Niyi Osundare's "The Leader and the Led" is a fable because of the

Literature in English

JAMB 2025

From the novel; Selected Poems from: Exam Focus: Literature-in-English: 2021-25

Niyi Osundare's "The Leader and the Led" is a fable because of the

A. lies in it
B. simplicity of the language
C. witty nature of the poem
D. use of animals who act as humans

Your School's Whatsapp Group - Join Us now

Post-UTME Past Questions - Original materials are available here - Download PDF for your school of choice + 1 year SMS alerts

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

The poem is classified as a fable because it uses several traditional elements of this literary genre. The poem features a variety of animals, such as the Lion, Hyena, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra and Warthog, each representing different human leadership traits or personality types. For example:

The Lion represents power and strength.
The Hyena symbolises greed.
The Zebra reflects duplicity or deception.

The "animal kingdom" in the poem serves as an allegory for human society. It specifically critiques the socio-political struggles for leadership in Nigeria and across Africa. The interactions between these animals mirror the power dynamics found in human government and elections.

There is an explanation video available below.

Previous Next

Go back to Lit classroom

Report an Error Ask A Question Download App