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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue I, January 2025
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Leadership and Followership Dynamism among Ebira Tao People
in Nigeria: Asocio Ethical Perspective
Idah Florence Abiola & Taiwo Bamike
Department Of Arts and Social Sciences, School Of Preliminary Studies, Itakpe Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
DOI : https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1401037
Received: 06 February 2025; Accepted: 11 February 2025; Published: 22 February 2025
Abstract: The Ebira-tao people of Nigeria, comprising predominantly peasant masses, unemployed youths, and struggling
graduates, face significant socio-political challenges rooted in leadership and followership dynamics. While previous studies have
largely emphasized leadership failures, this research examines the shared responsibilities of leaders and followers, identifying the
underlying causes and impacts of maladministration. Using Burn's Transformational Leadership Theory, which advocates for
mutual moral and motivational elevation between leaders and followers, the study employed a mixed-method approach. Data
were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires administered to key informants, including local
government officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders. Out of 430 distributed questionnaires, 400 were properly filled and
analyzed, revealing that self-interest, lack of vision, corruption, inefficient social policies, and socio-political unrest were primary
contributors to governance failure among the Ebira-tao people. The study found that bad governance has led to socio-ethical
consequences such as poverty, moral decay, and socio-political instability. Respondents highlighted that the empowerment of
morally deficient individuals and poor advisory structures have further exacerbated these issues, drawing parallels with the reign
of King Rehoboam in biblical times. To address these challenges, the study recommends moral re-orientation and socio-political
reconstruction for leaders and followers alike, emphasizing the need for accountability, vision, and ethical governance to achieve
sustainable development and improve the quality of life for the Ebira-tao people.
I. Background to the Study
Leadership has been defined as a process whereby a leader influences a group of followers to achieve common goal.
1
Also,
leadership is the process of social influence that directs the actions and the activities of a group towards their shared goal. Leaders
have socio-ethical responsibilities to pay attention to the mutual needs cum common goals that exist between them and the
followers, instead of seeking their own interest alone.
2
This assertion tends to oblige the society the duty and responsibilities of a
leader with the sole aim of achieving enviable success through collective responsive mission. It is imperative to note here that, a
leader cannot achieve anything without followers with whom duties are shared and responsibilities carried out for the greater
good of all and the good of such society or nation.
3
Followership is the other side of leadership, and in fact, an indispensable
aspect of leadership. Followership means following direction, and absorbing information in order to work collaboratively as a
team, to accomplish certain goals.
4
The concept of followership extends to include the ability to behave appropriately, to do the
right thing, and to carry oneself in an honorable way in the world.
5
Followership is important, and justifies the necessity and the
relevancy of leadership in the first place, and as well, underscores an important dyadic relationship that exists between leaders
and followers.
6
Elaborating on the dignity and beauty evident in the art of followership, Riggio, Chaleff and Lipman-Blumen
argued that great followers make great leaders and great organizations, a statement of fact that locates effective followership
within the context of great leadership. Therefore, effective collaboration between leaders and followers is both necessary and
compulsorily important in order to accomplish common goals. It is a shared responsibility.
7
One may infer that leadership and
followership are interactive phenomenon that works in the interest of the people and the greater good of the community. This is
seen in the submission of Riggio, Chaleff and Lipman-Blumen who argued that great followers make great leaders and great
organizations.
8
This act justifies that both phenomena are important and relevant for the sustenance and development cum
advancement of any society. However, one of the biggest problems evident in Nigerian leadership and followership is anchored in
their erroneous worldviews, beliefs, and assumptions on the meaning and the context of leadership; worldviews that detach and
distant values and servanthood from the meaning and the context of leadership, which translate to misconduct, unethical
behaviour, and leadership crisis.
9
In other words, to lead is to serve, and both leaders and followers work collaboratively to
effectively accomplish the common goal of the country; a dyadic relationship that is grounded in mutual empowerment of both
parties.
10
It is not uncommon to see various credible criticisms and blames on Nigerian leadership about the deplorable state of the
country. And, it is unpopular to extend the same criticisms to followership or to the citizens of the country.
11
Indeed, a follower
today could be a leader tomorrow. Leaders influence and empower followers toward accomplishing common goals, and followers
in return, influence, empower, and contribute to effective and successful leadership.
