The political thriller “The Kingmaker of Muguland” hasn’t even hit the shelves, but it’s already the center of a firestorm.
Written by the outspoken Dr. Ope Banwo, the novel explores the shadowy influence of Chief Bisola Eleniyan, an enigmatic kingmaker who holds the reins of power in the fictional land of Muguland. But many readers and political analysts alike are convinced that Eleniyan is not entirely a figment of Banwo’s imagination. Instead, they suspect the character is based on a real-life political figure, a bigwig in the political circle.
Banwo, a U.S.-based Nigerian known for his fierce critiques of Nigerian governance, has made his debut in fiction with a story that mirrors the complexities of African politics. This timing couldn’t be more fitting, as Banwo’s sharp observations about power, corruption, and influence resonate with an audience deeply familiar with such realities. In crafting Eleniyan’s rise to political power, Banwo taps into the cultural consciousness surrounding Nigeria’s “kingmaker”, fueling the question that has ignited social media and political circles: Who really is Chief Eleniyan?
The character of Chief Bisola Eleniyan is no ordinary politician. The novel describes him as a master manipulator who pulls the strings behind the scenes in Muguland. He doesn’t just influence decisions; he shapes the future of leaders, choosing who rises and who falls. From his shadowy position, Eleniyan governs in everything but name, wielding more control than any of Muguland’s elected officials. The plot explores his unyielding ambition and the far-reaching effects of his influence on the country’s people, making Eleniyan a figure both feared and revered. With his return from exile and steady rise to power, the character’s trajectory is almost eerily similar to that of a prominent Nigerin politician, who rose from political exile to the highest office in Nigeria.
The politician, known for his role as a political “kingmaker,” shaped the outcomes of elections and helped elevate other leaders to power. He is viewed as a powerful figure who, like Eleniyan, has faced controversies over allegations of corruption and questions regarding his financial dealings. Given these well-known traits, it’s not surprising that many readers have drawn a straight line between Banwo’s fictional kingmaker and the political legacy of most Nigerian leaders. It’s a story that resonates, even if the name on the cover is not.
When asked about the inspiration behind Chief Eleniyan, Dr. Banwo is quick to dismiss the notion that the character is any particular individual. “Chief Bisola Eleniyan is a fictional character, not a direct representation of anyone else,” he stated in response to the speculation. He clarifies that The Kingmaker of Muguland speaks to the archetype of power-hungry politicians seen across Africa, not just in Nigeria. The novel, he says, is set in an imaginary country and intended as a critique of political systems rather than any individual leader. Banwo’s message is clear: Eleniyan is the embodiment of a type of leader who thrives in a broken system, manipulating the system rather than any single politician.
Still, the public’s fascination with the possible real-world parallels hasn’t died down. Even Banwo’s repeated insistence that Eleniyan is not based on any personality has only intensified speculation. The author’s reputation as an outspoken critic of Nigerian politics makes it easy to believe that he would craft a character like Eleniyan as an indictment of those wielding unchecked power. The response on social media has been swift, with readers voicing their suspicions online. Comments such as, “This novel isn’t as fictional as Banwo claims; it’s calling out the reality of Nigerian politics,” capture the prevailing sentiment. For many, The Kingmaker of Muguland feels less like a novel and more like a well-disguised exposé.
In the novel, Eleniyan’s narrative arc also includes a period of exile—a detail that bears resemblance to most African politicians’ past, adding fuel to the theory that the character is more than just a symbol. After a period of absence, Eleniyan reemerges, ready to claim his place in Muguland’s political landscape. His journey involves whispers of corruption and misconduct, his name laced with rumors that neither he nor his followers can escape. In all these elements, Banwo offers a striking depiction of a man skilled at the art of survival and the calculus of power, a kingmaker who molds the country’s politics with the ease of a master sculptor.
Yet, Banwo’s insistence that Eleniyan is a fictional creation allows him to maintain a safe distance from direct critique, sparing him the possibility of political backlash. “This book isn’t about any single leader,” Banwo maintains. “It’s about the political system that allows such figures to thrive.” And then he goes a step further, challenging those who believe Eleniyan resembles a real-life leader: “If people feel the cap fits, that’s up to them.” This statement has sparked a storm, with readers interpreting it as Banwo’s tacit acknowledgment of the character’s resemblance to actual African leaders.
Set for a global release on Sunday, November 10, “The Kingmaker of Muguland” is already one of the most anticipated books of the season. To celebrate the launch, Banwo will host a virtual event on Zoom, complete with a giveaway of 100 free print copies to the first attendees. This gesture has only heightened the buzz around the book, which will be available across 60,000 stores worldwide, including on platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
In the end, Dr. Ope Banwo’s “The Kingmaker of Muguland” promises more than a thrilling tale of intrigue and ambition. It serves as a mirror reflecting the political dynamics of Africa, where power brokers like Eleniyan, real or imagined, shape the destiny of entire nations from behind the scenes. As the novel reaches readers worldwide, it remains to be seen whether they will view Eleniyan as a fictional character—or a stark reminder of the powerful figures who hold sway over their own political realities. For those who recognize themselves in Eleniyan, Banwo’s message is as clear as ever: “If the cap fits, wear it.”
Post Views: 367
