The Political Philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo

(Hardback)

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Description

This book examines the political and economic philosophy of Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo and his concepts of democratic socialism (Liberal Democratic Socialism). It studies how Chief Awolowo and his political parties, first the Action Group (AG) 1951-1966 and later the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) 1978-1983, acted in various Nigerian political settings. Chief Awolowo was a principled man, who by a Spartan self-discipline and understanding of himself, his accomplishments, failures and successes, was a fearless leader. He has set an example of leadership for a new generation of Nigerian politicians. He was not only a brilliant politician, but a highly cerebral thinker, statesman, dedicated manager, brilliant political economist, a Social Democrat, and a committed federalist. From all accounts, Chief Awolowo knew the worst and the best, laughter and sorrow, vilification and veneration, tribulations and triumphs, poverty and prosperity, failures and successes in life.

Reviews

This book is a masterpiece by one of the most-informed Nigerian scholars. The author has been very painstaking in his analysis of the life, philosophy, and travails of one of the Nigerian Founding Fathers as if he was an insider. It is a must-read book by anyone wishing to understand the Sage who toiled for the Nigerian State but was the most misunderstood. -- Adeoye A. Akinsanya, Nasarawa State University
This is a good book on an extra-ordinarily complex personality. It dispassionately examines the life and personality of an individual who personified a people, and offers new conclusions on one of the African continents most controversial leaders. Abegunrin has clearly done a study that will provoke others into looking at the life and times of a great Nigerian patriot. -- Abiodun Alao, King's College London

Author Bio

Olayiwola Abegunrin is professor at Howard University.