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Have you ever wondered what happens when leaders forget the people they are supposed to serve? Miracle Bassey tackles this timeless question head-on in his 2026 drama text, We Need a King.
We Need a King is set in the fictional African village of Ikot Esang. The play follows a community suffering under the crushing weight of three corrupt leaders: Chief Akpan, Chief Etim, and Chief Etokidem. These chiefs are so driven purely by greed at the expense of the general well-being of the villagers. These greedy fellows enact oppressive laws to enrich themselves. They strip villagers of their land and force all men to pay outrageous monthly taxes that go into their pockets alone.
Under their tyrannical rule, Ikot Esang plunges into extreme poverty and drought. Anyone who dares to resist is violently beaten and banished. But the spirit of the oppressed cannot be broken.
The community decides to fight back in the only way it can. The villagers demand the dismantling of the chiefdom in favour of a single accountable king, having realised that having multiple corrupt rulers allows the elite to easily shift blame and avoid accountability. What happens in between and afterwards is nothing short of wonder.
We Need a King is thus a profound exploration of postcolonial disillusionment. It mirrors the painful reality of many societies where the high expectations of post-colonial freedom were betrayed by local leaders who simply reproduced the exploitative systems of their oppressors. It recreates a kind of disillusioned modern society you can only find in the works of Ngugi wa Thiong’o.
One significant highlight of this play is the playwright’s construal of civic consciousness as the way out of the seemingly irredeemable disillusionment. For Bassey, true societal renewal begins when ordinary citizens find the courage to unite and refuse to accept injustice as their permanent destiny.
We Need a King is highly recommended for anyone who likes literature that provokes thought and inspires change. Grab your copy of the play today and discover what happens when an oppressed people finally find their voice! The purchase link is in the “Buy now” button below.
The Author in Pictures
Miracle Bassey was born on September 28, 2003. He is a native of Ikot Ofon Ikono, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
He completed his secondary education at St. Joseph Catholic Grammar School and The Pragmatic College, both located in Odode Idanre, Ondo State. He is currently studying English and Literary Studies in the Department of English, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Miracle Bassey is a Nigerian author and creative writer. He is the author of We Need a King, a powerful African drama that explores the themes of corruption, resistance, and the fight for justice. As a literature enthusiast, his creative works span drama, prose, poetry, and other literary genres.
He published his debut drama, We Need a King, in March 2026 through Planeyo Publishers, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Beyond writing, Miracle Bassey is a gospel singer, actor, content creator, and YouTuber. He is the CEO of UNCLE MIMI COMEDY, a YouTube channel where he shares comedy shorts and other entertaining content. He also operates social media accounts under the name UNCLE MIMI, where he regularly posts skits and other creative content.
The Book in Pictures
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