AFRICAN DRAMA
KOBINA SEKYI: The Blinkards.
Consider Barrister Onyimdze as a defender of African culture.
Explanation
In spite of his sound knowledge of the English legal system, Barrister Onyimdze’s love for, and practice of African ways of life, remain untainted and enviable. These qualities in him are shown on many occasions.
One such occasion is when he bluntly refuses to marry a European lady when advised to do so by Mrs. Borofosem. This, according to him is most undesirable for Africans. The lawyer also employs Okadu as his clerk and manages to teach him to appreciate African values.
His preference for African cloths, especially when he is not at work is remarkable; so is his love for African food and drinks such as `ahe’ — a popular drink even among the fishermen’s wives. In all these, he readily identifies with the common people, including their music and dance. His love for and defence of African values are eloquently expressed in his brilliant argument in favour of African traditional marriage when he takes the ill-fated Okadu-Tsiba marriage up. He acts as a foil to Mrs. Borofosem. It is his steadfast defence of African values which finally turns characters like Mrs. Borofosem around.