A Discourse on Accumulation and the Contradictions of Capitalist Development in Nigeria BY: ADELAJA ODUTOLA ODUKOYA B.Sc. (HONS), M.SC POLITICAL SCIENCE (UNILAG) MATRIC. NO. 84090342 Being a Dissertation in the Department of Political Science Submitted to the School of Post-Graduate Studies, University of Lagos in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D). June 2011 1 | P a g e School of Post-Graduate Studies University of Lagos Certification This is to certify that the Thesis A Discourse on Accumulation and the Contradictions of Capitalist Development in Nigeria Submitted to the School of Post-Graduate Studies University of Lagos For the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (P Ph.D) in Political Science is a record of original research carried out By Adelaja Odutola Odukoya B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Sc. Political Science (UNILAG) Matriculation No: 840903042 Author‟s Name Signature Date 1st Supervisor‟s Name Signature Date 2nd Supervisor‟s Name Signature Date 1st Internal Examiner Signature Date 2nd Internal Examiner Signature Date External Examiner Signature Date SPGS Representative Signature Date ii | P a g e DEDICATION To the memory of my beloved father, Pa. Erastus Ebun-Oluwa Omotayo Odukoya iii | P a g e ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I discovered in the course of this study that writing a dissertation is a process of intangible accumulation, not capital accumulation that is the subject-matter of this study. Similarly, writing this acknowledgement is an opportunity for documenting my indebtedness, as well as my sincere appreciation for acts of kindness, assistance, friendships, insightful contributions, critiques and other debts incurred in the process of writing this thesis. First, my thanks go to my first Supervisor Professor Remi Anifowose, for the fatherly support and understanding during the course of this study. As my lecturer during my undergraduate studies and supervisor of my M.Sc project, he has closely watched my academic progress. I am inspired by the unfettered access he gave me and his commitment to academic pursuit. To Dr. Browne Onuoha, my second Supervisor, I am no less grateful for encouragement. My indebtedness to the Department of Political Science, York University, Ontario, Canada, cannot be paid in full. The opportunity of the one year Research Fellowship at York University, Toronto, Canada, exposed me to a new intellectual tradition and invaluable academic resources. David McNally, Chair and Professor of my host Department, I say thank you for your humanist concern. My International Supervisor, Dr. (Mrs) Ananya Mukherjee Reed, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, and Director, International Secretariat for Human Development (ISHD), York University, Canada, you are simply marvellous and a committed intellectual. iv | P a g e The African-Roundtable sponsored by the Department of Political Science, the International Secretariat for Human Development (ISHD) and the African Studies Department, York U, enabled me to present and test the ideas contained in this study before a highly respected academic audience amongst who were John Saul (Emeritus Professor), Robert Cox and David MacNally who chaired the Roundtable. The feedback and the prolonged intellectual discussions generated by the presentation at the African Roundtable were indispensable in refining and sharpening the arguments in this study. To Professor Pablo Idahosa, Head African Studies, York University, Professor Obiora Okafor, of the Osgoode Hall Law School, Faculty and Graduate Students of African Studies and the Political Science Department, York U, thank you. To my fellow African brothers, Jasper Ayelazuno (Ghana), Mohamed Zubairu Wai (a.k.a. Zuba) (Sierra Leone) and sister, Elleni Centine Zeleke (Ethiopia), graduate students under Ananya‟s supervision, I cherished the intellectual communion we shared. My Ghanaian brother and friend, Jasper Ayelazuno (Great Jaspero) deserves special commendation for facilitating my Fellowship at York University. Baba Jaspero, thank you for your love. Evelyn V. Encalada Grez, Doctoral candidate, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and researcher in ISHD, Dr. Miguel Gonzalez, and Vivian Jimenez, Doctoral candidate, OISE and researcher at the ISHD proved to be pleasant people to work with. Drs. Jude Odinkonigbo and Uwafiokun Idemudia, of York University, I value the intellectual relationships and collaboration that we developed. v | P a g e Barrister Everonal, how can I thank you enough for being my greatest cheer leader during my stay in Canada? Your interest in the progress of my research and invaluable contributions to improving the thesis are highly appreciated. Carolyn Cross, Secretary, Department of Political Science, York U, I appreciate your kind thoughts and administrative assistance during my Fellowship. To the library staff at the Scots Library, York University, and North York Public Library, Finch, Toronto, your efficiency and assistance are commendable. To Alhaji and Alhaja Rasaq Ade Bodunrin and family, who hosted me in Canada, I am very grateful. Fr. Patrick de Carmo, Ayo Legacy, Dr. Tony Okusanya, Baba and Mama Italian, Ronke, Kofo Mabel, you all added value in different ways and demonstrated our common humanity during my stay in Canada. To Akin Ogunlola (USA), Keji Otenaike (USA) Yinka Yaya (USA), Kemi Akande (USA) and my step-brother, Olusegun Odukoya (USA), as well as Mr. And Mrs Yomi Odunuga (Vancouver, CA), Kola Adedeji (UK), Mr. Lanre Aluko (Netherlands), and Dr. Cyril Obi (Sweden), your ceaseless calls and encouragement during my research kept me going in spite of the cold. Dr. Abubakar Momoh of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, (LASU), thank you for uncommon comradeship and unparalleled professional supports at all times. For uncommon collegiality, friendship and intellectually stimulating engagements, Prof. Tunde Babawale, Mr. Dele Nusiru Ashiru and Mrs. Omolara Quadri, I doff my hat. Professor Solomon Akinboye, Head of Department of Political Science, Drs. Derin Ologbenla, M. M. Fadakinte, vi | P a g e Rasheed Akinyemi, Emma Onah, Tola Odubajo, Frednard Ottoh, Mr. Lanre Felix Awosika, and Mr. Samuel Oloruntoba I have learnt from you in different ways. To other members of the academic and administrative staff in the Department of Political Science, I say thank you. Professor Bayo Ninalowo, Head, Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, continues to provide academic leadership and encouragement. Professor Alaba Ogunsanwo and Professor Siyanbola Tomori were pillars of support at the commencement of this thesis. My sincere appreciation to the following senior colleagues within the University: Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. (Mrs.) Fagbenro Beyioku, Member of Council and Department of Pharmacology; Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies; Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, Head, Department of Mass Communication; Prof. Wale Balogun, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. (Mrs.) O. Obashoro-John, Sub-Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies. To my friends, Professor Kolawole Owolabi, of the Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan, Hon. Babatude Oduyoye, Hon. Kazeem Adesile Adedeji, Omoba Cosmas Adekoya, Biyi Banjoko, Kamoru Lasisi, Akeem Oriola, Cy, Ogbo Iroanya, Rev. Toriola Oluwambe, Ojo Mutalubi, Otuba Wale Ademowo, Kayode Odukoya, and others, individually and collectively, you have strengthened me with your friendship over the years. I thank you all profusely for believing in me. I thank elite interviewees like Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi (OFR), Prof. Pat Utomi of the African University, Lekki, Lagos, Mr. Olu Odugbemi, Mr. Ojukwu of the Bureau for vii | P a g e Public Enterprises (BPE), Joe Ajero, General Secretary, National Union of Electricity Workers Union, and a dozen of anonymous respondents. Mr. Ayodokun Ayokunu Bukola, now of the Oxford University, U.K., I appreciate your assistance with the interviews. To my in-law, Abayomi Ogunfidodo, thank you for sparing the time to do the editorial work on the initial draft. Mrs. Victoria Ogunfidodo, a.k.a. Grandma Agege, Dupe Ogunfidodo, many thanks for keeping faith at the sentinel while I was away in Canada. My late father, Pa Erastus Ebun-Oluwa Omotayo Odukoya and my loving mother, Mrs. Bolanle Olufunmilayo Odukoya, I cannot thank you enough for the invaluable education you gave me. Dad, the sojourn for this thesis precluded me from being by your graveside. To my siblings, Olaitan, Abayomi, Adebunkonla, Oloruntoba and Temitope Odukoya, your love is refreshing. I like to appreciate the invaluable support of the authority of the University of Lagos, for the award of a Ph.D research grant which enabled me to travel to York University, Toronto, Canada, for dissertation research. The experience proved invaluable in writing this thesis. Above all to my wife, Olunike, daughter, Oluwatobiloba and son, Ayomide, congratulations for passing the test of love, commitment and forbearance. Here is the fruit of the one year away from home, many days and nights of enforced seclusion within the house. viii | P a g e Since you survived the lonely nights, days and months without my companionship, it is your time to click the glass and sing the song of victory. You are the pillar and the strength of this unique intellectual sojourn. ix | P a g e TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page i Certification ii Dedication iii Acknowledgement iv-ix Table of Contents x-xii List of Tables xiii-xv Abbreviations xvi-xx List of Appendices