Recent tweets about Idan, a Yoruba word for supernatural power, have brought to light the political and ideological dimensions of language use in Nigerian society. The use of Idan to describe extraordinary people raises important questions about how we perceive success and power in Nigeria. Based on 22 narratives drawn from 76 tweets posted by Nigerians between 1 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., our analyst argues that people should be cautious of how they use the word in political and wealth contexts.
By focusing on individual achievement and power, we risk ignoring the social and political structures that enable or hinder success. Success is not simply a matter of individual effort or ability; it is also shaped by factors such as social class, access to resources, and systemic inequality. When we focus exclusively on individual achievement, we may overlook the ways in which systemic inequality and injustice limit opportunities for many Nigerians.
By idolizing individuals with extraordinary achievements, we risk overlooking the collective efforts and contributions of ordinary Nigerians who may not have achieved such spectacular success but who nonetheless play important roles in building our society.
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When we celebrate individuals solely for their achievements, we may overlook their flaws and shortcomings as leaders. This can create a culture of impunity and corruption in which leaders are insulated from accountability and scrutiny.
When we celebrate only those individuals who have achieved extraordinary success, we may overlook the perspectives and experiences of ordinary Nigerians who may have different ideas and values. This can lead to a political system that is disconnected from the needs and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.
Our analyst submits that while celebrating individual achievement and excellence is important, we must also be mindful of the social and political structures that hinder success. We must also recognize the contributions of ordinary Nigerians and prioritize shared values and principles over personal loyalty and patronage in politics for us to build a more inclusive and just society for all Nigerians.
Political orientations and ideologies in the tweets
Pan-Africanism: The reference to Idan as a source of power that transcends national boundaries and unites people of African descent suggests a pan-Africanist perspective, which emphasizes the solidarity and unity of African peoples across the world.
Socialism: The reference to Idan as a force for the common good and the upliftment of the masses implies a socialist or social-democratic ideology, which emphasizes the importance of social justice, equality, and the welfare of the people.
Populism: The use of emoticons such as “??” and “?” suggests a populist tone, which seeks to mobilize popular support for a charismatic leader or cause by appealing to people’s emotions, values, and aspirations.
Anti-establishment: The reference to Idan as a means of challenging the status quo and disrupting the existing power structures implies an anti-establishment or radical political orientation, which seeks to overthrow or transform the dominant political and economic system.
Identity politics: The use of the term “Yoruba first” in one of the tweets suggests an identity politics perspective, which emphasizes the importance of group identity, representation, and recognition in politics.
Overall, these political orientations and ideologies reflect a diverse range of views and values that are shaped by historical, cultural, and social factors, and which continue to shape the political landscape of Nigeria and the wider African continent.