IGWEBUIKE AS AN IGBO-AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY OF INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

Abstract

A cursory glance at the historical development of the concept of leadership in Africa reveals that proposals during the nationalistic movements of the twentieth century were basically in the direction of an inclusive system of government. Thus, Senghor places the family at the centre of social structure; Nyerere’s political philosophy was familyhood; while Awolowo called for a socialist system of government, Nkrumah proposed PanAfricanism, and Azikiwe welfarism. All these were based on the African worldview that is inclusive, integrative, complementary and wholistic. Following the complementary nature of the African worldview, this work makes an attempt to articulate an IgboAfrican concept of leadership within the context of Igwebuike philosophy, to serve as a model for the essential elements of effective leadership. For the purpose of this research, the hermeneutic method of inquiry and Indigenous Wholistic Theory would be employed. This research hopes to produce both Inclusive Leaders and Inclusive Organizations in Africa that would run a system of leadership that would carefully include the contributions of all stakeholders in the community or organization.