The Poet as a Crusader for Social Justice: Stylistic Implications in Niyi Osundare’s Random Blues

The role of the poet as a crusader for social justice has been well-acknowledged in literary circles and beyond. This stems from nature art humanistic endeavor genetically imbued with spirit standing humanity freeing it stranglehold malfeasance, reprehensible tendencious inclinations. Poetry is, therefore, unique artistic expression solidarity people an aspiration or vision towards better human experience. Osundare’s involvement through practice meant engagement issues intent exposing contradictions that impoverish society. foregrounding thematic entailed mobilization linguistic resources stylistic strategies poignancy effective communication. paper interrogates meeting point between concerns his Random Blues he employs to service poetic To this end, analyses New Historicism which underscores invocation socio-political times production interpretation literature; insights Systemic Functional Linguistics stress place function relevance determining choice meaning. concludes critic, Osundare used poetry spearhead rude awakening oppressed society against manipulations by powerful few, calling latter action championing cause bring about transformation liberation chokehold tyranny oppression.