Afrilition: Jason Arday and the cannibal game, By Adéwálé Àjàdí

The article delves into the complex nature of racism, using the Yoruba concept of 'ìlara' as a framework. 'Ìlara,' described as a desire for someone's essence born from admiration but twisted by scarcity, is presented as a metaphor for how racism operates – a corrupted pursuit of what one already possesses internally. This concept is central to understanding the dynamics explored in the book 'Afrilition,' which aims to foster a space of abundance through African love.

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Racism is a sleight of hand game. The best way to understand it is by exploring what my Yoruba ancestors call ìlara.

The author connects this idea to the recent tragic death of Professor Jason Arday. Arday had resigned from his post at Cambridge after facing public scrutiny and accusations of lacking the merit for his PhD and professorship, despite the university affirming his qualifications after an investigation. The piece extends condolences to his family, highlighting the profound love at the heart of 'Afrilition' and its focus on collective well-being over individual struggles.

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Ilàrá does not respond to medication or a cure. It is desiring someone’s essence out of profound admiration, even love, but in a manner that is twisted by the idea of scarcity; hence the need to obtain it by all means. It is the tragic, corrupted pilgrimage of a misplaced spirit seeking the beautiful essence of another that it doesn’t realise it already possesses within its own Orí.

Central to 'Afrilition' is the premise that building the future should not be a reaction to racism or other pathologies. Instead, the focus should be on intentional purpose, while still critically dismantling elements that hinder progress. The article acknowledges the importance of creatively envisioning the future through 'Afrilition' but stresses the need to confront the racism that diminishes and displaces people of African descent globally.

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Afrilition is about the place of African love in creating a space of abundance for humanity. It makes it difficult to focus on the individual experience only.

The piece critiques the historical narrative surrounding institutions of higher learning, pointing out that the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 857-859 BCE, predates European universities. It suggests that the Western system, driven by 'ìlara,' has warped desire into hatred to mask insecurity. The author cites the rehabilitation of Neanderthals and the classification of Europe as a continent despite its geographical connection to Asia as examples of a distorted pursuit of meritocracy and objective standards, particularly when it leads to questioning the worthiness of people of African descent.

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At the Heart of Afrilition is a fundamental premise: we cannot build the future in reaction to racism or any pathology that will distract and detract from our intentional purpose. It is, however, legitimate to decimate any such element that stands in the path of our desired goal or destination.