LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL DISILLUSIONMENT IN WALE OKEDIRAN'S TENANTS OF THE HOUSE AND LIWHU BETIANG'S THE RAPE OF HOPE: DAIRY OF A WASTED GENERATION

ABSTRACT This study critically examines leadership and social disillusionment in Wale Okediran's Tenants of the House and Liwhu Betiang's The Rape of Hope: Diary of a Wasted Generation, focusing on how both authors portray the pervasive leadership failures that have shaped postcolonial Nigeria. Through the lens of Post colonial theory, the study explores how colonial legacies and inherited political structures have influenced contemporary leadership practices, often reinforcing patterns of disillusionment among the populace. Adopting a qualitative approach, it closely examines the two novels to reveal how Okediran and Betiang portray corrupt leadership as a key factor in Nigeria's ongoing socio-political disintegration, where unethical practices, betrayal of public trust, and self-serving governance remain prevalent. Both authors offer a critical perspective on the consequences of leadership failures, underscoring the deep-rooted issues that drive social fragmentation and moral decay, particularly affecting the younger generation. This study addresses a gap in scholarship by foregrounding the psychological toll of leadership failure on ordinary citizens, an aspect often neglected in previous research. The findings reveal the authors’ depiction of corrupt leadership as a force that undermines social cohesion, exacerbates generational divides, and fosters a profound disillusionment with the nation’s prospects. Additionally, the study highlights the powerful role of literature in exposing, critiquing, and challenging socio-political realities, presenting literature as an avenue for social reflection and potential change. In conclusion, the study argues that both Okediran and Betiang advocate for a transformative model of leadership rooted in ethical principles, offering an alternative to the entrenched neocolonial systems that continue to hinder Nigeria's postcolonial development. This research contributes significant insights to African literary discourse and provides valuable perspectives for those interested in leadership studies, governance, and postcolonial theory, revealing the importance of ethical leadership in fostering social trust and sustainable development in postcolonial African societies.