Daud Olatunji
Renowned historian and globally celebrated academic, Prof. Toyin Falola, has issued a stern warning that a wave of revolutions may erupt across African nations if leaders fail to address the rising levels of hardship and corruption plaguing the continent.
Speaking as a guest on Boiling Point Arena, a monthly current affairs programme hosted by Dr. Ayo Arowojolu, Prof. Falola lamented the pervasive mismanagement of resources by African leaders and warned of the dire consequences if urgent corrective measures are not implemented.
The 27th episode of the programme, which aired live via Zoom on Sunday night, was simulcast by three radio stations—WASH 94.9FM in Lagos, Sweet 107.1FM, and Roots 97.1FM, both in Abeokuta.
The session addressed the theme, The Socio-Economic and Political Survival of Mother Africa—The Dilemma and Viable Options.
Prof. Falola highlighted the disconnect between African leaders and the realities faced by their citizens, emphasizing the need for a people-centered approach to governance.
“It is becoming urgent that African leaders must reduce the pain and hardship being faced by the people. If power is just about sharing resources and not about using revenues to develop people, how can we say democratic dividends are being realized?” Falola questioned.
The scholar, who has lectured in over 65 countries, noted that corruption among African leaders is a major driver of underdevelopment. “Corruption will damage everything,” he said.
“Can we reform this democracy? Yes. But it will require actions that those in power do not like. They must be careful not to push citizens towards revolutionary options or violence.”
Prof. Falola decried the scale of corruption on the continent, citing issues such as the illicit transfer of over $88 billion annually through trade misinvoicing, loss of natural resources, and tax evasion by foreign companies in collusion with African officials.
He said, “The money meant for development is being diverted to personal pockets. This age of greed must stop. Leaders must prioritize using resources to develop the people. Otherwise, we are only shortchanging ourselves.”
Turning his attention to Nigeria, Prof. Falola expressed concerns over the erosion of public trust in democratic governance.
“Nigerians are losing faith in a democracy that has never delivered dividends. There is pain in the land. Democracy, rather than solving problems, has accentuated corruption and weakened the fight for justice.”
Prof. Falola urged African leaders to rebrand their governance strategies, focus on development, and manage resources with sincerity and passion to avert an impending crisis.
“Govern well, manage resources effectively, and govern with sincerity,” he admonished. “Prevent situations where people would applaud a coup because of their suffering.”
The keynote speaker of the discourse, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, also lent his voice to the conversation, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to Africa’s challenges.
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