LITERATURE AND ENVIRONMENT: TANURE OJAIDE’S ECO-POETRY AND HIS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Abstract

Literature and environment also known as ecocriticism, interrogates how literature represents nature and the environment, intersects with environmental issues and activism, reflects ecological concerns and sustainability, and shapes human perceptions of the environment. It also explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. As a fascinating field of study, literature and environment examines the intersection between literary works and the natural environment through various approaches such as eco-poetry, environmental humanities, nature or green writing, among others. As a result, the concept of literature and environment has gained prominence in scholarly discourse and has become a catalyst through which environmental preservation and justice can be pursued via the tenets of eco-poetry and other literary genres. Specifically, this paper interrogates environmental justice in selected poems from Tanure Ojaide’s Songs for Myself: A Quartet, and The Questioner: New Poems. Using Glotfelty’s environmental theory, the paper explores the poet’s representation of environmental degradation and the devastating effects of oil pollution in the Niger Delta, caused by multinational companies who are aided by government agencies. As the poet advocates for justice, fairness and equity, he exposes the contradictions inherent in contemporary Nigerian society and attacks political leaders and their collaborators, whom he depicts as inhuman, materialistic and corrupt. Through textual analysis, the paper also examines the techniques used by the writer in articulating his quest for environmental justice. The study reveals that the system of environmental justice applied to the Niger Delta region is inadequate and ineffective. There are widespread environmental negligence and human rights violations in the exploitation of the region’s natural resources. Ultimately, this paper advocates for environmental justice, fairness and equity as essential pathways to peace, development and national unity in Nigeria.