Emmanuel Eruemulor’s debut poetry collection, *Unwanted*, delves into the themes of exile and identity, examining the personal and national tribulations faced by a young man disillusioned by his country’s circumstances. The collection presents a journey through various dimensions of suffering, categorized into three sections: Nigeria, Migrating, and The Clash of Cultures.
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In the first section, titled Nigeria, the poem “Genesis, Interrupted” parallels the biblical creation story with Nigeria's fate, beginning with the discovery of oil and hinting at the ensuing corruption. Eruemulor reflects on his upbringing in Zundert as a pastor’s son and the religious rejection he faced. The poem highlights Nigeria's diverse ethnicities, suggesting that while diversity itself isn't inherently problematic, colonial manipulation of this diversity has contributed to the nation’s turmoil.
Subsequent poems, such as “Sunday Service, Tuesday Grave” and “The Church that Buries Its Own,” showcase the impact of religious strife, including church bombings and law enforcement brutality, as exemplified by the police incidents that spurred the #ENDSARS protests in 2020. “Toll Gate, Lekki” captures the grim atmosphere surrounding the Lekki Massacre, illustrating how memory serves as a form of resistance against oppression.
Throughout *Unwanted*, Eruemulor critiques Nigeria’s persistent divisions along tribal, ethnic, and religious lines. His work offers poignant observations on corruption, particularly in poems like “The Man in Agbada” and “A Politician Talks of Power/ A Voter Talks of Survival,” which highlight the disparity between politicians and the experiences of ordinary citizens.
Eruemulor’s poetry evokes a sense of lamentation, echoing the sentiments of Nigeria's past generations of poets. The collection frequently touches on themes of disillusionment, encapsulating the struggles of a population seeking opportunities abroad rather than within their own country. As the later sections explore transnational themes, the tone shifts to reflect exilic struggles, including challenges with adjustment, racism, and the politics faced by immigrants.
While Eruemulor's straightforward style can occasionally feel repetitive, the authenticity and urgency of his voice resonate clearly, making *Unwanted* a significant contribution to contemporary poetry that articulates the yearning for identity and belonging amidst societal failure. Chimezie Chika is a staff writer at Afrocritik, with works featured in various literary publications.