12
Burns echoed the idea that new leadership always emerges from the followers, that is, (the citizens). A leader with selfish and
dishonest ambition, and erroneous belief and worldview on leadership, is a dangerous man, and a total disservice to the citizens.
13
Also, a citizen today who possesses erroneous worldview on leadership, and a selfish ambition of embezzlement of public fund,
will become a dishonest and a crooked leader tomorrow, for people do not usually give what they do not have.
14
That is the
reason why values, morals, and worldviews are central to good leadership and good followership as well.
15
Worldview is the
fundamental and the foundational drive behind our cultural and personal beliefs.
16
Worldview is the conglomeration of the
assumptions, and beliefs that influence the way we think and behave, and as well, determine our thoughts and behavior. The
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fundamental ideas, beliefs and assumptions that we have, which are both conscious and unconscious, inform and influence the
lenses through which we view reality.
17
Human worldview helps us to interpret and attach meaning to his life, helps him to
organize his life experiences and decisions into an accurate and clearer perspective, just as the reading glasses put the world into a
clearer and a better focus for many people.
18
From practical and lived experience perspectives, it is a statement of fact that
leadership worldviews held by majority of Nigerians, especially, but not exclusively, by the people in leadership positions, are
entirely wrong.
19
The status quo in Nigerian leadership; the context and the meaning of leadership in Nigeria is bereaved of the
foundational concepts of leadership which are: servanthood, effectiveness, and values.
20
It is almost a strange ideology in Nigeria
to perceive leadership in the context of servanthood.
21
From the foregoing, previous studies have unfolded certain scholarly
loophole that requires intellectual concern, either from the neglect of major research on the socio-religious enquiry on leadership
or followership or both within the context of King Rehoboam dynasty. The researcher therefore, desires to examine the above
topic in order to come up with viable recommendations that will add value to human existence and the existing body of
knowledge. Hence, this study shall explore sociological and phenomenological methods in the evaluation of the theme under
study.
Statement of the Problem
Existing studies have shown how scholars from various disciplines, particularly, in the social sciences, and the humanities, in
areas such as political science, sociology, psychology, history, philosophy among others; carried out researches in order to stem
down corruption and socioeconomic hardship vis-a-vis security challenges. However, it is quite worrisome, that all their efforts
have yielded little or no significant results. This is because; all these social vices cum corruption are still on the increase; instead
of positive improvements. The fact remains that solution to all these social vices are majorly centered on the shared responsibility
of leadership and followership in the acts of governance. More importantly, observations manifest that these social problems have
continued unabatedly because socio-religious mechanisms towards the improvement and effective roles of leadership and
followership in the right direction have been neglected. In view of this development, the researcher identifies this as a scholarly
vacuum that requires urgent attention. The researcher, hereby, takes up the task to carry out a sociological enquiry into the shared
responsibility of leadership and followership among the Ebira community of Kogi State, Nigeria, in the context of King
Rehoboam dynasty. This is with a view to exploring the ideal style of leadership-followership phenomenon in the development
and advancement of Ebira community holistically.
Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to enquire into the phenomena of leadership and followership among Ebira community of Kogi State,
Nigeria, with a view, to attaining the following objectives:
(i.) to explore the ideal style of leadership-followership phenomena in the development and advancement of the Ebira
community.
(ii.) explore basic fundamentals lessons of sound leadership and followership for the development of the people of Ebira
community and the people in general.
(iii.) identify basic misconceptions of leadership and followership position in the Ebira community and replacing it with
ideal and ethical styles of leadership and followership for the growth and development of the society.
(iv.) to fill the gap identified in the leadership-followership dichotomy in the Nigerian and Ebira community experience
for the development and betterment of humanity.
(v.) To contribute to the existing body of knowledge.
Significance of the Study
Arising from the aim and objectives of this current research, the value and significance of this current research in human
existence cannot be overemphasized. The significance of this work on both theoretical and practical aspects of socio-political and
religio-ethical acts of governance on Ebira community of Kogi State, Nigeria are hereby highlighted below:
(i.) this study will enhance socio-ethical appraisal of leadership-followership phenomena in the Nigerian experience,
especially among the Ebira’s of Kogi State of Nigeria.
(ii.) it will re-awaken the sound spirit of duty-bound leadership-followership spirits on the people of Nigeria and the
Ebira’s of Kogi State, Nigeria.
