Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò’: Against Decolonisation” is a powerful and much-needed intervention that challenges the indiscriminate application of the decolonization concept. Táíwò’s thought-provoking book asserts that the decolonization industry harms scholarship, suffocates African thought, and denies African agency. In this article, I will provide a summary and lessons we can learn from his book: Against Decolonization ‘
Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, with a Ph.D. in philosophy from UCLA, draws inspiration from diverse sources including the Black radical tradition and anti-colonial thought. His work encompasses German transcendental philosophy, contemporary philosophy of language, social science, and histories of activism.
One can learn several valuable lessons from “Against Decolonisation.” Firstly, it challenges the prevailing narrative by questioning whether the current decolonization movement truly serves African empowerment challenging oppressive structures and reclaiming cultural heritage, decolonization seeks to empower marginalized communities. In the African context, decolonization plays a crucial role in the pursuit of African empowerment. It allows for the reclamation of African narratives, history, and intellectual contributions, fostering a sense of pride and self-determination.
Through decolonization, African societies can challenge the lingering effects of colonization, assert their own values and perspectives, and shape their futures on their own terms. Táíwò emphasizes the need to respect African intellectuals as innovative adaptors and synthesizers of universally relevant ideas.
Táíwò highlights how decolonization rhetoric ignores Africa-West intellectual history, perpetuating a false dichotomy. He emphasizes the nuanced examination of intellectual connections. By dismissing intellectual exchanges, decolonization reinforces division, hindering the recognition of Africa’s contributions. Táíwò calls for reevaluation, acknowledging interconnectedness.
Lastly, Táíwò urges reclaiming agency, not succumbing to victimhood. Africans can overcome this by asserting agency and appropriating human commons. Active participation contributes to collective progress.
Táíwò’s public philosophy extends beyond academic circles, and his writings on climate justice and colonialism have appeared in renowned publications like The New Yorker, The Nation, Boston Review, Dissent, The Appeal, Slate, Al Jazeera, The New Republic, Aeon, and Foreign Policy. In addition to his scholarly contributions, Táíwò is the author of “Elite Capture and Reconsidering Reparations,” showcasing his expertise and critical insights in the field. The book inspires readers to forge a path toward empowerment and self-determination. “Against Decolonisation” is essential for understanding decolonization’s impact on African thought and agency.
