Section A: AFRICAN DRAMA FRANK OGODO OGBECHE - Harvest of Corruption Why does Ogeyi dislike Ochuole?

Answer Details

In Harvest of Corruption, Ogeyi and Ochuole stand at opposite moral poles, and Ogeyi's dislike of Ochuole grows directly out of this contrast. Ogeyi is Aloho's honest, principled friend, while Ochuole is an agent of corruption; their clash is one of values.

• Ochuole is an agent of corruption. She works for and consorts with the corrupt Chief Haladu Ade-Amaka, earning her living through immorality and the vices of the powerful. Ogeyi, who prizes honesty and hard work, cannot approve of such a life.
• She is a corrupting influence on Aloho. Ochuole lures the vulnerable Aloho into the Chief's circle, presenting prostitution and shady dealing as the road to comfort. Ogeyi loves Aloho and sees Ochuole leading her friend to ruin, which deepens her hostility.
• Her materialism and false values. Ochuole measures success by money and appearances, not integrity. To the upright Ogeyi, this is a betrayal of decency.
• Her dishonesty and lack of conscience. Ochuole feels no shame in her dealings, whereas Ogeyi represents the voice of conscience in the play. Their moral distance makes friendship impossible.

Thus Ogeyi dislikes Ochuole not from mere personal jealousy but because Ochuole embodies everything Ogeyi condemns: corruption, immorality and the destruction of an innocent friend. Ogeyi's disdain functions in the play as the moral standard against which Ochuole's wickedness is measured.