(iii.) it will help a retrospective and scholarly enquiry into the other areas of leadership-followership ideology among the
Ebira’s of Kogi State, Nigeria.
(iv.) the study will be an eye opener on the complex leadership style of the Ebira’s of Kogi State, Nigeria and the various
identifiable problem of leadership the study observes.
(v.) this study will explore the socio-economic relevance of Ebira community to the development of the country at large.
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(vi.) this study serves as a model of standing point cum point of reference for anybody who intends to carry out research
in any related subject.
Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is a sociological enquiry into the phenomena of leadership and followership in Ebira community of
Kogi State, Nigeria. The researcher deliberately delimits this work to a specific geographical location in order to have a focus in
the execution of this research. In the act of governance, the concepts of leadership and followership are general phenomenon that
cut across every society, be it local, state or at the national level.
35
Presently, there are thirty-six states (36) and seven hundred and
seventy-four (774) local governments areas in Nigeria; thereby embarking on this research on the whole country will not be
viable enough. Therefore, it is believed that the results and recommendations of the research can equally be supplied in other
areas of the governments. Also concentrating on a particular community in a state Nigeria will allows the researcher to avoid
over-generalization in the research.
Theoretical Framework
Theoretical Framework(s) are theories formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge
and extend existing knowledge, within the limits of the critical bounding assumptions.
36
Theoretical framework is the structure
that can hold or support a theory of a research study. It introduces and describes the theory which explains why the research
problem under study exists.
37
Also, theoretical framework consists of concepts, together with their definitions, and existing theory
or theories that are used for a particular study.
38
In carrying out any research work, theoretical framework affords the researcher a
lot of values and insights.
Theoretical framework strengthens the study by making explicit statement of theoretical assumptions which permits a researcher
to critically evaluate them; connects the researcher to existing knowledge, guided by a relevant theory and hypotheses. It ensures
an articulation of assumptions of a research study force to address questions of why and how. It also permits one to move from
simply describing a phenomenon observed to generalizing such about specific aspects of such phenomenon.
39
It helps to identify the limits to those generalizations by making specification to key variables which influences a phenomenon to
exist.
40
It alerts researcher to examine how those key variables might differ under what circumstances.
41
By virtue of its
application, it usually reinforces and serves as a basis for new research.
In this study, the transformational leadership theory postulated by Buns in 1978and the theories of transformation and transition
in governance were adopted as the most suitable conceptual framework. Burns postulation defined transformational leadership as
a process where leaders and followers engage in a mutual process of raising one another to higher levels of morality and
motivation.
42
The transformational leader appeals to the higher ideals and values of the followers in an unselfish manner to
achieve collaboration and collective success.
17
Bass defined transformational leadership in terms of how the leader affects
followers, and identified three ways in which the leaders transform followers as:
i. Increasing their awareness of task importance and value.
ii. Getting them to focus first on team or organizational goals, rather than their own interests.
iii. Activating their higher order needs.
43
Transformational leader is charismatic and inspirational. Bass agreed that transformational leaders are generally believed to
transform their followers to higher levels of performance and other positive work-related outcomes through four dimensions:
charisma, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized considerations.
44
Burns argued that the core agenda
of transformational leadership is the protection and nourishing of happiness, and extending the opportunity to pursue happiness to
all.
45
One way of pursuing this agenda in Nigeria is the development of key infrastructures through good governance.
As Bass observed, transformational leadership will help to unleash the creative potentials of individuals and groups, thereby
generating social change.
46
The transformational and transition theories of governance have been used to explain the change from
one regime type to another such as from authoritarianism to democracy and vice versa, and in understanding the problems of
governance that are involved in such changes.
47
In effect, transformational governance creates an atmosphere of collective vision
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that inspires followers to look beyond their self-interests for the good of the group.
48
Transformational theory of governance is
therefore very relevant in explaining the socio-theological political leadership among the Ebira community of Kogi State. The
leadership role played by successive administrators failed to represent the characteristics of transformational leadership.
This study adopted transformational and transitional leadership theories to this new study strengthen and reinforce as it covers
and justify the sociological and theological relevance of this study on the demographical scope or Ebira people it tends to explore
with the Biblical personae of Rehoboam as these theories justifies various era and failures of leaders and followers in the
community under study. Hence, the theories will give us a clearer picture and depiction of the leadership-followership failure
over times and among the Ebira community of Kogi State, Nigeria.
