Politics: The Pulse of Society
Politics is not a distant affair confined to government offices or campaign rallies. It is the lifeblood of human society — shaping our choices, communities, and destinies. Every conversation about leadership, justice, or governance is, at its core, a discussion about politics.
The term “politics” originates from the Greek word “politiká”, meaning “affairs of the cities” or “matters concerning the polis (city-state).” Born in ancient Greece — the cradle of democracy — politics was never about personal ambition. It was about collective well-being, civic participation, and moral responsibility.
“Politics began as the art of managing the city for the good of all — not the few.”
From the Polis to Power: A Journey Through History
1. Ancient Greece – Politics as Civic Virtue
In the 5th–4th century BCE, the Greeks viewed politics as a moral duty. To be political was to be a responsible citizen. Aristotle called politics “the noblest of sciences,” because it sought the good life through good governance.
Politics = The art of governing for the common good.
2. The Roman Era – Politics as Public Duty
As Rome rose, politics evolved into an organised system of administration, laws and civic order. The phrase “res publica” — meaning “public affair” — gave birth to the modern word “republic.”
Politics = Managing the state and maintaining order.
3. The Medieval Era – Politics under Divine Authority
Between the 5th and 15th centuries, religion dominated governance. Monarchs claimed divine right, and the Church guided moral authority. Thinkers like Thomas Aquinas sought to merge Christian theology with Aristotle’s ideals.
Politics = Governance under divine and moral order.
4. The Renaissance and Enlightenment – Politics of Power and Reason
The Renaissance reawakened human intellect. Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince reframed politics as the pursuit of power, even by ruthless means. Enlightenment thinkers — Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Montesquieu — emphasised liberty, rights, and democratic order.
Politics = The science of power, liberty, and social order.
5. The Modern Era – Politics as Governance and Power Dynamics
From the 19th century onward, politics became the structured system of nation-states, constitutions, parliaments, parties, elections, and diplomacy. Today, politics represents both governance and the struggle for influence.
Politics = The art, science, and struggle of governing human society.
Nigeria’s Reality: The Two Faces of Politics
In a profound essay titled “Of Politics and Politicians” (THISDAY, September 9, 2022), Professor Ségun Gbádégesin dissected the character of Nigerian politics. He identified two faces — “politics in its original sense” and “politics in its debased sense.”
“Politics in its original sense”, according to him, reflects the art of governing the community with selflessness and fairness. He drew inspiration from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s idea of the paterfamilias — the father figure who sees every member of society as his own and works tirelessly for their welfare.
“Seeing every member of the community as one and as his own, the paterfamilias has no reason for partiality. Therefore, justice is served.” — Prof. Ségun Gbádégesin
This kind of politics — founded on love, justice, and the common good — was the politics Awolowo practised. He joined politics “to make a difference in the lives of the common people, to bridge the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged, and to make life more abundant for all.”
The Decline: Politics Without a Soul
Sadly, today’s Nigerian politics bears little resemblance to that noble tradition. Many politicians have turned public office into private enterprise. Their motivations are not service but self-gratification — the luxury cars, foreign accounts, designer wears, and beach parties that symbolise vanity over value.
“When wealth becomes the goal of politics, the soul of governance dies.”
Integrity has been replaced by indulgence; patriotism by profiteering. The once sacred duty of leadership has been reduced to a contest of greed and glamour.
The Call: Restoring Politics to Purpose
The time has come to return politics to its true meaning — service before self, duty before comfort, and people before power.
Citizens must reclaim their voice, demand accountability, and insist that political offices serve public interest, not personal ambition.
“Leadership is not about what we eat; it is about what we build.”
My people from Òkèògùn, Ìbàràpá, Òyọ́ and Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́, let us reject mediocrity and materialism in our politics. Let us refuse to hand our collective destiny to novices and opportunists who mistake governance for gain. Nigeria needs leaders with conscience, courage, and compassion — not dealers in deception.
Conclusion: A New Political Dawn
Politics must once again become an instrument for justice, progress, and national renewal. The people must awaken to their power and demand that leaders earn their mandate through service.
Finally, the time has come to change the narrative. The time has come to restore dignity to leadership. The time has come for the people to truly own the power.
Pst. Favour Adéwọyin,
National Secretary,
Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa.
