Nigeria In Depth Online News Magazine

20/01/2025

In an apparanet reaction to Donald J. Trump’s inagural speech, Bukola Oyeniyi writes:

“Trump’s inaugural speech, while filled with grandiose promises of national renewal, presents a vision of America that is deeply polarized and focused on regaining past dominance rather than building a more inclusive future. His policies, particularly on immigration, trade, and energy, may resonate with his base but are fraught with risks, especially in an era of global interconnectedness and climate crisis. While his emphasis on American exceptionalism and nationalism may appeal to those who feel disenfranchised by globalization, it raises fundamental questions about the role of the United States in the international order. The ultimate test for Trump’s administration will be whether it can navigate these complexities while genuinely pursuing the prosperity and unity that it promises, or whether it will deepen existing divisions and leave critical global challenges unaddressed.”

You can read the entire speech at https://nigeriaindepth.com/a-critical-review-of-president-trumps-inaugural-speech-a-vision-of-nationalism-exceptionalism-and-political-reversal/

08/12/2024

In “The Case of Afe Babalola and Dele Farotimi: Libel, Publishing Ethics, and Legal Responsibility,” Bukola Oyeniyi writes:

“The bulk of views expressed by many Nigerians on social media platforms have focused on police brutality, particularly the manner of Farotimi’s arrest. In a clear indication of how mundane Nigeria’s mainstream media have become, many in the mainstream media, such as Reuben Abati and his team at Arise TV, also spent considerable time discussing the issue as a ‘freedom of expression’ issue or the need for Babalola to address the public rather than resorting to the court. While the uneducated or poorly educated public can be pardoned or tolerated for demonstrating a lack of legal knowledge, Nigeria’s mainstream media have abdicated their agenda-setting role to social media advocates by asserting—and thereby miseducating the public—that tort is not a criminal offense; hence, Farotimi’s arrest was uncalled for.”

You can read the entire essay at:
https://nigeriaindepth.com/the-case-of-afe-babalola-and-dele-farotimi-libel-publishing-ethics-and-legal-responsibility/

25/10/2024

In “The Rise of Nationalism and Immigration Phobia: Linkages Between Brexit, Trump, and Anti-Immigration Sentiment”, Bukola Oyeniyi writes:

“The propaganda linking immigration to job loss also obscures broader economic realities, such as the effects of automation and globalization on traditional manufacturing and blue-collar sectors. Many jobs in these areas have vanished due to technological advancements and the outsourcing of labor to countries with lower production costs, rather than immigration (Autor, Dorn, & Hanson, 2013). Nevertheless, the anti-immigrant rhetoric provides an emotionally satisfying explanation for those feeling left behind in a shifting economy, distracting from systemic issues like economic inequality and the transition to a service-oriented labor market.

Moreover, the skill sets of immigrants and native-born workers often do not significantly overlap. Immigrants are represented in both low-skilled and high-skilled jobs—fields where either native-born workers lack the necessary qualifications or are unwilling to work. For example, immigrants play a vital role in information technology and healthcare, sectors experiencing a shortage of skilled labor. However, these positive contributions are frequently overshadowed by fears surrounding job competition in blue-collar industries (Pew Research Center, 2023).

In reality, immigrants are essential to addressing labor shortages in various sectors. Yet, the "job stealing" myth persists because it simplifies a complex economic landscape into an easily digestible narrative. Politicians like Trump have effectively leveraged this narrative to rally support among disillusioned workers, presenting immigrants as a visible cause of their problems, even as broader structural forces are at play.”

You can read the entire essay at: https://nigeriaindepth.com/the-rise-of-nationalism-and-immigration-phobia-linkages-between-brexit-trump-and-anti-immigration-sentiment/

24/10/2024

Professor (Dr.) R. (Robert) J. (John) Ross - a professor like none other and the very best of mankind.

Looking back, I cannot but salute you for the mentorship, belief, and love that you showed me. I love and salute you, Boss.

14/10/2024

In all honesty, SUSA AFRICA is doing well.

If you want to learn more about authentic African history, start by reading the essay entitled "African History: Sources, Methods" at:

Sources and methods in African history refer to the different types of evidence and techniques used to study and understand the history of the African continent.

09/10/2024

In “UPHOLDING DEMOCRACY: THE ASSERTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY IN NIGERIA”, Bukola Oyeniyi writes:

“The recent actions taken by the Alimosho Local Government Council demonstrate a commendable assertion of this autonomy.

