ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests some reasons for the non-egalitarian classlessness perceived by the Yoruba. It shows that the development of Yoruba elite and the classless perception of society is an important factor in the development of the one-party state—a development which itself promotes an image of a classless society. The western-educated Yoruba elite of Western Nigeria are a small group; they have a highly distinctive style of life; they enjoy great economic privileges in the state. For many reasons the educated Yoruba identifies himself with the historical past of his own society—but generally it is a past from which conflict and local differences have been excluded. Factory workers, local government employees, school teachers, and the like have their trade unions. Several trade-union leaders have a certain charismatic appeal to their members and can effectively exploit local grievances by strike action. The range of soft furnishings and decoration reflects the limited choice offered by local Ibadan shops.
