The Jester’s Return by Okoye Sunday. (Book Review)

The Jester’s Return is a short satirical play that captures the political affray and fiery furies of the 2023 general election.

In this compelling play, author Okoye Sunday humorously weaves together the chaos, division, and ethnic and religious tensions that defined the 2023 presidential election. 

The heart of the play’s action unfolds at Mama Chukwudi’s Bar. A name that gained cultural significance during the election period, becoming symbolic of the fierce debates and ethnic confrontations that took place in Lagos.  

The altercations in Mama Chukwudi’s bar are a microcosm of the heated arguments,  anger, and antagonism that erupted among supporters of the three major political parties, Obidient, Batist and Atikulate, using their monikers. Scenes that played out in bars and joints nationwide before and after the election.  

The play also takes a bold jab at the corruption within law enforcement and exposes the compromised stance of officers during the post-election protests and their questionable role in the chaos.  

Okoye Sunday masterfully captures this defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, preserving it for future generations in an entertaining and thought-provoking play.  

The Jester’s Return is indeed an apt name for the play. Nigerian elections have long resembled a tragic comedy, where we applaud and cheer for jesters who mock our intelligence—only to have them return every four years with empty promises and to make a caricature of our political polity. 

As long as we continue to vote jesters into power, Nigeria’s democracy will remain a joke.

Review by Dr Ngozi Ebubedike.