A groundbreaking new play, “Okanlawon the Bully,” delves into the pervasive issue of bullying in Nigerian secondary schools.
It explained the causes, manifestations, and the profound effects bullying has on students.
The book was co-authored by Olukayode Owolabi and Olayinka Olorunfunmi.
Olorunfunmi revealed that in a significant endorsement, the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education recommended “Okanlawon the Bully” as a key literature text for students preparing for common entrance exams from the 2023-2026 academic sessions.
He said that the book was written in response to alarming research indicating rampant bullying in educational institutions, adding that the play sought to raise awareness and provoke discussion around this pressing problem.
He said, “At the center of the narrative is Lawon, a boy who unwittingly inherits the cycle of violence from his father, Rotimi, who regularly abuses his wife, Yeni. This toxic environment shapes Lawon into a bully himself, leading to his eventual expulsion from school.
Following the death of his father, Lawon’s uncle, Bayo, steps in to care for him, offering both prayers and a fresh start by enrolling him in a new school.
“However, Lawon soon finds himself the target of bullying from two larger classmates, Musa and Uche. In his moment of despair, Lawon turns to prayer, seeking divine intervention. Miraculously, his prayers are answered when Musa and Uche are expelled, allowing Lawon to flourish academically. He ultimately rises to represent his school and state at a prestigious National Award Ceremony in Abuja, where he is honoured by the President of Nigeria, along with top officials from the Ministry of Education and UNESCO.”
Olorunfunmi said that the play not only illustrated Lawon’s journey from victim to victor but also served as a poignant reminder of the emotional and educational toll that bullying takes on young people. The author emphasised that bullying is an antisocial behaviour that hinders learning and leaves lasting scars on victims.
Targeted primarily at teenagers, “Okanlawon the Bully” also touched upon the less-discussed topic of bullying within romantic relationships, although its main focus remains on the dynamics within secondary schools.
Despite the challenges of being a writer in Nigeria where reading often takes a backseat to visual entertainment, Olorunfunmi expressed immense pride and fulfilment in sharing this important narrative, saying that the positive feedback from readers served as motivation to continue addressing vital social issues through literature.
As the dialogue surrounding bullying gains momentum, “Okanlawon the Bully” stands as a crucial contribution to the conversation, inspiring hope, and change in the fight against this societal menace.
