Religion in ‘The Fourth World’: A Study of Elnathan John’s On Ajayi Crowther Street

Abstract

With the rise in socio-economic austerity in Nigeria, people seek for a respite and a way out of their challenges. Religion provides that easy way out. However, some religious leaders set out to use the same religion as an oppressive tool both for their families and their congregation. As literature mirrors the society, Elnathan John’s On Ajayi Crowther Street foregrounds this pertinent issue in contemporary Nigeria. This paper therefore leaning on the postcolonial discourse and utilizing the content analysis method, explores religion and the ‘fourth world’, that is, the world peopled by the vulnerable, defenceless and the gullible. It probes religion as a construct used for deceit and to exploit. Thus, it is discovered that these custodians of religion, especially in Nigeria has found a readymade business venture where their investments yield quantum returns and that these leaders themselves are quacks and predators. Premised on this discovery, it is hoped that through this creative wake up call, people will be alert to avoid falling into this scam of religious deviousness and quackery.