Following the suspension of Chairman Hon. Jelili Sulaimon by the Obasa-led Lagos State House of Assembly, local legislators took a decisive stand. During their plenary session, they unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Sulaimon, rejecting the state assembly’s suspension and describing him as an “omoluabi,” a term denoting a person of good character and conduct. This act was not just a defense of an individual but a powerful statement about the rights and responsibilities of local governments within the larger framework of Nigerian democracy.”

You can read the entire essay at:

The independent and co-equal nature of the three tiers of government in Nigeria is foundational to the country’s democratic framework. The Constitution establishes the federal, state, and local governments as distinct entities, each with defined

29/08/2024

A new Announcement has been posted in H-Announce.

FEATURED JOB: Assistant Professor of History, Colorado College
Submitted by Danny Dam on 08/29/2024 - 5:18pm
Announcement Type
Home Office Notices
Colorado College invites applications for a tenure track assistant professor of History specializing in Latin America and/or the Caribbean to join the History Department in August 2025. A successful candidate will exhibit potential for excellence in teaching at a small liberal arts college and be prepared to teach Latin American history from the pre-Columbian through the colonial and post-independence eras. While not a requirement, we particularly welcome candidates with expertise in Indigenous history and/or candidates with expertise in the 19th century or earlier. Completion of all requirements for a PhD in History, or a closely related field of Latin American and/or Caribbean studies, is required by the start of employment.

Colorado College is a private, undergraduate, selective liberal arts institution enrolling approximately 2,200 students. One distinguishing feature of Colorado College is the Block Plan, in which professors teach, and students take, one course at a time. Each block is three and a half weeks long, allowing for a wide range of teaching and learning strategies. For more information, consult the following page: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/blockplan/.

Regular faculty in the History Department teach five blocks a year and supervise senior theses. First year tenure-track faculty receive a one-block course release. Tenure-track faculty job duties include service and scholarship. We welcome candidates who will contribute to the College’s Latin American & Caribbean Studies minor and develop partnerships within and beyond the History Department.

Applications may be submitted at: https://jobs.coloradocollege.edu/jobs/assistant-professor-of-history-on-campus-colorado-united-states-a09dfdab-a8f8-41bf-bdb3-c8bbb6c788f2. Applications should include: 1) a cover letter; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement demonstrating commitment and contributions to antiracism, inclusion, diversity, and equity in higher education and the discipline of history in particular; 4) a teaching statement; 5) a research statement; 6) an article or chapter-length writing sample; 7) unofficial graduate transcripts; 8) three letters of reference.

The College actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment in which students and employees of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can learn and work. We are committed to becoming an antiracist institution in all of our policies, practices, and pedagogies (please see https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/antiracism-commitment/). The History Department believes our department and the College grow stronger by recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty committed to building an inclusive community. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are particularly encouraged to apply.

To submit YOUR job posting, please visit the H-Net Job Guide: https://www.h-net.org/jobs

Featured jobs receive an added boost on H-Announce and H-Net’s social media channels.

Contact Information
[email protected]

URL
https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=67556

18/08/2024

Update on Susa Africa

The matter has been resolved amicably. I decided to put forward my objection publicly as I write for a number of media and one, in particular, owns a right to my essays.

Long story short, matters have been resolved and I wholeheartedly support SUSA Africa using my materials.

Thank you all.

Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyi

17/08/2024

Dear all,

This is to inform you that I did not submit the below to any media. The media, SUSAFRICA, neither seeks nor obtains my approval before publishing the essay.

I am not in any way, shape, or form related to this medium, SUSAAFRICA. Whoever owns it should reach out to me via my inbox; otherwise, this matter will escalate.

I remain,

Bukola A. Oyeniyi

https://susafrica.com/2024/08/17/xenophobia-in-south-africa-a-betrayal-of-african-unity/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEt7UJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT4Jklq7VeAolWekWLhdAziTunn3GfkSFWFWcQFiLIMN11HZJ4c_64RHoQ_aem_qI3TtWKaiUSkSDuwJnxVdA

Xenophobia in South Africa is not just a social issue; it is a historical and moral crisis that threatens the very foundation of African ...

08/08/2024

On the House of Gaa: A Flawed Production on a Grand Scale

I've read various posts, reviews, and comments on the movie "The House of Gaa." While this isn't a critique of these discussions, posts, comments, or the movie, I only want to express my curiosity over a few things.

