Adipo Sidang’s Parliament of Owls is a political satire that uses allegory to critique corruption, dictatorship, and systemic oppression in African governance. The play is set in a fictional Bird Kingdom, where the ruling class consists of owls, led by the Royal Owl, King Tula Nyongoro, with his closest ally, Moneybag Owl. The Parliament of Owls serves as the supreme ruling institution, but rather than ensuring fairness and justice, it enacts laws that benefit the owls while exploiting and oppressing other birds.

The owls portray themselves as the only birds capable of governance, enacting laws that protect their interests at the expense of day birds, grain eaters, and omnivores. The passage of bills is rushed, often with coercion or bribery, ensuring that dissenting voices, such as Iron Lady Owl, are silenced. One of the most controversial pieces of legislation is the Moonlight Bill, a law passed hastily to curb protests from birds demanding fair governance. The bill imposes harsh curfews, limiting movement and freedom while enforcing a “moonlight tax” that burdens non-owl birds.

A small but determined resistance forms, led by Oyundi, the fire finch, who recognizes the injustices within the kingdom. She gains support from like-minded birds, including some rebellious owls, to challenge the corrupt leadership. Oyundi’s rebellion is not just about protesting unfair laws—it is a fight for an inclusive government where all birds have equal rights. She ultimately discovers a hidden secret in the Royal Trees, The Golden Bead, which becomes a key element in overthrowing the corrupt leadership.

The play intensifies when Arum Tidi, the chief propagandist of the owls, is found dead under mysterious circumstances, increasing unrest among the birds. Oyundi strategically capitalizes on this moment, organizing a resistance that ultimately topples the Parliament of Owls, leading to the formation of a new governing body, The Flock of Birds, which promises fairness and representation for all.

Through satire and symbolism, Parliament of Owls exposes how greed, corruption, and dictatorship hinder progress while emphasizing the power of resistance and the role of ordinary citizens—especially marginalized groups—in driving change. It delivers a powerful message about civic engagement, justice, and the possibility of dismantling oppressive systems through collective effort.

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