Discuss the challenges of finding good leaders ... - SS2 Literature African Poetry- "The Leader and the Led" by Niyi Osundare Question

In the poem "The Leader and the Led," Niyi Osundare illustrates the challenges of finding good leaders in Africa through the use of allegory. The animals in the poem represent different types of leaders, but none of them are ultimately qualified for the position.

The lion, for example, is a strong and powerful leader, but he is also feared for his ferocity. The hyena is a cunning and opportunistic leader, but he is also known for his cowardice and brutality. Other animals, such as the giraffe, the zebra, the elephant, the warthog, and the rhino, also have their own flaws.

Osundare's use of satire and symbolism highlights the hypocrisy and absurdity of these leaders. For example, he describes the lion as "the king of the jungle with the crown of thorns" and the hyena as "the prince of darkness with the laughter of death."

The poem suggests that one of the biggest challenges of finding good leaders in Africa is that there is no clear-cut definition of what makes a good leader. Different people have different ideas about what qualities a good leader should have.

Another challenge is that many African leaders are corrupt and power-hungry. They are more interested in enriching themselves and maintaining their power than in serving the needs of their people.

The poem also suggests that followers have a role to play in finding and supporting good leaders. Followers need to be critical thinkers and they need to be willing to hold their leaders accountable.

In conclusion, the poem "The Leader and the Led" illustrates the challenges of finding good leaders in Africa through the use of allegory and satire. The poem suggests that there is no clear-cut definition of what makes a good leader, that many African leaders are corrupt and power-hungry, and that followers have a role to play in finding and supporting good leaders.