This is a sequel to Nobel Prize-winner Wole Soyinka's previous volumes of autobiography, Ake and Isara. It tells the story of Maren, Soyinka's alter ego, as he moves from schooldays in Ibadan to student days in Leeds, stints as a play reader in London, an abortive attempt to become a cafe singer in Paris, travels to other parts of the world, and finally a post as research fellow in drama back in Ibadan. Throughout all his travels he becomes increasingly antagonistic to the corrupt authorities, opposing them firstly through writing and then by direct action.

Ibadan market women were active in political mobilization and they engaged in eclectic political actions during the decolonization process. Their leaders significantly swayed the electorate both in and beyond the market places. This study examines the historical development of the roles of Ibadan market women in politics between 1900 and 1995 with a view to establishing their contributions. By a thorough historical analysis, Ibadan Divisional and Provincial papers, and newspapers of the nationalists’ era (1945-1960)-Nigerian Tribune and Southern Nigerian Defender from the National Archives Ibadan were consulted for information on the activities of Ibadan market women. Secondary data were obtained from the Women Research and Documentation Centre and other resource centres. Simultaneously, Ibadan market women were involved in party politics of the National Council for Nigeria and Cameroons (NCNC); Action Group (AG); and traditional power politics.

This study examines factors influencing homeownership amongst civil servants in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. For this purpose, it identifies the socio-economic characteristics of civil servants in Ibadan, investigates their housing preferences and identifies and examines factors affecting homeownership amongst them. This happens with a view to promote homeownership. The study uses self-administered questionnaires to obtain relevant data. A total number of 113 participants were used. This was generated by taking 15% of the staff capacity of each of the reviewed ministries in the Oyo State government secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State. Out of this number, 95 valid participants were retrieved and used for the analysis, indicating a response rate of 84.07%. Data were analysed with the use of frequencies, percentages and weighted mean analysis.

One of the consequences of the failure of the state to protect life and property of its entire citizens especially in developing countries like Nigeria is the emergences of private alternatives to crime prevention and control. This process of privatisation of security in Nigeria often involves recruitment of corporate and local security guards, vigilantes, night watchmen and the control of access into the neighbourhoods through gates and barriers. The book examines the nature, types, procedures, and administration of these private alternative to security in Ibadan metropolis. It identifies renaissance of primary affiliation among diverse urban residents and the interplay of forces of exclusion and inclusion among residents of gates neighbourhoods in Ibadan metropolis. It also evaluates the spatial pattern, trends and dynamics of gating and the general concern for security in Ibadan metropolis.