History and Culture as Catalysts for Socialisation in Olu Obafemi’s <i>Ogidi Mandate</i>

Abstract

History underscores the events and stories passed from one generation to another appropriately either orally or  documented. History and cultural antecedents in this study are practical phenomena employed by the playwright to  narrate historical accounts in multiple versions and also ensures an amicable resolution which stands as a pacesetter for  peace to coexist, animosity to be buried and never allowed to resurrect. The article examines the historical  sensibility of the playwright in negating anarchy between two belligerent factions. It enwinds expert-novice relationship in historical parlance, social interaction and culture of collectivity in maintaining the cynosure of theatre as a dependable  catalyst for socialisation. Olu Obafemi’s Ogidi Mandate sensitises the populace, especially Nupe and Okun  indigenes from Kogi State, Nigeria to forestall pride in myth and historical accounts because they premise on multiple versions with conflicting and confusing plots. The methodology employed for this research is qualitative, using the  descriptive form of textual analysis. The primary data is Ogidi Mandate by Olu Obafemi, supported by other relevant  journal articles, textbooks and internet materials. The paper concludes by espousing historical and textual combinations  through the play text Ogidi Mandate and recommends that proper education on cultural history,  tolerance and peaceful co-existence should be pursued in Nigeria.