In-Depth Review of ‘Once Upon an Elephant’ by Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan

Full Summary Guide for Literature Students and Educators

Play Overview

Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan’s Once Upon an Elephant tackles the persistent leadership crisis in Nigeria and the wider African continent. The drama dissects the deep-seated problem of autocratic governance, reflecting the broader struggles faced by nations under authoritarian rule.

The play captures the ruthless hunger for power and emphasizes the importance of collective resistance in restoring democratic ideals. It unveils the dark underbelly of dictatorship—marked by manipulation, hidden agendas, and spiritual wickedness.

Eventually, characters like Iya Agba, Desola, Odekunle, and Delani band together to challenge the reign of the tyrannical ruler Ajanaku, symbolized by the ‘elephant’ on the throne.

Setting

Set in a traditional Yoruba-speaking African village untouched by external influence, the play’s setting reinforces its Nigerian political roots, amplifying the message of indigenous resistance against tyranny.

Plot Overview

Structured into fourteen acts with no subdivided scenes, the play begins in media res, as King Akinjiobi nears death. The succession to the throne becomes a hotbed of intrigue.

Ajanaku conspires with Serubawon—who serves as kingmaker—to seize power. Elders like Odejimi and Ogundele are part of the ceremonies, though not all support Ajanaku’s rule.

Once crowned, Ajanaku asserts his dominance through land seizures and oppressive judgments. Iya Agba, widow of the late king, accuses him of violating royal ethics. Ajanaku commits more heinous acts, including the rape of Serubawon’s daughter Desola, as part of a dark ritual known as IJEDODO.

The shocking revelation that Serubawon is Ajanaku’s biological father heightens the drama. Iya Agba intervenes, disrupting the ritual and helping Desola regain her voice. The JOBELE ritual turns the tide, leading to resistance against Ajanaku’s quest for immortality.

KEY EVENTS AND TURNING POINTS

• Serubawon performs rituals to help Ajanaku ascend, despite opposition.
• Bribes are used to silence elders Odejimi and Ogundele.
• Desola and Odekunle share a secret romance.
• Ajanaku is publicly crowned.
• Iyale discourages Odejimi from worrying about Ajanaku’s rule.
• Odejimi dismisses Iya Agba as mad.
• Iya Agba accuses Ajanaku of theft and condemns Omoyeni’s betrayal.
• She suspects Serubawon of fathering Ajanaku.
• A complainant stabs himself in court.
• Desola is raped by Ajanaku.
• Desola confesses the assault to Serubawon.
• Serubawon attacks Ajanaku in anger.
• Omoyeni reveals Delani as her child’s true father.
• Iyale pleads with Iya Agba to heal Desola.
• Serubawon confesses his wrongs and takes his own life.
• Desola embraces Ajanaku to break the ritual.
• Odekunle places a charm on Ajanaku, killing him.
• Desola recovers. Omoyeni goes into labor.

CHARACTERS AND ROLES

Ajanaku/Olaniyonu: The main antagonist. A brutal and power-hungry king who gained the throne through conspiracy. He steals land, forces Omoyeni into marriage, and performs a ritual assault on his half-sister, Desola. His downfall comes at the climax, when a charm ends his life during the final ritual.

Serubawon: A former elder and spiritualist who helps orchestrate Ajanaku’s rise. Guilty of infidelity with Adebisi, the late king’s wife, he frames Iya Agba to protect his secrets. His daughter Desola becomes a victim of his ambition, prompting his confession and eventual suicide.

Iya Agba: The former queen wrongly accused and exiled. A central figure of justice, she leads the resistance against Ajanaku and restores balance. She never accepted Ajanaku as a rightful ruler.

Omoyeni: Ajanaku’s wife by coercion. She sacrifices her love for Delani to protect her family. Eventually, she reveals Delani as her child’s father and reunites with him before going into labor.

Supporting Characters:

• Odejimi, Ogundele, Odegbami: Village elders.
• Iyale: Odejimi’s supportive wife.
• Odekunle: Odejimi’s son and Desola’s lover.
• Desola: Serubawon’s daughter, victim of assault, and symbol of resistance.
• Demoke: Wife to Serubawon.
• Delani: Omoyeni’s true love.
• Yele, Lere, Dele: Odekunle’s companions.
• Yosola: Desola’s friend.
• King Akinjiobi: The deceased monarch.

KEY THEMES IN THE PLAY

• Betrayal: From Serubawon’s infidelity with the queen to political betrayals that corrupt royal succession.
• Good vs. Evil: The story embodies the age-old fight between right and wrong, culminating in justice prevailing over tyranny.
• Adultery: Central to the plot is the forbidden relationship between Serubawon and Adebisi, shaping the play’s tragic events.

STYLISTIC ELEMENTS AND LITERARY DEVICES

• Language and Diction: The text is accessible, featuring clear English laced with Yoruba phrases. “Ajanaku” (elephant) becomes symbolic of tyranny, while “Baale” reflects cultural norms of respect and gender dynamics.
• Foreshadowing: Hints are given early—like Ogundele’s skepticism—that later unfold into major plot twists, such as Ajanaku’s parentage.
• Innuendo: Iya Agba speaks in metaphors and layered meanings. Her comparison between a lizard and crocodile alludes to Ajanaku’s unworthiness.
• Dramatic Irony: The audience often knows more than the characters—like Ajanaku’s false claim of paternity.
• Situational Irony: Serubawon’s schemes backfire, leading to his daughter’s trauma and his suicide. Ajanaku’s ambition ends in his death, not immortality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Once Upon an Elephant by Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan,

1. What is the central message or theme of Once Upon an Elephant?

The play explores the dangers of dictatorship, the abuse of power, and the importance of collective resistance. It emphasizes how moral courage, truth, and unity can overthrow tyranny and restore justice in society.

2. Who is Ajanaku, and what role does he play in the development of the plot?

Ajanaku is the main antagonist, a power-hungry tyrant who forcefully takes the throne and inflicts suffering on the people. His oppressive rule, violent rituals, and ultimate downfall drive the play’s conflict and resolution.

3. How does Iya Agba contribute to the downfall of Ajanaku?

Iya Agba, once falsely accused and exiled, emerges as a powerful symbol of justice and wisdom. She exposes hidden truths, leads the resistance, and guides Desola and others in breaking Ajanaku’s dark ritual, leading to his death.

4. What role does Serubawon’s betrayal play in the overall conflict?

Serubawon’s betrayal—both personal and political—sets the entire tragedy in motion. His affair with the queen, manipulation of succession, and support of Ajanaku create a chain of events that leads to familial destruction and his own suicide.

5. How does the play reflect real-world leadership issues in Africa?

The play uses allegory and symbolism to reflect the corruption, nepotism, and oppression found in many African political systems. It critiques leaders who abuse power and highlights the need for citizen involvement in demanding accountability and justice.

Also See : SSS 2 English Language Exam Questions; Answers PDF (2025)