The Vendetta of the Gods

By: Philip Umukoro

The Vendetta of the Gods portrays an iconic struggle which tears the "Orishas," "Gods," apart; the cosmic eruption between Sango (god of thunder and lightning) and Obatala (god of creation) after the eve of creation.

Obatala has become the king of Ile-Ife, and his kingdom is prosperous and peaceful. Meanwhile, Sango has also become the third king of Oyo, after the previous king, Ajaka, had been ousted by the Oyo Mesi-council of chiefs-for his insubordination. Quintessentially, Sango, who is always power-drunk, becomes envious and vile when he hears about the prosperity of Ile-Ife under Obatala. So, he conspires with Eshu and Ogun to plunder Ile-Ife in broad daylight. Sango kills both high and low, imprisons Obatala, and then pronounces himself as the new king afterward.

Written in a play format, The Vendetta of the Gods weaves myth and reality to provide a look into of Africa's socio-political system, one built on conspiracy, dictatorship, vengeance, and revolution.