The “O To Ge” Movement in Kwara Politics: From ‘Elite Coalitions’ to ‘Elite-Masses Consensus’ for Political Change
| dc.contributor.author | Salihu, Ismail Otukoko | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-14T10:22:24Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-14T10:22:24Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2022 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The causal role of elites in the dynamics of change and continuity is among the dominant themes in history. Both classical and neo-elite theorists assigned prominent place to elites and their actions in developments in any given society. However, neo-elite theorists incorporate the masses and emphasise the interdependent relations between them and the elites. In other words, in causal explanation of political changes in modern societies such as democratic transitions and regime changes, the contentions in the ‘New Elite Framework’ is that the elite, though still a critical variable, are not the only determinants of political outcomes. They are rather ‘dependent actors’ whose actions and successes could be limited by the masses’ interests and actions. Against this background, this paper explores the emergence of the Saraki political dynasty in Kwara State and the trajectories of the anti-Saraki struggle that culminated in the “O To Gẹ” movement and a major political change in the politics of Kwara State—a change, which, until 2019, previous ‘coalitions of elites’ had failed to actualise. It argues that, although the struggle against Saraki’s hegemonic dominance had a fairly long history, its success in 2019 was more a result of the ‘consensus’ between the elites and masses—a consensus and success that were aided by a convergence of other intervening factors and interests that united both social classes. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | 12. Salihu, O.I. (2022): The “O To Ge” Movement in Kwara Politics: From ‘Elite Coalitions’ to ‘Elite-Masses Consensus’ for Political Change. In R. Olaniyi and I. Hassan (Eds.), Democracy in Two Decades, 1999-2019: Reflections on Nation-Building and Development in Nigeria. (pp. 347-377). Ibadan: Swift Books | |
| dc.identifier.isbn | 978-978-987-575-7 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/7115 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Swift Books, Ibadan | |
| dc.title | The “O To Ge” Movement in Kwara Politics: From ‘Elite Coalitions’ to ‘Elite-Masses Consensus’ for Political Change | |
| dc.type | Book chapter |