VEJOH - VERITAS JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES

This paper argues that poets are the conscience of the nation and thus use their poems to vilify leaders and those who oppress people. Employing the sociological approach to the study of literature, the paper examines the use of poetry to equip the people to say no to injustice in whatever form it occurs. The paper analyses the poetry of Odia Ofeimum, Tayo Olatioye and Remi Raji. These Nigerian poets, through their poems, ;empower Nigerians to say no to injustice in order to create an ideal society where servant-leaders govern the affairs of the people for the good of all. Through their poetry, Nigerians are called to be courageous to say no to injustice for it is only in this state of being that leaders, at whatever level, will render selfless services, and improve the plight of the common man. This study, therefore, explicates the beauty of poetry in helping man to redeem himself and his society by being courageous enough to resist all forms of injustice.

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