II. Research Methodology
The term search in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent
information on a specific topic.
22
The advanced Learners Dictionary defines research as a careful investigation or inquiry specially
through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.
23
On the other hand, research methodology is a way to systemically
solve the research problem. In other words, it is understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically.
24
Thus, a
researcher needs to study the various steps that are generally adopted in studying research problems along with the logic behind
them.
25
However, research methods are understood as all those method/techniques that are used for conduction of research.
26
In
essence, research methods or techniques thus refer to the methods the researchers use in performing research operations.
27
In a
similar but different dimension, all these methods which are used by the researcher during the cause of studying research problem
are termed as research methods.
28
There are various types of research methods, such as collection of data and analytical approaches.
29
This is because every
discipline vis-à-vis department has its own peculiar ways of gathering data. The topic under study is from the Department of
Religion and African Culture, Faculty of Arts. Based on this, the basic research tools hinge on vital process of information, which
are all that is; valid, coherent, clear and logical. In carrying out this research, primary sources are used to elicit information
through interview.
30
Thereby; authentic pieces of information will be established in Ebira community. Also group discussion will
equally be adopted on various leaders and followers in Ebira community. The adoption of this method cannot be overemphasized
because it affords face to face interaction and discussion which enables the researcher to clarify some ambiguous questions as
well as informs deep discussion. The researcher decides to use deliberate sample design of the population of the Ebira people.
This sampling involves purposive cum deliberate selection of particular units in Kogi State of Nigeria. This sample design cannot
give any bias result because the populations of the people under study are homogenous.
31
It is important to note that the researcher will not use complex mathematical equation or interpretation for simple understanding;
rather, researcher will use simple percentage count and as well discussed each items clearly. The researcher will conduct and
interview one hundred (100) leaders and one hundred (100) followers across the Local Government Area of Ebira community.
The researcher also administers four hundred (400) questionnaires. The percentage for each item will be calculated as follows:
M X 100
TN I
While ‘N’ stands for respondents ‘TN’ represents total number of respondents per statement question. The questionnaire analysis
to a large extent complements the information gathered through other sources. However, unquantifiable data will be inserted in
their raw form as they are collected by means of quotation or paraphrase references. The number of the retrieved as well as the
authentic questionnaires will be calculated by using simple percentage count and it will be logically discussed and content
analyzed.
Besides the above methods, secondary sources will equally be utilized which involved library materials, textbooks, journal
articles, dictionary, reference books, national dailies, archival materials and internet materials. The relevance of secondary
sources to the current research is highly important in many ways. Through secondary sources, fundamental pieces of information
from various literary works will be gathered; these are from previous authors who had worked on topics related to the current
research.
More importantly, the value of literature review is vital in any research, particularly in the humanity. This is because, literature
review lays a strong foundation to the topic under study, it helps in identifying problems and it gives strong building to the body
work under research; it broadens researchers horizon, it helps to avoid plagiarism, it gives a thorough check and afford a critical
analysis to the particular book; shedding more light to a particular related topic because the researcher will definitely continue at
where previous authors stopped.
32
All these are the relevance or advantage of secondary sources of information for the current
research.
Having established the procedure and mechanisms for eliciting authentic, valid and reliable pieces of information for the current
research. The researcher will utilize sociological and phenomenological approach in the analysis and description of the whole
work.
33
These approaches are selected and used because the topic relates to a whole community of the people of Ebira land in
Kogi State, Nigeria. The topic deals with the knowledge of the people within a specific geographical coverage. On the other hand,
phenomenological approach is also significant as it relates to neutral dispassionate gathering of data plus objective and descriptive
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analysis; as the facts appear to the researcher in the context of the people of Ebiraland. Sociological and phenomenological
approaches are very relevant and key to this research.
34
III. Analysis and Discussion
This section presents the summary of results obtained from the study in frequency counts and simple percentage in a tabular form
as shown below. This section analyses research questions on the nature on the sociological enquiry into leadership and
followership among Ebira community Kogi State.
Table 1: Distribution of Respondents According to Sex
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY
PERCENT
Male
208
52.0
Female
192
48.0
Total
400
100.0
Table 1 shows that 400 respondents participated in the study in which 282(52.0%) of the respondents were males, while
118(48.0%) of the remaining respondents were females. This implies that the majority of the respondents are males.
