FEMINIST VISIONS IN AGUNLOYE SALAMI IRENE ’S IDIA, WARRIOR QUEEN OF BENIN AND BUCHI EMECHETA’S SECOND CLASS CITIZEN

Abstract

This project examines the feminist visions of Nigerian female writers by discussing the role of women in the socio-economic development of Nigeria using the works of Irene Agunloye-Salami’s, Idia, Warrior Queen of Benin and Buchi Emecheta’s Second Class Citizen respectively. The aim of this research is to bring to the fore the immeasurable contributions of women to their society. The study reveals that strong roles played by Idia, the warrior queen who helped to conquer Old Benin Empire from external aggressions and ruled it with “an iron hand” to the point that Benin became an empire to reckon with, thanks to her feminine dexterity and strong will-power. Similarly, Buchi Emecheta portrays a female character who, despite all odds, was determined to live above the stereotyped label of a “second Class Citizen” both as a “woman” and as an African. These phases of experiences did not deter her from becoming who she wanted to be and was determined to raise her children thus: to be proud of her heritage, race and gender while her male counterpart, have given up and resigned themselves to the level of second class citizen. Such character qualities set the stage for sober reflection. A reflection on the possibilities of the role of women in contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.