1. I'm struck by the absence of any mention of facial or tribal marks among the Yoruba people in the posts and comments. For instance, Funke Akindele, supposedly the wife of Bashorun Gaa, bears Abaja facial marks traditionally reserved for the Alaafin.

If in doubt, compare photos of Funke Akindele with those of the late Alaafin of Oyo below. Was Funke Akindele the daughter of the Alaafin who married Gaa? What historical sources did Femi Branch or whoever presented the movie, rely on? There was no record of any Alaafin who gave his daughter off in marriage to any Bashorun.

2. Additionally, the movie claims Agborin was the sole child of Alaafin Abiodun, a historically questionable assertion. Who was Olufi's father? For clarity: Olufi, son of Alaafin Abiodun, led the first group of refugees from Alaafin's family to Ile-Ife in about 1793, following the fall of Oyo-Ile. Ooni Akinmoyero, then reigning Ooni of Ife, welcomed Olufi and his band into Ile-Ife.

3. Should I also highlight that Gaa's violation of the Oyo Constitution wasn't solely his doing? It involved criminal collusion with certain members of the Oyo Mesi and the Ogboni. The film fails to depict the role of the Ogoni, a crucial institution in the removal of the Alaafin.

Were any of these aspects hinted at in the movie?

4. Eso and Ilari were pivotal institutions in Oyo. Eso was a military class under the Bashorun's command, while Ilaris were civil servants under the Alaafin. The Alaafin's Ilaris numbered in the hundreds, mostly eunuchs. In Femi Branch's portrayal of Oyo's history, Gaa supposedly replaced the Ilaris with his offspring. How many children did Gaa have to replace these hundreds of state officials who managed Oyo's revenue? For reinforcement's sake, the Ilaris numbered in the hundreds. Femi Branch and others failed to specify how many Ilaris Gaa replaced or where the loyalties of the others lay.

Considering Gaa's underlying motive of jealousy over Alaafin's control of the state's wealth, the film neglects to explain how Gaa distributed the state's wealth among his co-conspirators, the Oyo Mesi and Ogboni, during his two-decade usurpation of Alaafin's authority.

Movies, like other art forms, entertain, educate, and inform. It's fair to say "The House of Gaa" fulfilled only one of these three functions of art.

I will find time to review the movie as a historical piece. This is just a curtain-raiser. Since I am not a theater practitioner, I will limit the review to costume and historicity.

(c) Adeyemi Bukola Oyeniyi
August 8, 2024

05/08/2024

In “Nigeria's Economic State and the Need to Support the Tinubu Government,” Bukola Oyeniyi writes: “Nigerians must recognize the complexity of the economic challenges and the necessity of the reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration. Supporting the current government is essential for several reasons. The initial reforms have already shown positive results, with improved debt-to-revenue ratios and increased allocations to various levels of government. Continued support will ensure the momentum is maintained. Investment in infrastructure and security will create a conducive environment for economic activities, attract investments, and improve the quality of life for Nigerians. Supporting local manufacturing and reducing import dependence will boost the economy, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria's position in the global market. The reforms are not a quick fix but a long-term strategy to reposition Nigeria's economy. Patience and support from the populace are crucial for achieving sustainable growth.”

You can read the full essay at:

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, finds itself at a critical juncture in its economic history. The transition of power to the current administration under President Bola Tinubu has brought about significant economic challenges and opportunities.

03/08/2024

In “Fragility of Democracy in Nigeria: A Critical Examination of the Ongoing Protests and Their Potential Consequences,” Bukola Oyeniyi writes:

“The achievements of the Tinubu administration can be compared to the political and economic reforms implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union. Gorbachev's policies of Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness) aimed to revitalize the Soviet economy and make the government more transparent and accountable. While well-intentioned, these reforms inadvertently accelerated the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Tinubu’s economic reforms, such as ending the fuel subsidy, unifying the exchange rate, ending the importation of petroleum products, and introducing student loans, bear similarities to Gorbachev’s attempts to overhaul the Soviet system. Ending the fuel subsidy, for instance, has led to immediate increases in fuel prices, causing widespread economic discomfort for Nigerians.

This move, aimed at freeing up government resources for development projects, parallels Gorbachev’s reduction of state controls over the economy, which initially led to shortages and inflation.”

You can read the entire essay at: https://nigeriaindepth.com/fragility-of-democracy-in-nigeria-a-critical-examination-of-the-ongoing-protests-and-their-potential-consequences/