Discuss about the priest of the Swamp.

 

The 20th Century African playwright Wole Soyinka portrayed the society of the Delta region in “The Swamp Dwellers” A powerful element or institution of the society is portrayed by the kadiye. He is the priest of the serpent –God of the Swamp. He represents the traditional religious authority who exploits the superstitious villagers out of nothing.

 

The physical feature of kadiye indicates that he is more like a villain than to be a religious person. He is fat like a blood-swollen insect. He is a monstrous looking person. He is described as a big, voluminous creature of about fifty. He is smooth faced and his head is shaved clean. He is bare above the waist and at least half of his fingers are ringed. This physical look suggests something ugly about his moral nature kadiye is very rich and has a good control over the Swamp like a Godfather featured in the western films. Kadiye destroys wearing the mask of religion. The only priest of the serpent god or Swamp god. He receives sacrifices from the ordinary people and perform all the rituals on behalf of the God. The Swamp people sacrifices the best ones of their production in order to pacify the serpent God so that they can yield a Good harvest otherwise they might suffer from loss. But Kadiye betrays the trust of the Villagers by encouraging them to indulge in meaningless cult. No one questions where the goods go, because it is  almost irreligious to do so.

 

However, the kadiye is the most influential character. He lives lavishly. The beggar is foil to kadiye. One works hard to earn bread and butter, while the other cheats and deceives the ignorant people to flourish on them.

                 

The true nature of kadiye is vividly demonstrated by the interrogation of Igwezu, who suspects his (kadiye’s) loyalty and honesty.

 

Though he is priest by his profession he is anything but pious. Actually he is a corrupt and self-centered person.