The Road (play)

The plot revolves around Samson, a driver's assistant, and Salubi, a young driver without a license, who discuss their work experiences inside the store. Salubi works independently and only accepts individual passengers, while Samson is employed by Kotonu, who operates an unofficial bus converted from a truck. Kotonu and the professor join the conversation. Kotonu, who stopped driving after a serious accident, now works with the professor, who appears more of a religious enthusiast than a businessman, believing he can comfort the spirits of the deceased. He leaves with Kotonu to visit a collision scene.^[2][3]

The professor, who is not a clergyman, had previously preached in a church near the shop. Samson explains to Salubi why the professor left following a dispute with the bishop that resulted in a church wall collapsing. Samson convinces Kotonu to admit to helping the professor steal parts from the damaged cars to sell in the shop when he returns from the accident scene.^[4]

At Aksident Store, where the professor also sells palm wine, several unemployed drivers and assistants gather. These individuals have been united by Say-Tokyo-Kid to form a group that is hired to provide security or incite violence at political events. Particulars Joe, the local police officer, arrives to collect his bribes, and Chief-in-Town, the local politician, stops by to hire the group. Three men enter the shop looking for specific auto parts. When the professor arrives, Samson and Salubi ask him to copy a fake driver's license from Kotonu, who has since stopped driving. The professor initially refuses due to Salubi's disrespectful language but later changes his mind and agrees.^[5]