Author
Jimoh, Y. O.
Abstract
This paper seeks to analyse the forms of corruption in political leadership governance as illustrated in Àkùkọ Gàgàrà, a Yorùbá novel. The study aims therefore to examine political consciousness, governance, thematic features of political events, characterisation and the challenges of political leadership in Nigeria. The paper employs Marxist Sociology of Literature to analyse Àkùkọ Gàgàrà through a critical analysis. This is because literature is not simply a matter of personal expression but also relates to the social and political conditions of a society at a particular time. The paper therefore views corrupt political leadership as a major hinderance to good governance and democratic stability in Nigeria. The corrupt political leadership motifs that were depicted in the text Àkùkọ Gàgàrà are violations of human rights, nepotism, mismanagement of public funds, negligence of the masses, non-implementation of policy, and exploitation. Therefore, collective effort is recommended in demanding for good governance as depicted in the selected novel.
Keywords
Àkùkọ Gàgàrà, Corruption, Literature, Motifs, Political Leadership, Yorùbá novel.
Introduction
Literature examines human lives, as well as the cultural, social, economic and political activities in society. Human society experiences social, cultural and political conflicts, changes and challenges all the time. Life and the experiences of human beings in their environments are often represented in works of art because they are intricately linked to their environments. Literature, as a powerful instrument, has the capacity to impact, reshape and restructure society by depicting the happenings in the society.
Content
The indispensable role of the arts in society is imperative as literature helps in shaping the context of society. Ngugi Wa Thiongo, (1972, p:15) avers that literature does not grow or develop in a vacuum, but it is given impetus, shape and direction by social, political, religious and economic forces in a particular society. Politics is an act of governance, while political leadership signifies governance, decision-making and management of resources and other affairs in a nation. Political leadership is attained through election or selection of candidates through organised forms in a free and fair process to take charge of the nation’s affairs.
Corruption which was planted by colonial masters is as old as African society. After the departure of the colonial masters, the colonised people continued in the same manner of the colonial masters by engaging in corrupt leadership practices. The Yorùbá novelists, aware of this changing culture of political leadership in Africa and the attendant corrupt practices, give vivid depictions of realities in their texts in line with the subscription of African literature to the concept of art for life's sake. These scenes of inept leadership and corrupt practices in the society are reflected in the selected Yorùbá novel.
Conclusion
Àkùkọ Gàgàrà reveal that the indices of corruption are a hybrid of deceitful anti-social behaviours, which were inherited front the colonial masters and nurtured into indigenous Nigerian context. Àkùkọ Gàgàrà depicts the military regimes in Nigeria at a particular time. The two regimes were described as being anti-human rights governments. Corruption is highly apparent in public sectors; undue hardship is the experience of the masses without hope, absence of freedom of speech and political assassinations reign supreme. All forms of corruption are exhibited by political leaders during the period and emergence of civilian administration. The incidents during the period are well treated as there is a sign of relief on the part of the masses. The scenes are presented using General Déńdè, General Aláásà and Chief Ìwàlẹwà.
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