Table 2: Characteristics of Respondents on the Basis of Age
Response
Frequency
20-35Years
52
36-50 Years
220
51-above
128
Total
400
Source: Field survey 2021.
Table 2 shows that 400 respondents participated in the study in which 52 (13.0%) were within the age bracket 20-35 years, 220
(55.0%) of the respondents were within the age bracket 36–50 years, while 128 (32.0%) of the respondents were within the age
bracket 51 and above years. This implies that the majority of the respondents are within the age bracket 36 –50 years of age.
Table 3: Distribution of Respondents according to Marital Status
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY
PERCENT
Married
300
75.0
Single
100
25.0
Divorced
Widowed
Total
400
100.0
Table 3 shows that 400 respondents participated in the study in which 300 (75%) of the respondents were married, while 100
(25%) of the remaining respondents were single. This implies that the majority of the respondents were married.
Table 4: Distribution of Respondents according to Religion
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY
PERCENT
Trader/Artisan/farmer
200
50.0
Civil Servant
100
25.0
Retiree/Unemployed
100
25.0
Total
400
100.0
Table 4 shows that 400 respondents participated in the study in which 200 (50%) of the respondents were either traders, artisans
or farmers, 100 (25%) were civil servants, while the remaining 100 (25%) of the remaining respondents were retirees and
unemployed. This implies that the majority of the respondents were traders, artisans and farmers.
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Table 5: Distribution of Respondents according to Religion
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY
PERCENT
Islam
300
75.0
Christianity
100
25.0
Others
-
-
Total
400
100.0
Table 3 shows that 400 respondents participated in the study in which 300 (75%) of the respondents were Muslims, while 100
(25%) of the remaining respondents were Christians. This implies that the majority of the respondents were Muslims.
IV. Results of Research Questions
Research Question 1: What are the causes of bad leadership and followership problem among Ebira community?
Table 4: causes of bad leadership and followership (n=100)
SN
STATEMENTS.
Agree
Disagree
No
%
No
%
SD
1
Self-interest and covetousness are causes of bad
leadership.
62
62.0
38
38.0
1.52
.71
2
Lack of vision and mission.
77
77.0
23
23.0
2.19
.74
3
Lack of good and proper leadership mentoring.
53
53.0
47
47.0
1.72
.68
4
Corruption and lack of moral value.
57
57.0
43
43.0
1.54
.49
5
Lack of good leadership education.
66
66.0
34
34.0
2.11
.88
Weighted mean score = 1.82
Source: Field Survey, 2021
The result in table 4 revealed that lack of good leadership education and moral value is a bane and causes of bad leadership and
followership problem among Ebira community. With a weighted mean score of 1.82 which is higher than the standard mean score
of 1.50. All of the items from 1, 3, 4 and 5 depict higher means scores of 1.52, 1.72, 1.54 and 2.11 are higher than standard mean
score of 1.50, indicating that self-interest and covetousness are major causes of leadership problem in Ebira land, corruption and
lack of moral value, Item 2 which is the highest mean score of 2.19, indicated that lack of vision and mission by political leaders
are pivotal in the political mess witnessed in Ebira land today.
Research Question 2: what are the effects of bad leadership and followership problem among Ebira communities?
Table 5: The extent to which causes of bad leadership and followership problem affects Ebira communities(n=100)
SN
STATEMENTS.
Agree
Disagree
No
%
No
%
SD
6
Poor and dilapidated health sector.
52
52.0
48
48.0
1.75
.72
7
Insecurity and public safety.
60
60.0
40
40.0
1.91
.74
8
Lack of good and efficient social policy.
53
53.0
47
47.0
1.63
.68
9
Lack of good education and buildings for all.
73
73.0
27
27.0
2.47
.39
10
Increase in social and political unrest.
55
55.0
45
45.0
2.21
.80
Weighted mean score = 2.0
Source: Field Survey, 2021
The result in table 5 revealed the extent to which bad leadership and followership problems affects Ebira communities in Kogi
State. With a weighted mean score of 2.0 which is higher than the standard mean score of 1.50. All of the items from 6-8 and 10
depict higher means scores of 1.75, 1.91, 1.63 and 2.21, are higher than standard mean score of 1.50, indicating that bad
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leadership-followership problem affects all facets of the community and this has impacts on te community development. Item 9
which has the highest mean score of 2.47, revealed that lack of good education and buildings for all is a factor in the recruitment
of political thugs and the empowerment of young minds who lacks basic and good education in the community.
