Arabic and Islamic Drama, a Medium for Conflict Management in Nigeria: A Study of Z. I. Osen’s Attabaqatul Al-Ulyah (The Upper Class)

Abstract

Drama right from its beginning has been used in analyzing and reshaping the socio-political, socio-cultural, religious and economic structure of all societies in the world. African playwrights have use drama as medium of educating and managing environmental conflicts. There is almost no society today that is free from conflicts and environmental crises. The present predicament of Nigeria is as a result of so many conflicts and crises between the citizens such as: religious conflict, political conflict, tribal conflict, regional conflict and cultural conflict and environment crises. Conflicts and Crises has so many negative effects to the society such as: disunity, lack of development and economic setback. Hence the need for enlighten and educating the citizens on how to manage conflict and crises becomes necessary. Various methods can be used in doing this and drama is one of the methods, this paper therefore analyses one of Oseni’s play text Attabaqatul Al-Ulyah (The Upper Class) in order to draw out some valuable lessons and methods of conflicts and crises management for peaceful environment. The researchers adopts the content analysis of qualitative research method. The research findings shows that for the peaceful co-existence of any society, there is need for conflict management through various means. The playwright therefore asserts the role of the clergy men, individual and government in conflict and crises management. The study recommends that more plays should be written by Arabic and Islamic Scholars to educate and promote peace and security. The paper therefore, concludes that Arabo-Islamic drama is a vital means for the propagation of peace and conflict management.