By Patrick Iwelunmor
Reflecting on the socio-economic and political challenges facing Africa, I have been compelled to ponder on my next move, after obtaining a Master of Art in English (Literature) with distinction at the 55th Convocation of the University of Lagos.
One thing that comes to my mind is the urgent need to deploy my knowledge into an area that can positively affect humanity, especially in Africa, where leadership failure is much more pronounced.
I believe that more research in Literature and Medicine offer a ray of hope for resolving the leadership malaise on the continent. Our leadership crisis is not merely a consequence of poor governance, corruption, or inefficiency. Instead, I believe it is deeply rooted in psychological dysfunction—issues that are often overlooked but play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape.
For too long, many of Africa’s leaders have been driven, not by a genuine desire to serve the people but by an insatiable thirst for power and control. This ambition, unchecked and often narcissistic, has become a dominant force in the political systems of many African countries.
Drawing inspiration from timeless works such as William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Wole Soyinka’s King Baabu, I see a clear parallel in the psychological motivations of political leaders today. Both characters—Macbeth, consumed by ambition, and King Baabu, driven by an obsessive lust for control—are ultimately undone by their own flaws.
These are not just literary tragedies; they reflect the stark reality in many African nations, where leaders who are driven by personal gain rather than national progress often hold onto power for far too long, with disastrous consequences.
Arguably, the root of the leadership crisis in Africa is not simply bad governance but a psychological problem that goes beyond politics.
I ask, “When one family or individual monopolizes power for generations, is it that the entire nation is unqualified to lead, or is this symptomatic of a deeper issue—mental instability masquerading as leadership?”
This uncomfortable question strikes at the heart of what I believe is a critical issue: leadership failure across Africa may stem from unchecked psychological dysfunction. Leaders who cling to power without regard for the common good are not just failures in governance—they may be exhibiting signs of psychopathological issues that influence their decisions and behaviors.
In addressing this crisis, I see a great solution in the interdisciplinary field of Literature and Medicine, particularly psychiatry. Literature offers a unique window into the complexities of human nature, helping us understand the psychological underpinnings of ambition, power, and the human condition.
Shakespeare’s Macbeth, for instance, is not just a tale of historical intrigue; it is an exploration of the dangers of ambition and how power can corrupt. Similarly, Soyinka’s King Baabu serves as a cautionary tale of a leader whose narcissism and obsession with control lead to his downfall. These narratives give us valuable insight into the psychological mechanics of leadership—a lens we often overlook when discussing political reform.
On the other hand, Medicine, particularly psychiatry, provides the scientific tools to diagnose and understand the psychological conditions that often underpin political behaviour. By integrating the wisdom of literature with the empirical rigour of medical science, I believe we can better understand the mental health dynamics that drive political decisions.
This combination could lead to more effective leadership selection processes, healthier political environments, and ultimately, better governance.
The idea of subjecting politicians to psychiatric evaluations or analyzing their psychological profiles may seem out of place in the political discourse. But as I have argued, the problem goes beyond mere politics. Political systems are driven by people, and to understand leadership, we must first understand the psychological drivers of those who hold power. Leaders who are consumed by unchecked ambition or narcissism may make decisions that harm their countries, and we must address the mental health issues that contribute to such behaviour.
I am not alone in my thinking. I draw inspiration from scholars like Prof. Hope Eghagha, Prof. Emmanuel Babatunde Omobowale, and Prof. Laide Nasir, who have demonstrated the potential of interdisciplinary dialogue between the humanities and the sciences.
By blending the intellectual insights of literature with the diagnostic power of medicine, we can better understand the psychological undercurrents of leadership. This, I believe, is a critical step toward reforming Africa’s political systems.
Research in the field of Literature and Medicine can offer a comprehensive framework for addressing Africa’s leadership crisis. By understanding the narratives that shape human behaviour through literature and diagnosing the psychological conditions that influence leadership decisions through medicine, we can create an all-inclusive approach to political reform.
This idea is not simply theoretical. It is a call to action—one that requires a deeper examination of the psychological aspects of leadership. With a commitment to pursue a PhD in Literature and Medicine I will further explore how this interdisciplinary field can contribute to resolving Africa’s leadership crisis. I believe that by studying the mental health dynamics of leadership and the human condition, we can move toward a more sustainable and equitable model of governance.
As Africa continues to grapple with long-serving leaders, entrenched political dynasties, and stagnation, there is a need for introspection. Our political systems are not just about policies—they are about the people who lead.
The time has come to examine not just political structures, but the very psychology of power as well as the psychodynamics of power mongers. Could it be that we are not merely dealing with bad governance but with deeply ingrained psychopathological conditions that manifest as leadership failure?
Through research and continued exploration of this intersection between Literature and Medicine, we can be hopeful that Africa will develop a new leadership model—one that is less about power for its own sake and more about understanding the complex, human factors that influence political behavior. Such intellectual endeavour will contribute to a broader conversation about how we can break free from the cycle of power struggles that have hindered Africa’s progress for far too long.
▪︎Iwelunmor is a public affairs analyst