Historicising the Politics of Prebendalism in Bakare, Ojo Rasaki's Drums of war and Rogbodiyan

Abstract

The concept of prebendalism has significantly influenced the Nigerian political landscape in the postcolonial era. This has exerted a notable impact on governance and socio-economic development since the country's independence. Prebendalism generally refers to a governance system in which those in power present themselves as entities dedicated to the welfare of the people. As officers of the state, they amass wealth and allocate state resources to loyal supporters or clients. This phenomenon has had far-reaching implications for the country's political and economic growth. The widespread existence of corruption, clientelism, and persistent issues with leadership and accountability in Nigeria profoundly impact the daily lives of its people.