WAEC & NECO Literature-in-English 2026–2030 | African Poetry
Themes in Not My Business by Niyi Osundare
Seven major themes explained in simple English, with the stanzas and lines that support each one.
This guide explains the main themes in Not My Business, the poem by Nigerian poet Niyi Osundare. In it, a selfish speaker ignores the suffering of his neighbours until the same fate reaches him. Each theme below comes with stanza and line references, so you can support your answers in class and in the exam.
Line numbers follow the official WAEC text, which has seven stanzas and 26 lines. New to the poem? Start with the stanza-by-stanza summary, then come back to this page.
1. Indifference and apathy
Of all the themes in Not My Business, indifference stands at the centre. The speaker sees his neighbours beaten, abducted and sacked, yet he feels no duty to act.
His repeated question shows that he has trained himself not to care. Osundare presents this attitude as dangerous, because it allows injustice to grow unchecked.
Where to find it: Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 (lines 5–7, 12–14 and 19–21).
2. Injustice and abuse of power
Every victim in the poem suffers without trial, charge or explanation. Men beat and seize Akanni, Danladi vanishes, and Chinwe loses her job despite a clean record.
Behind these acts stands a powerful force that answers to no one. Many readers see it as a picture of military rule in Nigeria.
Where to find it: Stanza 1 (lines 1–4), stanza 3 (lines 8–11) and stanza 5 (lines 15–18).
3. Selfishness
The speaker measures everything by his own comfort. As long as his yam stays in his mouth, other people’s pain means nothing to him.
Even at the end, he is sitting down to enjoy his meal. His hungry hand freezes only when trouble reaches his own door.
Where to find it: Stanza 2 (lines 6–7) and stanza 7 (lines 23–24).
Get the full Not My Business exam pack
Likely WAEC and NECO essay questions with model answers, plus objective questions with answers for revision and class tests.
4. Collective responsibility
Osundare suggests that everyone shares responsibility for resisting injustice. When citizens stay silent, oppressors grow bolder and move on to the next victim.
The speaker learns this lesson too late. Because nobody spoke up for Akanni, Danladi or Chinwe, nobody remains to speak up for him.
Where to find it: Stanza 7 (lines 22–26).
5. National unity
The three victims carry names from Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups. Akanni is a Yoruba name, Danladi is Hausa and Chinwe is Igbo.
Through these names, the poet shows that oppression respects no tribe. Nigerians therefore have every reason to stand together.
Where to find it: Stanza 1 (line 1), stanza 3 (line 10) and stanza 5 (line 15).
6. Fear and insecurity
A sense of threat hangs over the whole poem. Arrests happen in the morning and at night, at home and at work, so nobody is ever safe.
The silent, waiting jeep captures this fear. It needs no words, because everyone knows what it means.
Where to find it: Stanza 1 (line 4) and stanza 7 (lines 25–26).
7. The consequences of silence
The ending delivers the poem’s main lesson. Silence did not protect the speaker; it only delayed his turn.
Osundare, a strong believer in free speech, uses this ending to urge readers to speak out before it is too late.
Where to find it: Stanza 7 (lines 22–26).
How to write about themes in Not My Business
A good theme answer does three things. First, name the theme clearly. Next, point to the stanza and lines that show it. Finally, explain what that evidence reveals about the speaker or his society.
Avoid simply retelling the poem, because examiners reward explanation. For practice, try our Not My Business questions and answers. To see how Osundare’s language supports these ideas, read our guide to the poetic devices in the poem.
For everything about the poem in one place, visit the complete study guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Not My Business?
Indifference to the suffering of others, and the danger it brings.
How many themes in Not My Business should I know for WAEC?
Know at least four or five well, with line references for each. The seven on this page cover everything you are likely to need.
Is the poem only about military rule?
It reflects military rule in Nigeria, but its warning applies to any society where people ignore injustice.
What lesson does the poem teach?
Speak up against injustice early, because silence will not keep you safe.
Teaching this poem?
Get ready-made lesson notes, class tests and exam questions with marking guides for Not My Business and all 12 prescribed poems.
