The Concept of "Omoluabi" Diplomacy and Its Legal Application in Good Governance, Diplomatic Relations, Leadership, and Public Administration

Abstract

This study examined the Omoluabi philosophy and its potential application in Nigeria’s leadership, diplomatic relations, and public administration, with emphasis on legal and diplomatic frameworks. Rooted in Yoruba culture, the Omoluabi philosophy promotes values such as integrity, fairness, and communal well-being, which are essential for ethical leadership, good governance, and effective diplomacy. Despite these values, Nigeria continues to face challenges in public administration, including corruption, inefficiency, and weak accountability (Okagbue, 2011). The study aimed to examine how integrating Omoluabi principles could address these challenges, improve governance, and strengthen Nigeria’s legal and diplomatic relations. Its objectives included analysing the role of Omoluabi in shaping ethical leadership, assessing its impact on governance, leadership, and public administration, and proposing a legal framework for its integration into Nigerian governance. Research questions focused on how Omoluabi values influence public servants’ behaviour and enhance governance practices. The study is significant for offering an indigenous value-based approach to improving leadership, diplomacy, legal frameworks, and public administration. The scope covered Nigerian governance, leadership, public administration, legal systems, and diplomacy. Anchored in social contract theory, the findings indicated that Omoluabi philosophy can promote ethical governance, leadership, and diplomacy, though challenges such as resistance to change remain. The study recommended incorporating Omoluabi principles into public servant training and legal reforms, concluding that Omoluabi has strong potential to transform Nigeria’s leadership, diplomatic relations, and public administration.