The Leader and the Led as a Criticism of African Leadership Style.

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The Leader and the Led as a criticism of African Leadership style: A critical evaluation

The Leader and the Led" by Professor Niyi Osundare is an allegorical poem that highlights the type of leadership style in Africa and what leadership should be. The poem illustrates political and social dynamic that exists between African leaders and their supporters.

The Leader and the Led serves as Niyi Osundare's quest in seeking answers to Africa's leadership difficulties. This poem subtly criticizes certain people's assumption that the seat of power is their birthright, that they are the most qualified and that no one can do it better. He also offers the types of leaders who might be good to our society. To do this, he uses the features and characteristics of animals to expand on the subject matter of the poem which centers on leadership role in the African continent.

The hyena's "lethal hunger" relates to the attitude of most African politicians. They perceive positions of power as opportunities to acquire fortune at the cost of the masses. They take monies from the government's coffers and misappropriate what is meant for everyone for themselves. This hyena characteristic accurately represents the corruption that has grown endemic among African politicians and virtually inextricably linked to African leadership.

Lines 9-21 continue the persona's quest for whatever animal is eligible for the leadership job; not even the elephant, the largest animal in the forest, is deserving of that responsibility since other animals fear him. The other animal questioned his capacity to command them because he feared becoming a dictator and remain in power forever.

The giraffe with the long neck is anticipated to be a visionary and focused leader, yet he is unable to dominate. This scenario metaphorically depicts Nigeria's leadership squabble. The masses are not unified enough to elect leaders to political positions, this is because of religious and ethnic differences among members of the society. The poem's main topic is what is expected of those who lead and those who are led. It is a collaborative effort rather than the duty of those who control or those who follow. A good leader must also be an excellent follower. The poet used animal analogies to portray numerous behavioral patterns that are crucial in a leadership spat or power struggle.

 

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LITERATURE WORD

GRADE 9

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GRADE 8

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GRADE 7

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