Nigerian poet Tares Oburumu has published a new collection of poems, Flora's Love Colony, which explores the country's troubled history and challenges established narratives. The collection has been shortlisted for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature. Oburumu's work is characterized by a strong sense of mission, driven by his belief that Nigeria must return to its buried histories to understand its present. His poetry has appeared in several Nigerian and international journals.
Oburumu's collection is an attempt to poetically trace Nigeria's journey from its pre-colonial past through slavery and colonialism to the present. The book emerged from a plan conceived after completing his debut collection, Origins of the Syma Species, which explored his hometown, Syma, in the Niger Delta. Oburumu became fascinated by Flora Shaw, the British journalist who coined the name Nigeria in a 1897 Times article, which sparked the imaginative idea for the collection.
Flora's Love Colony is an exploration of identity, colonialism, and neocolonialism, and their effects on Nigerians. Oburumu argues that Nigeria's history did not begin with colonialism, but rather with societies, kingdoms, cultures, and distinct identities that existed before the European encounter. He believes that much of this history has been obscured by narratives that came afterwards. The book moves backwards, exploring the histories of the Niger Delta, the Igbo, the Yoruba, and other peoples who existed before Nigeria was assembled.
Oburumu's interest in Shaw is not simply biographical, but rather a doorway into a larger meditation on identity and colonialism. He urges Nigerians to recover their lost history and decolonize their minds. The poet argues that Nigeria's independence was incomplete, and that British influence continued long after 1960. He cites examples such as Nigeria's dependence on English and Western cultural ideals, as well as economic and political relationships with former colonial powers.
Oburumu chose poetry as the medium for his exploration because it allows for the compression of history without surrendering its emotional and imaginative force. He wanted to avoid turning the book into a lengthy historical exposition, and instead opted for a concise and precise approach. The collection's opening line, "In the beginning was the Atlantic Ocean," deliberately echoes the biblical cadence of "In the beginning was the Word," setting the tone for the rest of the book.
The poet's work has been recognized internationally, with his debut collection winning the 2022 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets. He has also been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize. Oburumu's poetry offers a unique perspective on Nigeria's history and its ongoing impact on the present. His collection is a call to action, urging Nigerians to engage with their past and work towards a more nuanced understanding of their identity.
Oburumu's exploration of Nigeria's history and identity is a timely and important contribution to the country's literary landscape. His work challenges readers to think critically about the narratives that have shaped their understanding of their country and its place in the world. As Nigeria continues to grapple with its complex past and present, Oburumu's poetry offers a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on the country's journey so far.
Key points
- Tares Oburumu's poetry collection, Flora's Love Colony, explores Nigeria's history and challenges established narratives.
- The collection is an attempt to poetically trace Nigeria's journey from its pre-colonial past to the present.
- Oburumu argues that Nigeria's independence was incomplete and that British influence continued long after 1960.
