THE CITY AS MUSE: A CONTEXTUAL READING OF HENRY AKUBUIRO'S PRODIGALS IN PARADISE AND DAMILARE KUKU'S NEARLY ALL THE MEN IN LAGOS ARE MAD

This study investigates the role of the urban landscape, specifically Lagos, as a powerful influence on narrative and character development in Henry Akubuiro's Prodigals in Paradise and Damilare Kuku's Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad. Adopting a qualitative methodology, this research analyzes these texts through the lenses of psychogeography and post-colonial urbanism, examining how the cityscape shapes individual experiences, identities, and interpersonal relationships. The findings reveal that Lagos is portrayed as more than a backdrop; it acts as an active muse, impacting the protagonists’ decisions, interactions, and emotional states, while reflecting broader themes of alienation, resilience, and cultural complexity in a post-colonial society. By highlighting how Lagos influences personal agency amidst socio-economic challenges and modernity, the study underscores the city’s dual role as both a place of opportunity and constraint. Furthermore, it reveals that the city's chaotic and dynamic environment fosters a unique resilience and adaptability in its inhabitants, contributing to a nuanced portrayal of urban life in Nigerian literature. The research recommends further studies on the representation of other Nigerian cities in literature to explore diverse urban influences on character and narrative. Additionally, it advocates for increased attention to urban issues in Nigerian storytelling to enrich discourse on culture, identity, and urbanization. This study contributes to the broader literary discourse on how cities shape and reflect human experiences, adding depth to contemporary conversations on identity, agency, and the complexities of life in evolving urban spaces.