The African Symposium: An On Line Journal Of African Educational Research Network
The Muse As Peace-Maker: The Moral Burden Of Conflict Management And Resolution In Nigerian Literature by Ayo Kehinde
University of Ibadan.
Abstract Individual and societal conflicts are sensitive issues in Nigeria. However, while much has been written on commitment in Nigerian literature, its place in conflict management and resolution is still relatively new. Therefore, with evidence provided by Tanure Ojaides Children of Iroko, J.P. Clarks The Casualties, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun and Segun Afolabis A Life Elsewhere on the relevance of literature in conflict management and resolution, this paper deconstructs the erroneous claim that literature is not effective in conflict management and resolution. It argues that, while the four selected Nigerian writers treat the issue of conflict management and resolution, the main differences in their works are in techniques and the degree of passion that have characterised their writings. It is established that much of the interest which Nigerian writers have generated in recent years stems mainly from their focus on those issues of society which the people feel are closest to their hearts, particularly aspects of socio-political relationship. Nigerian literature exploits, with a new intensity, the perennial pan-national problem of conflict. The writers recommend national solidarity and high morale in the face of extra-national enemies or rivals. Key Words: Nigerian literature, Conflict Management, Conflict resolution, Tribalism.
Introduction The most important event in the recent history of Nigeria is the demise of the dream of our heroes past for peaceful coexistence; that is, the castrated hope of unity in diversity. Consistently, the news pages of virtually all Nigerian newspapers are daily littered with necrophilous, if not apocalyptic, fear-inducing , anxiety-promoting phrases which draw attention to the transitional nature of the Nigerian state and society. According to Osaghae and Robinson (2005:5), ―Africa has the uncanny reputation of being the world's leading theatre of conflict, war, poverty, disease and instability.‖ Indeed, Nigeria, in particular, has been a nation enmeshed in violent conflicts, which have defied many solutions. According to Zartman (2003:3): Though they involve the activities of seasoned peace makers using the best of personal skills and recently developed knowledge about ways of managing and resolving conflicts, international

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