THEMES IN NIYI OSUNDARE'S NOT MY BUSINESS

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Niyi Osundare’s poem “Not My Business” explores three primary themes: indifference, oppression, and tyranny. Through vivid, unsettling imagery and the perspective of a detached narrator, Osundare critiques the dangers of apathy in the face of oppression. The poem calls for collectivism, echoing unity in togetherness in the face confronting challenges.

1.The Theme of apathy

Indifference is a central theme, conveyed through the narrator’s lack of concern for the suffering around him. As friends and neighbors are brutally oppressed by the government, he distances himself, rationalizing that these events are “not [his] business.” The narrator is more concerned with his personal comfort, dismissing the plight of Akanni, Danladi, and Chinwe as isolated incidents. However, his indifference does not shield him. In a haunting turn, he too becomes a target as he sits down to enjoy his “yam,” and “the waiting jeep” silently arrives for him. This shift illustrates the cost of apathy, showing how unchecked oppression inevitably extends to affect everyone, including those who look the other way. Osundare’s message is clear: societal injustice is everyone’s business, and by ignoring it, individuals may unwittingly become its next victims.

The poem’s critique of indifference resonates with a wider societal tendency to ignore political or social problems until they become personal. This can be seen in the way people disengage from civic duties like voting or protesting, assuming that as long as they are unaffected, there is no need to intervene. However, Osundare reminds us that apathy is a luxury society cannot afford, as eventually, every individual will face the consequences of collective neglect. Aristotle’s notion that “man is a political animal” underscores the necessity of civic responsibility, suggesting that humans are inherently interconnected in the political sphere.

 2. The Theme of oppression

Osundare vividly captures the theme of oppression through recurring imagery of violence, arrests, and intimidation. The oppressive government employs scare tactics—beatings, arbitrary arrests, and dismissals—to silence dissenting voices and intimidate the populace. Figures like Akanni, Danladi, and Chinwe each fall victim to the government’s brutal tactics, with their fates serving as warnings to others who might think of protesting. This strategic repression keeps the people in a state of fear, ensuring obedience through terror and mistrust.

The oppression in “Not My Business” reveals the power dynamic between an oppressive regime and a fearful citizenry, showcasing how governments can manipulate and control the public by targeting individuals selectively. By isolating each incident, the government prevents a unified response, making it easier to stifle opposition. Osundare critiques the way these oppressive actions quash community solidarity, suggesting that tyranny thrives in the absence of collective resistance.

3. The Theme of dictatorship

The theme of tyranny or dictatorship looms over the entire poem, embodied by an absolute ruler who shows no tolerance for opposition or diversity of thought. The government operates without regard for constitutional rights, and the citizens have no recourse. Akanni’s arrest, Danladi’s beating, Chinwe’s dismissal, and finally, the poetic persona’s abduction, all reveal a regime that demands total conformity. This ruler expects obedience and retaliates harshly against any perceived deviation, reinforcing a climate of fear.

Osundare’s portrayal of tyranny highlights not only the cruelty of the ruler but also the ruthlessness of a system that erases individuality and subdues resistance. The poet critiques the dehumanizing effects of authoritarianism, where citizens are seen as mere subjects to be controlled rather than individuals with rights. By emphasizing the range of punishments—from physical violence to economic disenfranchisement—Osundare paints a picture of a regime that weaponizes every tool at its disposal to enforce its will.

In “Not My Business,” Osundare ultimately calls on readers to reject complacency and embrace collective responsibility. By highlighting the consequences of indifference, suppression, and tyranny, the poem serves as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry. Osundare’s work reminds us that oppression affects not only its immediate targets but also society at large, and only through unity and mutual support can people challenge injustice and build a more equitable world.

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