Research Question 3: what are the socio-ethical implications of bad leadership and followership in Ebira lands?
Table 6: The socio-ethical implications of bad leadership and followership (n=100)
SN
STATEMENTS.
YES
NO
No
%
No
%
SD
11
Empowers morally bankrupt people.
54
52.0
48
48.0
1.52
.28
12
High level of poverty.
59
59.0
41
41.0
2.10
.62
13
Lack of viable and oriented leaders to lead.
67
67.0
33
33.0
1.65
.73
14
It leads to the emergence of bad leaders.
62
62.0
48
48.0
1.84
.32
15
Governance becomes inefficient.
74
74.0
26
26.0
2.37
.54
Weighted mean score = 1.90
Source: Field Survey, 2021
The result in table 6 shows the socio-ethical effect and implications of bad leadership and followership problem among the Ebira
communities. With a weighted mean score of 1.90 which is higher than the standard mean score of 1.50. All of the items from 11-
14 depict higher means scores of 1.52, 2.10, 1.65, and 1.84 which are higher than standard mean score of 1.50, indicating that
with poor leadership and followership values, the society suffers and poor leadership-followership mentality thrives. Item 15
which has the highest mean score of 2.37, revealed that it can lead to the emergence of bad leaders and governance thus becomes
inefficient.
Research Question 4: what are the socio-ethical ways out of bad leadership and followership problem in Ebira communities?
Table 7: The socio-ethical ways out of bad leadership and followership (n=100)
SN
STATEMENTS.
Agree
Disagree
No
%
No
%
SD
16
Religious and moral orientations for all.
68
68.0
32
32.0
1.72
.44
17
Electing God-fearing men and women into public posts.
55
55.0
45
45.0
2.37
.32
18
Employing religious and ethical laws on leadership and
followership dynamics.
64
64.0
36
36 .0
1.65
.54
19
Punishing corrupt leaders and followers in the land and
banning them from public positions for life.
62
62.0
38
38.0
1.53
.81
20
Educating the people on ideal leadership and followership
values.
70
70.0
30
30.0
2.20
.92
Weighted mean score = 1.89
Source: Field Survey, 2021
The result in table 7 revealed the social and ethical ways out of the menace of bad leadership and followership dynamics among
the Ebira people of Kogi State, Nigeria. With a weighted mean score of 1.89 which is higher than the standard mean score of
1.50. All of the items from 16, 18-20 depict higher means scores of 1.72, 1.65, 1.53 and 2.20 which are higher than standard mean
score of 1.50, indicating the viable options and ways out of the problem and menace of leadership and followership in Ebira
community. Item 20 which have the highest mean score of 2.37 shows educating the people on ideal leadership and followership
values will not only create a better political atmosphere for the people, but also enhances good leadership-followership outputs for
the development and growth of the community and also in the empowerment of values, virtues, norms, needed ideas, ideologies
and political wills in driving visionary oriented leaders-followers for the growth and betterment of Ebiraland.
The problem attached to leadership and followership phenomenon among the Ebira is enormous and thus a clog in the wheel of
development in the land. Poor leadership and followership orientations are listed in the problem witnessed in the land as
substantiated by the respondents and interviewers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue I, January 2025
www.ijltemas.in Page 353
In conclusion, this study explores leadership and followership among Ebira communities in Kogi State, highlighting the
importance of peaceful coexistence among social units, including religious and ethnic groups, for national growth. The research
notes that the failure of Nigeria's political system stems from shared responsibilities between leaders and followers, leading to
underdevelopment, insincerity, and social unrest. The research concludes that there is a need for critical analysis and problem-
solving to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Ebiraland.
Recommendations
Based on the conclusion above, this study offers the following recommendations:
1. Accountability: Government must ensure that leaders and followers are held accountable for their actions, promoting
transparency and good governance.
2. Criminalization of offenders: Government must criminalize and punish political offenders to serve as a deterrent to others.
3. Youth Empowerment: the government should tap into the potentials of the young people in Ebiraland, providing them with
opportunities for education, skill development, and meaningful engagement in the development process.
4. Address Poverty and Injustice: government should Implement policies and programs that address poverty, inequality, and
social injustice, promoting economic growth and human development in Ebiraland.
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