Afonja: The Rise - A tale of politics and politricks

Oftentimes, it is said that politics is a dirty game. But even the dirt in politics is cannot be compared to the rot that occurs from the game of politricking. In Tunde Leye’s historical fiction novel Afonja: The Rise, there is a plethora of both. Politics and politricks played mostly for personal reasons but disguised as love and allegiance to a greater cause.

For the blogger turned writer, Afonja: The Rise is very different from the author’s previous science fiction fantasy novel Guardian of the Seal. While according to him, his inspiration for the novel was the Kiriji war, it is understandable how the novel evolved to focus on Afonja, several other strong characters and the series of events which led to this significant chapter in the Yoruba history.

The book doesn't just tell us the story of one of the most iconic figures in the history of Yoruba, Afonja but also about relatable characters with hopes,dreams, ambitions and their actions. It showcases the Yoruba culture and history with its use of proverbs.

At the beginning of the book, we witness as Oyo empire is at a crucial point with the death of Alaafin Abiodun Adegolu and the custodians of the land are poised to select a successor. The choosing of the new Alaafin, promise of the position of Aare Ona Kakanfo to Afonja as well as Toyeje' desire for the position, and the secret plot to topple the Oyo empire headed by Fulani man Alimi serve as the power play dynamics that forms the core of the book and the series of events leading to the end.

Tunde Leye takes us on an odyssey in Afonja the rise with its many twists and turns,alliances and rivalries. Amidst the complicated web of scheming, throughout the book, there is still a sense of loyalty to the Oyo Empire by several of the characters.

Amidst a plethora of strong male protagonists,there are equally several female characters whose wisdom, actions and bravery in several ways significantly challenged the and influence the course of action sat critical points in the book. Examples are Olori Abike who had great influence on the Alaafin Aole Arogangan and influenced his decisions severally and Omolabake daughter of Toyeje, wife of Afonja's brother Agbonrin whose wisdom and bravery averted the attack of Oyo at the hands of the Aare Ona Kakanfo and his army.

There isn’t a doubt that Tunde Leye is a writer who knows his craft. With his use of words, character development skillful blend of history and fiction. His characters are oftentimes ambitious and their reasons seemingly justifiable.Chapter after chapter friendships are tested, egos are bruised, enemies are made,  alliances are formed,  promises are broken etc

While the book is generally a pleasant read and a page-turner, it was quite difficult to get a grasp of the characters and their titles at the beginning. Also,despite the author’s attempt at simplifying the story through its translations to English, its historical and Yoruba references makes it quite difficult for those unfamiliar with the language to grasp. I was also surprised by the several typographical errors in the book. In spite of these misgivings, they did little to deter from this captivating tale spanning 354 pages created by Tunde Leye.

Although fiction, the novel is textured and seasoned with layers of research and history. The essence of the book is relevant to our time and particularly our nation Nigeria, where leaders are often (s)elected with the intent of being controlled and custodians seek self aggrandizement rather than the welfare of the state. There is a market and need for these kinds of books which not only showcases the author’s creative interpretations of historical events but also highlights the lives of people who lived across various parts of what has now become Nigeria before colonialism befell them.

“Because our history must be told

By the young and by the old

Around lanterns and around laptops

Invoices that are ours and that understand us

So that we may know

So that we may learn so that we may remember”

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References

Excerpts taken from Afonja: The Rise

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