Renowned journalist and author of Africa’s prestigious Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, has sparked an intense discussion on social dynamics in Nigeria with his latest commentary on social media. Taking to his official X handle, Momodu delivered a powerful reflection on the enduring relationship between the Nigerian poor—referred to as the “lumpen proletariats”—and their oppressors, raising deep questions about the nature of power and subjugation in society.
In his thought-provoking post, Momodu pondered the perplexing admiration that the impoverished masses seem to harbor for those who exploit them. “Only GOD knows why the Nigerian poor adore their slave masters,” he began, capturing the essence of a societal paradox that has long troubled observers of social justice and human behavior.
Drawing on the seminal work of Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Momodu delved into the psychology of the oppressed. “But I found some answers in Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” he continued. “The oppressed man loves and respects only one man, his oppressor. He has only one dream—to become an oppressor.”
Momodu’s reflection taps into a profound critique of the cycles of oppression and the internalization of subjugation that Freire discusses in his work. The idea that the oppressed not only tolerate but also venerate their oppressors speaks to a deeper issue of psychological conditioning and the perpetuation of power structures that keep the marginalized in their place.
This insight, according to Momodu, sheds light on the complexities of societal dynamics in Nigeria, where the downtrodden often idolize those who wield power over them, aspiring not to break free from the chains of oppression but rather to assume the role of the oppressor themselves.
Momodu’s commentary has resonated with many, prompting a flurry of reactions and discussions online. Some have echoed his sentiments, pointing to historical and contemporary examples where the oppressed have indeed shown a troubling allegiance to their oppressors. Others have expressed concern over the implications of such a mindset, advocating for a more emancipatory approach that encourages the oppressed to seek liberation rather than emulate their oppressors.
As a veteran journalist and a voice of reason in African media, Momodu’s reflections carry significant weight, urging Nigerians—and indeed all who read his words—to re-examine the foundations of their societal structures. His post serves as a stark reminder that true liberation comes not from aspiring to oppress but from dismantling the systems that enable oppression in the first place.
In a country where socio-economic disparities continue to widen, Momodu’s words strike a chord, challenging both the oppressors and the oppressed to confront the uncomfortable realities of their relationship. As discussions continue to unfold, it is clear that Momodu has once again succeeded in igniting a critical conversation that has the potential to lead to greater awareness and, ultimately, change.
PIONEER NEWS 