OPINION…The Cultural Dilemma: Respect Vs accountability

The Yoruba prostrate before elders, the Igbo emphasize communal leadership through age grades, and the Hausa uphold hierarchical respect within the emirate system; In many African societies, respect for elders is not just a virtue but a cultural obligation and fundamental value.

From the Yoruba’s deep-rooted “omoluabi” principles to the Igbo’s reverence for “ndi ichie” (elders) and the Hausa-Fulani’s hierarchical “gargajiya” (tradition), deference to authority is a common thread in our heritage. This cultural norm fosters social cohesion, teaches discipline, and upholds family values.

However, when this unquestioned reverence extends to political leadership, it often breeds a culture of impunity, silence, and submission. The same values meant to uphold order in society have become tools used by corrupt politicians to shield themselves from criticism. This raises a critical question: How can Africans hold their leaders accountable without being seen as disrespectful? when this deep-seated tradition of submission has made it difficult to challenge authority, even when leadership fails and has led to a cultural dilemma of respect vs accountability.

The Yoruba concept of “omoluabi” emphasizes good character, humility, and respect. It teaches that elders should be obeyed without question, making it culturally inappropriate to challenge political figures openly. Leaders exploit this by portraying any criticism as rebellious, rude, or influenced by Western ideology in a bid to silence the Omoluabi.

Phrases like “Oba kii se bi’kun, ki a so fun ni pe o n run” (A king does not have body odor, even if he stinks) capture the reluctance to publicly hold leaders accountable. Instead of direct confrontation, issues are often settled with diplomacy, which corrupt politicians use to their advantage—delaying accountability through endless talks without real consequences.

The Igbos unlike are traditionally republican. Leadership is collective rather than hierarchical, and respect is earned through “Igba mbo” (hard work) rather than imposed by age or title. However, in modern politics, this system has been disrupted. Many Igbo communities now treat politicians like traditional rulers, giving them blind loyalty once in power. Criticizing them is often seen as an attack on the entire community, rather than a call for better governance. Elders in political positions leverage this sentiment, labeling critics as “efulefu” (worthless people) or accusing them of disrespecting their lineage.

The Hausa-Fulani culture upholds a strict respect for leadership, often based on Islamic and monarchical traditions. Leaders—whether emirs, scholars, or politicians—are regarded as chosen by destiny or divine will. To question them is seen as questioning fate itself.
This deep-rooted respect has created an environment where political leaders, especially those tied to religious or traditional institutions, are immune to criticism.

Instead of demanding transparency, many citizens resort to prayers, fasting and patience, preached by their religious leaders and overseers; waiting for divine intervention rather than civic action. it is funny, at the same time also not funny that these people would rather console their followers than takle those in power; how utrightly shameful this is.

Beyond cultural respect, money plays a major role in silencing dissent. In Nigeria, many politicians buy loyalty through handouts, appointments, and outright bribes. Political godfatherism thrives because followers are not just loyal out of respect but because they benefit financially. The same people suffering under bad leadership will still defend corrupt politicians because of tribal loyalty, financial incentives, or the hope of future favors. Statements like “Na our person”, “He has tried for us”, or “Let him eat, we will have our turn” show how poverty and greed have weakened the fight for accountability.

Sadly, the youth—who should be at the forefront of demanding better governance—are following in the same footsteps. The same culture of blind loyalty extends beyond politics to celebrities and influencers in a new form of slavery. In today’s Nigeria, many youths are more concerned about defending their favorite musicians, actors, or influencers than demanding better leadership. A politician embezzles funds? “Leave him alone, at least he built roads”, A celebrity gets involved in a scandal? “Nothing can make me hate him”, An artist makes political statements that hurt the masses? “He’s my GOAT, he can never be wrong.”

This mentality/culture is dangerous. This celebrity worship effect places personalities above principles. Regardless of status, fame, money, or power, no one should be above criticism. If a society cannot hold its leaders accountable, and its youth cannot hold their role models accountable, then who will demand justice when things go wrong? Across Nigeria, the inability to challenge leaders and celebrities has created a dangerous culture where: Politicians demand respect instead of accountability, Critics are labeled as disrespectful, disloyal, or un-African, A society where corruption thrives under the guise of “elderly wisdom”, Youths are more loyal to entertainers than their own future.

This has led to a political landscape where leaders see themselves as kings rather than servants, making democracy a ceremonial illusion rather than a functional system.

The challenge, therefore, is not to discard respect but to redefine it in a way that accommodates accountability. We must transition from blind submission to respectful dissent—where we honor culture without allowing it to become a barrier to good governance. Politicians must not be allowed to hide behind respect to avoid scrutiny. Celebrities must not be placed above accountability. Citizens must learn to question without fear, protest without shame, and demand better governance without guilt.

Africa cannot afford to continue treating politicians, Religious leader, celebrities and the highly influential as sacred cows. We must evolve into a society where leaders and influencers are respected but also held accountable. True respect is not submission—it is demanding better from those in power. If democracy is to survive in Nigeria and Africa at large, we must learn to “respectfully disrespect” politicians and public figures—challenging them not out of hate, but out of a commitment to a better future. Only then can we build a society where leadership is a privilege, not an entitlement.

AUTHOR: By Sowore Michael, a law graduate and up-and-coming Artiste

Articles published in our Graffiti section are strictly the opinion of the writers and do not represent the views of Ripples Nigeria or its editorial stand.

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