The JAMB 2026 Literature-in-English UTME syllabus is a must-read document for all candidates offering Literature. It clearly outlines what to read, what to study, and how questions will be set in the examination.
If you want to score high in JAMB 2026, this syllabus will guide your preparation from Drama to Prose, Poetry, and Literary Appreciation.
👉 This post explains the syllabus in simple language, with exam focus.
🎭 Scene One – The Forbidden Rite
The play opens in a sacred grove where Ajanaku (Prince Olaniyonu) is being secretly prepared for kingship by Serubawon, the chief priest. Two elders, Odejimi and Ogundele, grow suspicious when Serubawon mentions ritual preparations normally reserved for a reigning king.
Their fears are confirmed:
👉 Serubawon is performing the Olubori rites, even though King Akinjobi is still alive.
This act is seen as treason and a violation of tradition. While Odejimi protests and storms out, Ogundele reluctantly accepts gifts, revealing early signs of complicity.
🌿 Scene Two – Love and Ominous Dreams
Odekunle (Odejimi’s son) and Desola (Serubawon’s daughter) meet secretly in the bush. They are lovers planning marriage after the next harvest 💕.
However, Desola shares a terrifying dream where she is unable to sing her bridal song and faces violence. The dream foreshadows tragedy. Tension deepens when Odekunle reveals that Ajanaku’s emergence as king was not approved by the elders.
👑 Scene Three – Coronation of Tyranny
Ajanaku is crowned king in the village square. His speech is filled with boasts, metaphors, and threats, suggesting he will rule differently from past kings.
Some elders pledge loyalty, but Odejimi and Odegbami sense danger ⚠️. Ogundele dismisses their fears, urging celebration instead of resistance.
🏠 Scene Four – The Voice of Warning
Back home, Odejimi is deeply troubled. His wife Iyale challenges his habit of worrying without action. She introduces the philosophy of Iya Agba, the widow of the late king, stressing that people only react when their personal peace is threatened.
Odejimi dismisses Iya Agba as mad — a mistake that later proves costly.
⚖️ Scene Five – Injustice in the Palace
Ajanaku presides over a land dispute. Though the hardworking man’s argument is valid, Ajanaku confiscates the land for the royal house, branding everyone lazy and selfish.
This scene clearly reveals:
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Abuse of power
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Economic oppression
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The silencing of truth
Ogundele again supports Ajanaku, deepening his guilt.
🔮 Scene Six – Iya Agba Speaks
Iya Agba boldly enters the palace, using songs, proverbs, and satire to expose corruption. She mocks Ajanaku’s claim to greatness and reminds him of the elephant story — a warning he ignores.
Ajanaku bans her from the palace in anger.
🔥 Scene Seven – The Prophetic Condemnation
Iya Agba returns defiantly, calling Ajanaku by his real name Olaniyonu, stripping him of royal dignity. She declares:
Calling yourself an elephant does not make you one.
She exposes scandals, including Omoyemi’s pregnancy, and dances mockingly. Her courage establishes her as the moral conscience of the play.
😰 Scene Eight – The King’s Fear
Ajanaku is haunted by Iya Agba’s words. Though outwardly powerful, he is internally shaken. Serubawon refuses to reassure him, hinting that fate has turned against the king.
💔 Scene Nine – Tragedy of the Lovers
Odekunle and Desola are ambushed by palace guards. Desola is dragged away while Odekunle is restrained. Her off-stage screams confirm sexual violence by Ajanaku.
This scene marks the moral collapse of kingship.
😭 Scene Ten – Broken Youth
Odekunle recounts the tragedy to his friends. He is overwhelmed by guilt, shame, and helplessness. Hope is crushed, and youthful dreams are destroyed.
🏚️ Scene Eleven – A Daughter’s Pain
Desola returns home traumatised. When Serubawon learns the truth, he realises his own complicity in empowering Ajanaku. Guilt and moral awakening begin.
⚔️ Scene Twelve – Confrontation
Serubawon confronts Ajanaku, accusing him of using Desola in ritual sacrifice practices. Ajanaku reveals that Serubawon knew the cost of power all along.
Serubawon leaves in tears, broken by regret.
🌕 Scene Thirteen – Seeking Redemption
A gathering is held at Iya Agba’s house. Victims, elders, and youths seek forgiveness and justice. Though angry at first, Iya Agba forgives them after seeing genuine repentance.
Hope is restored 🌱.
🎉 Scene Fourteen – The Fall of the Elephant
At the Jobele Festival, Ajanaku expects praise. Instead, truth confronts him. He suddenly collapses and dies — divine justice fulfilled.
The tyrant falls at the height of his power.
