Re-Decolonizing the Neo-Colonized: Towards the (Re) Construction of Afro-Postmodernist Thought

Abstract

The clamour for the return to indigenous languages, cultures and values is on the increase. This trend has called for afro-postmodernist movement. Afro-postmodernist engagements is the struggle by African scholars, writers, and critics for the revitalization of African values. One thing that has permitted this struggle is the returning to the “white masters” syndrome after the supposed decolonization. Africans especially, Nigerians have fought for their liberation from the whims and caprices of imperialism. But the situation at hand, is that of leaders and even intellectuals in Africa, Nigeria to be precise, making U-turn by returning to the imperialists for any problems that bedeviled them, borrowing of money from IMF and World Bank and many others. This is grossly creating an advanced form of colonialism or re-colonization. It is against this backdrop, this paper sets to expose the imminent and
looming dangers of Neo-colonization. The paper espouses some of these problems as replicated in some Nigerian Drama. The paper leaning on some critical works on decolonization and colonialism did discourses on neo-colonialism and its attendant challenges on the Nigerian people. Therefore, the paper adopts content analysis of the qualitative research method as instrument for analysis because of the nature of the research. From the findings, the study concludes thus, there is need for a sense of redirection by African playwrights especially, Nigerian playwrights towards the emancipation and re-decolonization of the people from neo-colonialist hegemony through playtexts. The paper recommends that, until this is done Africans will know no rest or be at peace as result of the effects of neocolonialism.