Examining the influence of leadership roles among inmates in Okekura Prison, Ilorin, Kwara State
| dc.contributor.author | Akangbe, Tomisin Adedunmola | |
| dc.contributor.author | Adewuyi, Adedolapo Oyinloye | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-05T11:23:54Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-05T11:23:54Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-03 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Within correctional centres, formal authority lays solely on the staff of the prison i.e. the wardens. The real control however often flows through the informal hierarchies shaped by inmate leaders. The paper examines how leadership dynamics among inmates within Oke-kura correctional centre, Ilorin, Kwara State, affects both individual outcomes (recidivism, training engagements) and collective outcomes (safety, cohesion etc). It also investigated the criteria used in the selection of inmate leaders and identified the leadership structure among the inmates. The study relied on a qualitative research method of data gathering and thematic and content analysis. A total of 21 KII and IDIs was conducted among inmates serving sentenced terms of more than 7 years. Findings indicated that inmates’ subculture and leadership hierarchy exists within Oke-kura prison. The study identified the following positions: Inspector general, Commissioner, Provost, Chief justice, Welfare and religious leader. Criteria for selection included inmate literacy level, language diversity, level of loyalty to the prison wardens, relationship with other inmates and general good behavior. The paper concludes that although leaders among inmates can coordinate and manage their cell mates; serve as a rehabilitation tool and as eyes and ears for officers in their absence, leaders can also serve as a hindrance to inmates’ rehabilitation, indicating a dual impact. Hence the paper recommends the employment more officers in correctional centres in order to avoid over-reliance on inmate leaders; also correctional centres should adopt non-custodian sentencing such as fines and community service to reduce congestion of centres. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1119-0655 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/18045 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | FUOYE Journal of Sociology | |
| dc.relation.ispartofseries | 4(1); 1-18 | |
| dc.subject | Informal leadership | |
| dc.subject | Prison subculture | |
| dc.subject | Rehabilitation | |
| dc.subject | Recidivism | |
| dc.subject | Dual-impact | |
| dc.title | Examining the influence of leadership roles among inmates in Okekura Prison, Ilorin, Kwara State | |
| dc.type | Article |