Once Upon an Elephant by Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan critiques autocracy and the self-perpetuating tendencies of African leaders post-colonialism. Using Yoruba oral traditions and folktales, the playwright examines dictatorship, corruption, and moral decay in African governance. The play metaphorically draws from Adeboye Babalola's Salute to the Elephant and parallels works like Wole Soyinka's Kongi’s Harvest and King Baabu . It highlights the misuse of power through King Ajanaku, who, despite not being the rightful heir, schemes dishonestly to ascend the throne. He engages in rites that exploit virgins in a bid for immortality, leading to his eventual downfall, orchestrated by Iya Agba, a fearless elder who stands for justice. Through poetry, drama, and African traditional theatrical elements, Ademilua-Afolayan crafts a 14-act, 105-page story blending suspense and irony. The play is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked power, underscoring the need for ethica...
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