By Toyin Falola
Drawing on the cumulative intellectual achievements of Professor Femi Badejo, this lecture will explore the relationship between power, privilege, and philosophy in Africa from pre-colonial times to the present time. It starts by examining how centralized kingdoms and community decision-making shaped early governance, how colonial rule imposed new power structures that persisted post-independence, and how modern inequalities—such as wealth disparity, racial tensions, and gender inequality—have evolved into new forms of oppression fueling the ongoing struggle for justice. This lecture also discusses African philosophical traditions (community values, proverbs, and modern ideas), showing how they offer alternative perspectives on justice and responsibility that challenge Eurocentric thought. It emphasizes the need for community movements, contemporary technologies, and teamwork in building inclusive governance across Africa. Finally, it highlights the urgency of these efforts, demonstrating how understanding power shifts and appreciating African philosophy can foster better leadership and lasting societal transformation.
“Power, Privilege, and Philosophy in Africa” is divided into seven parts, a metaphorical representation of Badejo’s seven decades on earth. The introductory part explores the evolution of power and privilege in Africa through philosophical perspectives. Part two examines precolonial African societies, highlighting their diverse political and social structures, the enduring impact of colonialism in shaping racial and economic hierarchies, resistance to colonial rule, and the eventual emergence of anti-colonial thought. Part three delves into African philosophical traditions, such as Ubuntu and African socialism, as frameworks for understanding communal power, ethical responsibility, and critiques of capitalism and colonialism. Key postcolonial thinkers, including Frantz Fanon and Achille Mbembe, are analyzed to provide further insights into power and oppression. Part four builds on the earlier discussion by examining gender dynamics through engagements with African feminist thought. It discusses the works of scholars like Olajumoke Yaqub-Haliso in challenging both traditional patriarchy and Western feminist narratives. Part five expands the earlier discussion about the evolution of power and privilege in African precolonial societies, juxtaposing it with the contemporary realities of neocolonialism and inequality. It explores the lasting effects of colonialism, the persistence of neocolonialism, and the role of global institutions and multinational corporations in perpetuating economic and political disparities. It also discusses how youth-led movements, such as #EndSARS and #FeesMustFall, emerged in response to these entrenched systems. Part six highlights the influence of the African diaspora on global movements for racial justice and decolonization and Africa’s collective role in shaping a more equitable global future. Part seven wraps up the discussion by underscoring the importance of African philosophical perspectives in reimagining power, fostering inclusive governance, and driving societal transformation. It calls for the amplification of African voices in global conversations on power and privilege.
The conclusion is fluid since Professor Badejo is still alive!
