In Nigerian politics, selfishness is not an aberration — it is the norm. Hidden beneath flashy slogans, generous endorsements, and loud declarations of support lies a dangerous, destructive mindset perfectly captured in the Yorùbá concept of Àdánìkànje.
This theory explains a familiar Nigerian reality: those who appear to offer help often do so only to retain control, and when that control is threatened, they become the greatest enemies of progress.
What Is Àdánìkànje?
Derived from the Yorùbá phrase “àdání kàǹjẹ́”, it literally means “one who gives but does not allow the recipient to enjoy.”
It describes people — especially political leaders — who offer power, positions, or opportunities, but then sabotage the recipient’s ability to thrive, out of jealousy, fear of irrelevance, or a desire to remain in charge.
In short, they give to control, not to empower.
Àdánìkànje as the Root of Political Selfishness
1. Godfathers Who Can’t Let Go
Nigeria’s political space is littered with “kingmakers” who choose successors only to keep pulling the strings:
Once their candidate becomes independent, they feel betrayed.
They initiate political wars to weaken them.
The people suffer — projects stall, infighting increases.
This is not loyalty. It’s weaponized selfishness — the belief that only they must shine.
2. Leaders Who Groom Only the Weak
Many political leaders intentionally surround themselves with weak, loyal people:
Not the brightest, but the most submissive.
Not the boldest, but the most fearful.
This is Àdánìkànje in action — give them something, but keep them small.
3. Power as Personal Property
In Nigeria, power is treated as private wealth:
Appointments are not about competence, but control.
Support is transactional, not transformational.
When a rising leader gains popularity, the godfather feels threatened and strikes.
It’s never about the people. It’s always about “How can I benefit?”
Real-World Examples
Governors vs godfathers: From Oyo to Lagos to Edo, we’ve seen power struggles where the one who gave power turns into the chief saboteur.
Party crises: National leaders manipulate party structures to remain kingmakers, never allowing fresh ideas.
Senators vs protégés: Older politicians block youth participation, fearing that younger leaders might outshine them.
All point to one thing — selfish political culture, powered by the Àdánìkànje syndrome.
The Cultural Irony
Yorùbá culture values — generosity without strings. But today, giving has become a form of control. This is not tradition. It is twisted power culture disguised in elder wisdom.
Consequences of Àdánìkànje Politics
Stifled talent: The best minds are sidelined for the most loyal stooges.
Leadership recycling: The same faces, the same failures.
Broken democracy: Leaders are installed, not elected. Removed, not voted out.
National decline: Progress is impossible when everyone at the top wants to be the only one shining.
The Way Forward
To defeat the Àdánìkànje spirit in Nigerian politics, we must:
Promote leadership succession based on merit.
Shame political selfishness, not reward it.
Protect rising leaders from their mentors’ sabotage.
Build strong institutions, not strong men.
Conclusion
The Àdánìkànje theory exposes a bitter truth: selfishness is the real godfather of Nigerian politics. Until we change the culture of “I must control what I give,” Nigeria will remain trapped — not by poverty or enemies, but by its own leaders’ egos.
