Nigeria, rich in abundant natural resources, yet a nation where many struggle with poor living standards. People long for a wise and just leader, hoping for renewed hope. Instead, they see leaders implementing various reform policies that were initially perceived as good but have turned into troubling traits, a sad memory, so to say.
This is the powerful image conjured by Niyi Osundare’s poem “The Leader and the Led,” a poem that feels more relevant than ever as Nigerians grapple with economic turmoil, social unrest, and a leadership crisis.
We’ve seen the strongman leader, the “Lion,” who roars promises but leaves a trail of fear and dissent. Remember the protests met with forceful crackdowns? Just like the poem’s antelopes cowering from the Lion’s pounce, Nigerians fear a heavy hand that stifles their voices. Strength is crucial, but without compassion and respect for freedoms, it becomes tyranny.
“As citizens, we have a pivotal role to play. We must assert our right to leadership by holding our leaders accountable and actively participating in shaping our nation’s future.”
Then there’s the “Hyena,” a sly creature symbolising the corruption that plagues Nigeria. Just as the Impalas shudder at the Hyena’s approach, Nigerians are weary of leaders who enrich themselves while the people suffer. Unfortunately, today, as poverty worsens and the vulnerable cry out for food, the economy is struggling with inflation at 33.95 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). We need leaders with integrity, who prioritise the well-being of all, not just their own.
The “Giraffe” represents leaders who seem to exist in a world far above the struggles of everyday Nigerians. Their lofty pronouncements don’t translate into real change. This disconnect breeds frustration and disenfranchisement. Leaders must bridge this gap, listen to their people, and craft policies that address their needs, not just the needs of the elite. Softening the hardship with policies that provide food specifically is crucial—we are hungry and need immediate relief.
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Broken promises are another beast entirely. The “Zebra” embodies the inconsistency and hypocrisy that chips away at trust in Nigerian leadership. Grand speeches during elections rarely translate to action. This gap between words and deeds leaves Nigerians cynical and disillusioned. Leaders must be consistent, act with integrity, and follow through on their promises. Only then can they rebuild trust and inspire hope.
The “Elephant” symbolises heavy-handedness that stifles democratic progress. Implementing authoritarian measures to maintain control often sparks public outcry. Nigerians deserve leaders who uphold democratic values and civil liberties, fostering an environment where dissent is respected rather than suppressed.
Osundare’s poem presents a hopeful vision through the “Forest Sage,” advocating for a “hybrid leader” — someone who combines strength with compassion, decisiveness with transparency, and authority with humility. This type of leader is essential for uplifting the spirits of all Nigerians, lifting them from the shame and poverty that persist.
As citizens, we have a pivotal role to play. We must assert our right to leadership by holding our leaders accountable and actively participating in shaping our nation’s future. This means holding our leaders’ feet to the fire, demanding transparent governance, and making our voices heard – through voting, peaceful protests, and engaging with our elected officials.
We can also play a role in nurturing the kind of leadership we need. By supporting initiatives that promote civic education and political participation, we can empower the next generation to choose wisely and become active participants in the democratic process.
With a citizenry actively engaged and demanding good governance, leaders will be compelled to rise above their limitations and embrace the “hybrid” leadership style that Osundare envisions. This, coupled with Nigeria’s vast potential and abundant resources, can pave the way for a more just, prosperous, and livable future for all.
