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General Introduction
Tanure Ojaide, a renowned Nigerian poet and scholar, is known for his politically conscious and socially engaged poetry. His works often critique corruption, power abuse, and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. Born in 1948, Ojaide’s poetry is deeply influenced by his Urhobo heritage, Nigerian sociopolitical realities, and his experience in exile. The Fate of Vultures is emblematic of his style—rich in imagery, allusions, and oral tradition influences. Written in an era of political turbulence and economic exploitation in Nigeria, the poem denounces the greed of corrupt leaders and the tragic consequences of their actions.
The Poem
The Fate of Vultures by Tanure Ojaide
O Aridon, bring back my wealth
from roguevaults;
legendary witness to comings and goings,
memory god, my mentor,
blaze an ashtrial to the hands
that buried mountains in their bowels,
lifted crates of cash into their closets.
I would not follow the hurricane,
nor would I the whirlwind
in their brazen sweepaway;
they leave misery in their wake.
I would not spread my ward’s wealth in the open
and stir the assembly to stampede;
I would not smear my staff with the scorn of impotence.
You can tell
when one believes freedom is a windfall
and fans himself with flamboyance.
The chief and his council, a flock of flukes
gambolling in the veins of fortune.
Range chickens, they consume and scatter…
They ran for a pocketlift
in the corridors of power
and shared contracts at cabals–
the record produce and sales
fuelled the adolescent bonfire of fathers.
Shamgari, Shankari, shun garri
staple of the people
and toast champagne;
Alexius, architect of windrazed mansions,
a mountain of capital.
Abuja has had its dreams!
O Aridon, bring back my wealth
from roguevaults;
they had all their free days,
let today be mine.
Cut back pictures of shame
for I know why
the gasping eagle, shorn of proud feathers
sandridden, mumbles its own dirge
gazing at the iroko
it can no longer ascend…
Pity the fate of flash millionaires.
If they are not hurled into jail, they live
in the prisonhouses of their crimes and wives
and when they die, of course, only their kind
shower praises on vultures.
Title
The title, The Fate of Vultures, is metaphorical and symbolic. Vultures are often associated with death, decay, and scavenging, making them apt representations of corrupt politicians and elites who feed off the suffering of others. The word "fate" suggests a predestined or inevitable outcome—perhaps a warning that those who exploit society will meet a grim end. The title sets a tone of criticism and foreshadowing, indicating that the poem will explore themes of corruption, greed, and justice.
Themes in The Fate of Vultures
Tanure Ojaide’s The Fate of Vultures is a deeply political and satirical poem that explores themes of corruption, power, moral decay, and justice. Through evocative imagery and symbolic language, the poem critiques the Nigerian elite’s greed and selfishness, while also reflecting on the suffering of the common people. Below are the major themes explored in the poem:
1. Corruption and Greed
One of the most dominant themes in the poem is the widespread corruption among Nigerian political and economic elites. The poet criticizes leaders who accumulate wealth dishonestly while the masses suffer.
"O Aridon, bring back my wealth from roguevaults;"
The phrase “roguevaults” suggests stolen national wealth hoarded by corrupt individuals, emphasizing how public resources are privatized by a select few.
"The chief and his council, a flock of flukes gambolling in the veins of fortune."
Here, politicians are likened to parasites (flukes), thriving on public resources without giving back.
"They ran for a pocketlift in the corridors of power and shared contracts at cabals."
This highlights how leaders exploit political power for personal gain through fraudulent contracts and secretive deals.
The poem portrays these leaders as vultures—feeding on the decay of a struggling nation—suggesting that corruption is not just an individual act but an institutionalized problem.
2. The Betrayal of the Common People
The poet contrasts the luxurious lifestyle of the corrupt elite with the struggles of the common people. The betrayal of the masses is evident in how the leaders prioritize personal wealth over societal welfare.
"Shamgari, Shankari, shun garri, staple of the people and toast champagne;"
The wordplay in "shun garri" (cassava flakes, a staple food for poor Nigerians) and "toast champagne" highlights how the rich abandon the struggles of the common people, indulging in extravagance while the poor starve.
"They had all their free days, let today be mine."
This suggests a long period of unchecked corruption, with the speaker demanding justice and retribution for the oppressed.
The poet’s anger reflects the frustration of ordinary Nigerians who have suffered due to government neglect and the mismanagement of national resources.
3. Moral Decay and the Loss of National Integrity
Ojaide presents a nation that has lost its moral compass due to corruption and greed. The imagery of the gasping eagle symbolizes Nigeria, once proud and strong but now weakened by corruption.
"The gasping eagle, shorn of proud feathers, sandridden, mumbles its own dirge."
The eagle, a common national symbol, is now powerless, stripped of its dignity and unable to rise again.
"Alexius, architect of windrazed mansions, a mountain of capital."
This line mocks wealthy individuals who accumulate riches through corrupt means, only to have their illgotten wealth amount to nothing.
The poem suggests that moral decay extends beyond individuals; it has eroded the very foundation of society, leaving the nation in a state of despair.
4. Justice and the Consequences of Corruption
Despite the prevalence of corruption, Ojaide implies that justice will eventually catch up with those who exploit others. He presents two possible fates for corrupt individuals: imprisonment or a life of torment.
