Detailed Analysis of Wheels by Olu Obafemi

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General Introduction

Olu Obafemi's "Wheels" (1994), though his only published novel, stands as a powerful exploration of social and personal struggles in a fictional Nigerian town called Giro.  

Olu Obafemi's "Wheels" tells the story of life in Giro, a Nigerian town grappling with social and economic inequalities. The novel centers around Musa Sonja, a retired soldier living in poverty despite his service. 

Obafemi utilizes vivid imagery and metaphors, like the title's "wheels," to represent various aspects of life in Giro, such as the cycle of poverty or the relentless social machinery.  "Wheels" is a powerful social commentary that encourages readers to confront issues of injustice and the search for a more equitable society. 

Themes

1. Social Stratification and Injustice: This is the central theme of the novel. Obafemi portrays a stark division between the wealthy elite and the struggling working class in Giro. Characters like Musa Sonja exemplify the marginalization faced by veterans and the underprivileged. Their cramped living conditions and lack of opportunities highlight the unfairness of the social hierarchy.

The novel highlights the social injustices that result from these exploitative practices. Baba Kofo, a war veteran, is marginalized and denied the recognition and benefits he deserves, while educated elites like Baba Seun prosper. This disparity underscores the continuing stratification within postcolonial societies, where Western education and alliances with former colonial powers determine one's status and success.

Ecologically, the narrative depicts the severe environmental degradation caused by mechanized farming and resource extraction. The once fertile and vibrant lands of Giro are transformed into barren, exploited territories, stripped of their natural wealth. Baba Kofo's lamentations about the loss of prime trees and fertile farmlands reflect the broader environmental impact of these exploitative practices, contributing to issues like global warming and the loss of biodiversity.

2.  The Impact of War: The novel explores the lasting effects of war on individuals and society. Musa's experiences as a soldier cast a shadow on his life, creating emotional and psychological wounds. We see how the war disrupts families and leaves scars on entire communities. 

3. The Complexities of Family Dynamics: "Wheels" delves into the intricate relationships within families.  While love exists between family members, frustration and resentment can also simmer. The strained relationship between Musa and his son, Seun, reflects how societal pressures and unfulfilled dreams can impact family bonds.

4. The Search for Identity and Upward Mobility: The characters grapple with their place in society and yearn for a better life. Seun's pursuit of education can be seen as a desire to escape poverty and achieve a higher social standing. The concept of "wheels" itself can symbolize this yearning for upward mobility, a way to break free from the cycle of hardship..

Land in "Wheels" is more than just a resource; it is a cultural and identity marker. The village square in Giro, a place of community gathering and ancestral significance, is emblematic of the deep connection between land and cultural identity in African societies. The transformation of such spaces into sites of capitalist exploitation leads to a profound displacement of identity and cultural disintegration.

5. The Influence of Globalization:  Scholars suggest that the novel critiques the negative effects of globalization on developing nations. The wealthy elite in Giro might benefit from a system that exploits resources and widens the gap between rich and poor. This theme adds another layer to the existing power structures and social inequalities. 

In "Wheels," globalization is portrayed not as a unifying or progressive force but as a continuation of colonial exploitation. The collaboration between Western characters (Mr. Fox, Miss Nancy, and Mr. Peacock) and local elites (like Baba Seun) illustrates the concept of "internal colonialism" or neocolonialism. These characters symbolize the perpetuation of Western economic dominance and the complicity of local leaders in the exploitation of their own lands and people. This dynamic is evident when Baba Seun introduces "hungry looking white men" who, along with their local accomplices, are set to ravish Giro's natural resources

Critique of Neocolonial "Development"

The novel critiques the notion of development as espoused by neocolonial powers. The so-called assistance provided by the West is depicted as a guise for further exploitation. The characters' names—Mr. Fox, Miss Nancy, and Mr. Peacock—are symbolic, with Mr. Fox representing deceit and destruction, Miss Nancy representing financial exploitation, and Mr. Peacock representing the extraction and export of local resources to benefit Western industries. This critique aligns with the idea of "colonizing anti-colonialism," where the purported development serves to reinforce the economic and political dominance of the West.

Resistance and Inarticulateness

Despite the critical stance against globalization and neocolonialism, "Wheels" also highlights the challenges of effective resistance. Characters like Kofo and Pa Garuba express skepticism and opposition, but their efforts are depicted as fragmented and ultimately ineffectual. This reflects a broader theme in post-independence African literature, where the fervent resistance of earlier periods has given way to a more subdued and disillusioned response to ongoing oppression.

Characters 

 Musa Sonja: A retired soldier living in poverty despite his service. He embodies the marginalization and struggles of the working class.  His past experiences in the war continue to impact him emotionally.

 Seun: Musa's son. He represents the younger generation yearning for a better life.  Seun's pursuit of education signifies a desire for upward mobility and escape from poverty. His relationship with Musa is complex, marked by both love and frustration.

 List of Characters 

1. Baba Kofo - A former soldier who fought in the civil war for two and a half years.

2. Baba Seun - A character who collaborates with "white" men to exploit Giro's natural resources and holds a higher degree.

3. The Headmaster - A character who lost his right leg in the war.

4. Solomon Obakewo - The son of the Oba of Giro town, given a heroic welcome after studying in London.

5. Kofo - Baba Kofo's son, who returns from college and notices the environmental degradation in Giro.

6. Pa Garuba - A hunter who warns against the mechanization agenda and the modern form of slavery.

7. Mr. Fox - An agricultural engineer from England concerned with exploiting Giro's resources.

8. Miss Nancy - A business executive with Westminster Bank of Britain.

9. Mr. Peacock - A representative of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce in Britain.

10. Gbenga, Kemi, and Seun - Friends of Kofo who rise to speak against the oppressors in Giro.

 

Understanding Character Roles:

 Musa Sonja as a Catalyst:  His experiences and struggles drive the narrative forward, exposing the social injustices in Giro.

 Seun as a Foil:  Seun's aspirations and path contrast with Musa's, highlighting the generational differences and the desire for change.

 The Supporting Cast:  Secondary characters can offer perspectives on the social hierarchy, community dynamics, and the challenges faced by the protagonists.

The Engine of Discontent: Social Stratification and Injustice

Central to "Wheels" is the theme of social stratification. We encounter Musa Sonja, a retired soldier who, despite his service, finds himself living in a cramped "facemeifaceyou" house due to societal neglect. This reflects the marginalization of the working class contrasted with the privilege of the bourgeoisie, embodied by Seun's father. This economic disparity fuels discontent and a yearning for a more equitable society.

The Human Cost: War's Scars and Family Dynamics

Obafemi weaves the impact of war into the narrative. Sonja's past as a soldier casts a long shadow, highlighting the human cost of conflict. The emotional and psychological wounds remain unhealed, impacting family dynamics.  We see this in the strained relationship between Sonja and his son, Seun. The novel explores the complexities of family, where love and frustration intertwine.

Finding Traction: Language and Imagery

Obafemi utilizes rich language and vivid imagery to propel the narrative. Similes are employed extensively, drawing comparisons from the familiar to illuminate the characters' experiences.  This creates a sense of immediacy and allows readers to connect with the characters' struggles. The metaphor of "wheels" itself can be interpreted on multiple levels. It can represent the relentless cycle of poverty, the desire for upward mobility, or the ever-turning machinery of societal structures.