Underlying Philosophies of Ken Saro Wiwa’s Concept ‘Erectism’ in A Month and a Day: A Detention Diary

This research undertakes a study of how Ken Saro-Wiwa constructs his life philosophy into a form of activism, which he pursued throughout his adult life and ultimately died for. Moreover, this article adopts Wiwa’s own definition of the concept ‘erectism’, which he characterises as having three main dimensions (ethnic autonomy, resource control, and environmental control) in his book A Month and a Day: A Detention Diary. Additionally, views and theories submitted by critics are included in this report. Adapting the constructivist approach to define the term ‘erectism’ as in national unity, development, democracy and justice.

Key-words: Ken Sare-Wiwa, erectism, environmental degradation, internal colony