"Pity the fate of flash millionaires. If they are not hurled into jail, they live in the prisonhouses of their crimes and wives."
This suggests that even if corrupt leaders escape legal punishment, they remain prisoners of their own guilt, paranoia, and failed relationships.
"And when they die, of course, only their kind shower praises on vultures."
This implies that corrupt people are only respected by others like them, and their legacy is one of shame rather than honor.
The poet reinforces the idea that wealth acquired through corruption does not bring peace or happiness, and justice—whether legal or moral—is inevitable.
5. The Role of Tradition and the Call for Redemption
The invocation of Aridon, the Urhobo god of memory, highlights the importance of cultural heritage in seeking justice. The poet turns to a divine figure to recover what has been lost.
"O Aridon, bring back my wealth from roguevaults;"
This plea to a traditional deity suggests a longing for restitution, not just in a material sense but also for the lost values of honesty and integrity.
The call to tradition is a reminder that history remembers the wrongdoings of leaders, and justice can be sought through ancestral wisdom. By invoking Aridon, the poet underscores the need for a moral and spiritual reckoning.
6. Political Satire and Criticism of Leadership
Ojaide uses satire to expose the incompetence and selfishness of Nigeria’s leaders. The imagery of leaders as parasites, scavengers, and exploiters serves to ridicule their lack of vision.
"The chief and his council, a flock of flukes gambolling in the veins of fortune."
The word "gambolling" (meaning playfully jumping around) mocks the carefree attitude of corrupt leaders who enjoy stolen wealth without concern for the nation's wellbeing.
By using satire, Ojaide makes his critique sharp and effective, urging readers to see the absurdity and danger of poor governance.
The Fate of Vultures is a powerful critique of corruption, greed, and failed leadership in Nigeria. Through vivid metaphors, satire, and cultural references, Ojaide highlights the devastating effects of moral decay while warning that justice is inevitable. The poem serves as both a lament for a lost nation and a call for redemption, urging a return to integrity and accountability.
Literary Devices
1. Allusion
"O Aridon, bring back my wealth from roguevaults;"
Aridon, the Urhobo god of memory, is invoked as a witness to past injustices. This allusion to African mythology connects the poem to cultural identity and history, emphasizing the poet’s desire for justice and accountability.
2. Metaphor
"The chief and his council, a flock of flukes gambolling in the veins of fortune."
The corrupt leaders are likened to parasites (flukes) that feast on national wealth (veins of fortune). This metaphor highlights the exploitative nature of politicians who drain resources without contributing to society.
3. Personification
"The gasping eagle, shorn of proud feathers, sandridden, mumbles its own dirge."
The eagle, a symbol of strength and pride, is depicted as weakened and dying, representing Nigeria’s lost glory due to corruption. The nation, once powerful, is now struggling under the weight of greed.
4. Symbolism
"Shamgari, Shankari, shun garri, staple of the people and toast champagne."
"Garri" (cassava flakes) is a staple food for the common people, while "champagne" symbolizes the extravagant lifestyle of the elite. The contrast symbolizes class division, where the wealthy neglect the struggles of ordinary citizens.
5. Irony
"Pity the fate of flash millionaires. If they are not hurled into jail, they live in the prisonhouses of their crimes and wives."
The socalled millionaires who once flaunted their wealth are either imprisoned or trapped in a life of fear and paranoia, showing the irony of illgotten wealth.
6. Repetition
"O Aridon, bring back my wealth from roguevaults;" (Repeated in the first and last stanza)
The repetition reinforces the central plea for justice and restitution. It creates a rhythmic urgency, emphasizing the speaker’s frustration with corruption and the longing for a return to moral order.
Language and Diction
Ojaide’s language is richly poetic yet direct, blending English with indigenous elements. The diction is formal and charged with criticism, using words like "roguevaults," "scorn of impotence," and "prisonhouses of their crimes" to expose corruption. He also employs oral poetic techniques like invocation ("O Aridon") and repetition to give the poem a chantlike quality. The mix of simple and complex language makes the poem accessible yet layered with deep meanings.
Mood and Tone
Mood: The mood shifts from anger and frustration to sorrow and ultimately a reflective tone of justice. The poem carries an air of lamentation over Nigeria’s lost integrity but also a warning to those in power.
Tone: The tone is accusatory, satirical, and mournful. Ojaide openly condemns corrupt leaders while expressing grief for a nation stripped of its dignity.
Context
The poem is rooted in Nigeria’s sociopolitical climate, particularly during the military and postmilitary regimes when corruption was rampant. The reference to "Abuja" (Nigeria’s capital) alludes to political elites who hoard wealth while the masses suffer. The use of Urhobo mythology (Aridon) shows Ojaide’s cultural grounding, reinforcing that corruption is a betrayal not only of the people but also of ancestral wisdom. The poem reflects broader African struggles with leadership and accountability.
Conclusion
The Fate of Vultures is a powerful political poem that critiques corruption and the reckless exploitation of resources by Nigeria’s elites. Through rich symbolism, allusion, and irony, Ojaide paints a grim picture of a nation in decline, warning that those who abuse power will ultimately face the consequences. The poem resonates beyond Nigeria, serving as a universal cautionary tale about greed, power, and justice.
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