Niyi Osundare's "The Leader and the Led" is a fable because of the

Analyze the question The question asks why "The Leader and the Led" is described as a fable. So we need the defining feature of a fable.

Explain the concept A fable is a short story, in prose or verse, that usually features animals (sometimes plants or objects) which talk and behave like human beings. It normally ends with a moral lesson. Aesop's fables and the Nigerian "tortoise tales" are common examples.

Show the solution Let's test each option:

• A. Lies in it: A fable is fictional, but it is not defined by "lies." This is not the technical reason.
• B. Simplicity of the language: Many poems use simple language without being fables.
• C. Witty nature of the poem: Wit is a style feature. Plenty of non-fable poems are witty.
• D. Use of animals who act as humans: This is the defining feature of a fable. In Osundare's poem, the animal characters (the leader and the led, such as the lion/ruler figure and the other animals) stand in for human political leaders and followers. The poem uses them to comment on leadership, power, and the responsibility of the led.

Answer The correct option is D.

Tip For "why is it a fable?" questions, remember: Fable = animals acting like humans + a moral lesson. If an option mentions talking or human-like animals, it is almost always the answer.