant a 

large iron grid into the swamp. 

 

Dimeari, the young graduate yearns to join the Suicide Squad. He believes 

joining the gang will be revenge to the society that denied him a right to good 

living by keeping him unemployed. The suicide squad is made up of seven 

unemployed graduates amongst whom are masters degree holders, a doctorate 

degree holder and an ex-policeman. They revolt against the injustice meted on 

them .They believe that revolution must be on terrorism, violence, bloodshed 

and terror not until Tamara, Dimeari’s mother confronts and challenges to 

divert their energies into fighting a social cause that will bring economic 

liberation to the oppressed masses of Izon state. She convinces them to rise 

against Chief Erekosima and retrieves the compensation that is for all. She 

further stresses: 

Tamara: Why then are you hiding here among these cowards. 

These rejects of the earth. These mudskippers. These 

periwinkles. Your mates in other parts of the world are guerilla 

fighters, fighting for the liberation of their country. Haven’t 

you heard of the Red Brigade of Italy who kidnapped their 

Prime Minister and murdered him m because he could not find 

them jobs? ... young men dying for their land. Here you hide in 

the bush and burgle people’s houses in the night. Petty thieves. 

If you are destined to be thieves why don’t you become big 

time thieves instead of pickpockets picking the fleas from the 

armpits of the poor. A man has three million naira belonging to 

you in his house and you are here choking on crumbs of bread. 

What kind of young men are you? (85) 

 

Tamara is seen as very brave and a revolutionary who with the help of the 

suicide squad kidnapped Chief Erekosima, who represents other leaders. 

Literally, these leaders hang the masses daily with suffering, oppression and 

pain and so the suicide squad’s decision to hang Chief Erekosima on behalf of 



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other leaders is a clear expression that one day they too will feel the pain 

being meted on the masses and will also be hung.  

 

Yekinni, the hangman on discovering that he is being used by the government, 

decides not to kill the suicide squad members even if it requires being sacked. 

Formerly a fisherman, Yekinni believes his new position as a warden will 

change his poor status. But the case is the reverse when he gets to Port-

Harcourt and becomes a hangmanwhile being paid a meager sum of ₦198. 

This is not enough to cater for him and his family.His stubbornness and 

disobedience towards the warden, Doctor and the Chief Superintenent is a 

form of revolution against the corrupt system of governance and signifies his 

total resolve for justice not minding the consequences. It is pertinent to note 

that corruption doesn’t just exist in the government or among authorities but 

also among the enforcers of the law. The collection of money from Chief 

Erekosima by Chief SuperintendantPeketuluboDaminagbois a clear instance 

of the reality. Their responsibility to curb corruption and crime is reversed and 

most times remains a fallacy. When bribe is collected, the guilty is set free 

while the innocent suffers and wallows in pain and anguish. 

 

African writers generally reflect on various aspects of human experiences and 

project a vision towards the amelioration of the harsh living conditions of the 

people. This is a continuous effort to stop environmental degradation specially 

geared towards ending the marginalization of the native inhabitants. 

 

Conclusion 

 An early response to the cry of redemption geared towards curbing this 

menace that has eaten and is still eating deep into the fabrics of the society 

will be the beginning of freedom, economic development and growth of every 

nation. This remains the role of writers who are concerned about the general 

wellbeing of the masses, country and the world at large. Corruption leads to 

insubordination and injustice, which tragically leads to violence that 

invariably has death or long suffering as its resultant end. 

 

 

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Dobie, Ann. Theory into Practice, Boston: Cengage Learning, 2011.  

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Goring, Paul Hawthon, Jeremy Domhnal, Mitchell. Studying Literature, 

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Irobi, Esiaba. Hangmen Also Die, Enugu: Abic Books and Equip. Ltd. 2011. 



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Nwabueze, Emeka. A Parliament of Vultures, Enugu: Abic Books and Equip. 

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