Promoting Unity and Cultural Heritage in Oyo State: A Playlet by Adedokun Sunday Harshasha

In recent times, the importance of unity and cooperation among traditional institutions and communities has become increasingly evident.

As a way to promote this vital concept, playwright Adedokun Sunday Harshasha has crafted a thought-provoking playlet titled “Uniting Our Strength, Preserving Our Heritage.” This engaging piece explores the themes of leadership, unity, and cultural heritage in the context of Oyo State’s traditional rulers.

The playlet brings together four prominent characters, the Governor, Alaafin, Olubadan, and Soun, as they navigate the complexities of power, prestige, and shared heritage. Through a masterful use of literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, metaphor, humor, repetition, and allusion, Harshasha skillfully conveys the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving collective progress.

This publication features the playlet in its entirety, along with an analysis of the literary devices used to convey its powerful message. We believe that “Uniting Our Strength, Preserving Our Heritage” will resonate with readers from all walks of life, inspiring them to work together towards a brighter future for Oyo State and beyond.

PLAYLET

TITLE: UNITING OUR STRENGTH, PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE

Characters
Governor ~ Governor of the State, mediator
Alaafin ~ King of Oyo
Olubadan ~ King of Ibadan
Soun ~ King of Ogbomoso

(Scene: Alaafin, Olubadan, Sòún and the Governor)

Governor: Our respected royal monarchs, we must protect our cultural and traditional heritage, and if I may ask, what’s all the fuss about?

Olubadan: This bill is unfair! Ibadan deserves the chairmanship

Sòún: But Ogbomoso has seniority

Alaafin: Hold up, Oyo’s the ancient one here

Governor: (laughs) You’re all like siblings fighting over a throne… and a bag of snacks.

Olubadan: (smirks) Snacks? You mean power and prestige!

Governor: Same difference! Let’s share the snacks. I mean, the chairmanship. Rotate it, and everyone gets a turn.

Sòún: Hmm, that’s not a bad idea.

Alaafin: Agreed! Unity is stronger than any throne. We are all Oyos, and Ajisebi Oyo láárí 😁😁

Olubadan: Exactly, let’s unite and show them the power of Oyo State’s traditional rulers.

Governor: (smiling) Now, let’s feast on some egusi soup and forget our differences.

(They all laugh and share a meal together)

~THE END~

PREFACE
“Uniting Our Strength, Preserving Our Heritage” is a playlet that explores the vital themes of unity, leadership, and cultural heritage in the context of Oyo State’s traditional institutions. Through a engaging narrative and skillful use of literary devices, this playlet aims to inspire readers to work together towards a brighter future. I hope that this work will contribute to the ongoing conversation about the importance of unity and cooperation in our communities.

The playwright was inspired by the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Oyo State as it’s usually called the pacesetter state, and the importance of preserving our traditions while promoting unity and cooperation. I wanted to create a work that would showcase the value of collective progress and shared leadership, and encourage readers to celebrate their shared heritage.

Through this playlet, I hope to inspire a sense of unity and cooperation among the people, starting with our traditional institutions and communities, most especially at a time when issues relating to supremacy and superiority looms.

SYNOPSIS
The sketch play “Uniting Our Strength, Preserving Our Heritage” revolves around a meeting between the Governor and three traditional monarchs (Alaafin, Olubadan, and Soun) from Oyo State. The monarchs are in disagreement over a bill, with each claiming superiority and deservingness of the chairmanship. The Governor intervenes, using humor and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. He suggests rotating the chairmanship, allowing each monarch to take turns, and emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation. The monarchs eventually agree, and the scene ends with them sharing a meal, symbolizing their emerging solidarity.

THEMATIC PREOCCUPATION
The playlet explores several themes, including:

Unity and Cooperation: The importance of working together and sharing power is emphasized. The monarchs’ initial rivalry is replaced by a sense of unity and cooperation, highlighting the benefits of collective progress.

Leadership: The Governor’s diplomacy and the monarchs’ willingness to compromise demonstrate effective leadership. The playlet shows that leadership is not about individual power, but about working together towards a common goal.

Cultural Heritage: The playlet highlights the importance of cultural traditions and shared heritage. The reference to “Ajisebi Oyo láárí” and the sharing of egusi soup evoke a sense of shared identity and tradition.

Conflict Resolution: The playlet demonstrates a constructive approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, compromise, and cooperation.

LITERARY DEVICES IN THE PLAYLET

Symbolism
Symbolism is a literary device where objects, colors, or images represent abstract ideas or concepts. In the playlet, several symbols convey meaningful themes such as; Throne represents power, leadership, and authority. Snacks symbolize power and prestige, highlighting the monarchs’ desire for recognition. Egusi soup represents unity, togetherness, and shared heritage. Ajisebi Oyo láárí symbolizes the unity and strength of Oyo State’s traditional rulers.

Imagery
Imagery is a literary device that creates vivid mental images, engaging the reader’s senses. Harshasha employs imagery in the playlet, let’s see how they are used; “Feast on some egusi soup” creates a vivid image of sharing a meal and bonding. “Like siblings fighting over a throne… and a bag of snacks” conveys the monarchs’ rivalry.

Metaphor
A metaphor is a literary device that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” The writer employs, the metaphor “You’re all like siblings fighting over a throne… and a bag of snacks” compares the monarchs to siblings, highlighting their rivalry and suggesting a familial relationship despite their differences. This comparison emphasizes the intensity of their competition and the need for resolution.

Humor
This literary device is used to add lightheartedness and levity to a scene. In the playlet, the Governor’s laughter and comparison of power to snacks adds a humorous tone, diffusing tension and creating a more relaxed atmosphere. This humor helps to break down the monarchs’ defenses and facilitates their willingness to compromise.

Repetition
Repetition is a literary device used to emphasize a point or theme. In the playlet, the emphasis on unity and cooperation reinforces the message, driving home the importance of working together. By repeating this theme, Harshasha ensures that the readers understands the significance of unity and cooperation.

Allusion
An allusion is a reference to a person, place, event, or work of art that is outside the text itself. In the playlet, the reference to “Ajisebi Oyo láárí” alludes to the cultural heritage and unity of Oyo State, evoking a sense of shared identity and tradition. This allusion adds depth and context to the playlet, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage in shaping the monarchs’ relationships and actions.

PLAYWRIGHT’S NOTE
The writer, Adedokun Sunday Harshasha, concludes the playlet with a clear message, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among traditional institutions and the people of Oyo State. The playlet’s purpose is to promote unity, shared leadership, and collective progress, highlighting that together, they can achieve greater strength and prestige.

By referencing “Ajisebi Oyo láárí” and the richness of their diversity, the writer encourages the audience to celebrate their shared heritage and work towards a common goal.

This playlet, “Uniting Our Strength, Preserving Our Heritage,” is a work of fiction written to promote unity and cooperation amongst traditional institutions and the good people of Oyo State.

The writer’s intention is not to criticize or offend any individual or group but to encourage collective progress and celebration of shared heritage. By exploring themes of leadership, unity, and cultural heritage, this playlet aims to inspire readers to work together towards a brighter future.

COPYRIGHT RESERVATIONS
All rights reserved. No part of this playlet may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the writer.

Adedokun Sunday Harshasha
May 19, 2025.