A Playwright’s Commentary and Interrogation on Nigerian Politics: A Reading of Innocent Ohiri’s Selected Plays

Abstract

This paper examines Innocent Ohiri’s dramatic works, Hire and Fire and Bound to Die, as a commentary on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. Through the lens of postcolonial theory, the study analyzes Ohiri’s portrayal of systemic issues such as corruption, unemployment, poor governance, and the abuse of power. The plays utilize satire, realism, and allegory to critique leadership failures while highlighting the resilience and agency of ordinary citizens in demanding justice and accountability. Ohiri’s narratives expose the moral decay and socio-economic inequalities entrenched in Nigeria’s political systems, yet they also present a vision of hope by emphasizing collective action, ethical governance, and the inevitability of justice. This paper contributes to the discourse on African political drama by situating Ohiri’s works within the wider tradition of postcolonial literature and demonstrating their relevance to contemporary governance and civic engagement in Nigeria. It recommends that there should be scholarly attention to Ohiri’s contributions and explores how his dramaturgy can inspire meaningful political and social transformation.