Obafemi Awolowo and the making of Remo : the local politics of a Nigerian nationalist

This book examines the evolution of a distinctive Yoruba community, Remo, and the central role played in this process by the Remo-born Nationalist and Yoruba leader Obafemi Awolowo (1909-87). Since the Nineteenth Century, popular participation has played an important role in challenging or confirming local hierarchies in Remo. This historical dynamic had a significant impact on Awolowo's vision both for Yoruba and Nigerian politics. When he moved into national politics in the 1950s, his career at the national level also gave him the opportunity to shape Remo's political identity. Awolowo was both a product and a producer of Remo politics. Based on a subtle analysis of local-level politics, this book argues that traditional and modern participatory structures play an important role both in Yoruba politics and in the African postcolonial state. At the same time, its focus on Awolowo makes an important contribution to the scholarly debate on one of Nigeria's most important politicians. Key Selling Points * This book provides a detailed case study of relatively unknown Yoruba community * Based on a subtle analysis of local-level politics, the book argues that traditional and modern participatory structures play an important role both in Yoruba politics and in the African postcolonial state * Examining Awolowo as both a product and a producer of Remo politics, the book makes an important contribution to the scholarly debate on one of Nigeria's most important politicians. Insa Nolte examines the evolution of a distinctive Yoruba community, Remo, and the central role of the Remo-born Nationalist and Yoruba leader, Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987). Beginning in the nineteenth century, public participation played an important role in challenging or confirming local hierarchies in Remo, and this historical dynamic had a significant impact on Awolowo's vision both for Yoruba and for Nigerian politics. When he ascended to the national stage in the 1950s, Awolowo seized the opportunity to reshape Remo's political identity, proving that the leader was both a product and a producer of Remo politics. Based on a subtle analysis of local-level politics, this book argues that traditional and modern structures of participation are integral in Yoruba politics and in the African postcolonial state. At the same time, the volume's focus on Awolowo constitutes an important contribution to the debate over one of Nigeria's most influential politicians