Peaceful Co-existence in a Multi-ethnic Society: An Appraisal of Two Yoruba Prose Narratives

The Nigerian nation is a plural society. Before they were grouped as a nation-state, the various ethnic groups had their distinct traditional, cultural, and social institutions. This essay starts from the premise that peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic groups making up the Nigerian nation-state is non-negotiable. In other words, there is a compelling need for the Nigerian nation-state to remain united despite the diversities of the cultures, traditions, languages, and religious affiliations of her constituents. Realizing the enormous role that literary works can play in catalyzing national integration and unity, which are essential components of peaceful co-existence, the essay examines two Yorùbá prose narratives viz: (i) Ọkùnrin and (ii) Kò sí Látẹ, both authored by Folúkẹ́ Adékẹ́yè. This is done to identify the extent to which literary texts particularly prose narratives can serve as tools for achieving peaceful co-existence in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria. The examination of the selected texts is carried out with insight drawn from Max Weber (1864-1920) nation-state model of the theory of sociology. The model emphasizes that the state reaches into the lives of all members of society, and has a great capacity to influence the individual, the family, and other social groups. It asserts further that the thinking that began with nation-states was continued in the idea of social systems. The essay concludes that literary works inclusive of the two selected texts, are potent weapons for birthing peaceful co-existence in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria.