The House Negro In A Presidential Suite – Leaders Who Serve The Masters, But Ignore The Masses

Posted on October 11, 2025

In one of his most extremely hot speeches, Malcolm X spoke of the house negro and the field negro. Two figures whose attitudes toward their oppressors revealed a deep divide in views and loyalty. The house negro, pampered and privileged, identified with the master’s comfort; when the master fell ill, he asked, “What’s the matter, boss – are we sick?” In contrast, the field negro, deadened by toil and indignity, feel less concerned about the master’s health, dreaming of freedom rather than favour.

That allegory, though born of America’s plantation slavery, is scarily alive in modern Africa. Today, many of our leaders have assumed the role of the house negro, betraying the collective aspirations of their people to curry favour with foreign masters. They dine at global summits, speak the language of “partnership” and “aid,” yet quietly sign contracts that mortgage their nations’ futures. They kneel before Western creditors while their citizens sleep hungry on fertile soil.

In boardrooms from Washington to Brussels, from London to Paris, Africa’s so-called “partners” celebrate cooperation, but what they often practice is control. They offer loans laced with frustrating conditions, military support tied to obedience, and aid programs designed to sustain dependency. Instead of resisting this subtle recolonization, many African leaders embrace it, grateful for the photo ops, the covering up of their looted funds and corrupt practices, the luxury lifestyles, and the illusion of global relevance.

When Western interests demand compliance, these leaders echo the house negro’s refrain: “Yes, boss.” They privatize public resources for foreign profit. They suppress dissent at home to appear “stable” abroad. They attend global climate conferences and pledge to “go green,” yet export raw minerals vital for Western technology while their own people remain without electricity. They trade sovereignty for applause.

But make no mistake, the field negroes of today are not silent. They are the restless youth in Lagos, “the very dark men”, the protesting miners in Johannesburg, the farmers in Niger, “the Ibrahim Traores”, “Omoyele Sowores” “the Malemas”, the thinkers and activists across the continent who see through the facade of development that masks a new form of servitude. These sons and daughters of Africa are calling for leaders who are loyal not to the West, but to the womb that bore them, the African soil itself.

Africa does not lack wealth. It lacks willpower in leadership, the courage to say “no” to exploitation, even when it comes dressed as partnership. The betrayal of our ancestors’ struggles for independence lies not in the return of colonial powers, but in the complacency of leaders who open the door for them.

The house negro thrived because he was rewarded for loyalty, not for truth. But history is shifting. The African people, connected, educated, and awakened, are beginning to recognize who truly serves them and who serves foreign interests. The time is coming when the people will no longer applaud those who bring Western gifts while selling African dreams.

My humble question: Shall we remain to build the houses of others, or shall we reclaim and repair the home that is ours?

For the sake of Sankara, Nkrumah, Lumumba, Murtala, Yar’Adua, and all who bled for a free continent, the choice must be clear. Africa must rise from the master’s house and rebuild its own.

Ambassador Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’ an award winner of Best Columnist of the year 2020, Giant in Security Support, Statesmanship Integrity & Productivity Award Among others. He is the President of Peace Ambassador Global.

Ilobanafor Family Releases Pa Ogbuefi Clement’s Funeral Arrangements

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The Ilobanafor family has officially released the funeral arrangements for their beloved patriarch, Chief Ogbuefi Clement Nwagbogu Ilobanafor (Esesuo Agbara I of Ozegu), who passed away on 22nd June, 2025, at the age of 93.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Chief Ilobanafor will be remembered for his wisdom, humility, and enduring commitment to community development.

Throughout his life, he served as a pillar of unity, peace, and progress in Ozegu, Enugwu-Inyi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, earning the admiration of all who crossed his path.

Since his passing, an outpouring of tributes and condolences has continued to flow from across Nigeria, reflecting the depth of his impact and the legacy he left behind.

Notable among those who have sent in their condolences are: the Ywom Traditional Council, Garkawa District of Mikang Local Government Area, Plateau State, under the leadership of His Royal Highness, AIG Bashir E. Makama Dabup III (psc+Rtd), the Mwo-Ywom of Garkawa; Dr. Adedayo Olugbade Ajayi, Director General of Afe Babalola International Study Centre (ABISC); Pharm. (Prof.) Lere Baale, CEO of Business School Netherlands and President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, along with his wife, Mrs. Ife Baale; and Pharm. Elechi Oyim, National Chairman, Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), among many other well-wishers and associates who have expressed their heartfelt sympathies to the family.

In a statement released by the Ilobanafor family, the funeral arrangements are scheduled as follows:

Monday, 5th January, 2026

Christian Wake

Venue: His Compound, Umueke Ozegu, Enugwu-Inyi, Oji River LGA, Enugu State

Time: 5:00 PM

This gathering will offer family and friends the opportunity to share fond memories and testimonies of the late Chief Ilobanafor, a man widely regarded as a community development advocate and peace builder.

Tuesday, 6th January, 2026

Requiem Mass

Venue: Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Enugwu-Inyi Parish, Inyi Town, Oji River LGA, Enugu State

Time: 10:30 AM

The Requiem Mass will be followed by the Funeral Rites and a Reception at his family compound, where guests will gather to honour and celebrate a life of service and enduring legacy.

Sunday, 11th January, 2026

Thanksgiving Mass

Venue: Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Enugwu-Inyi Parish, Inyi Town, Oji River LGA, Enugu State

Time: 9:00 AM

The Thanksgiving Mass will mark the conclusion of the funeral ceremonies, serving as a celebration of Chief Ilobanafor’s life, his faith, and the values he instilled in his family and community.

The Ilobanafor family invites relatives, friends, associates, and well-wishers to join them in celebrating the life and legacy of Chief Ogbuefi Clement Nwagbogu Ilobanafor, whose kindness, integrity, and leadership left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.