This Captivating Photo Series Challenges Corruption In Nigerian Politics

No Place For Our Dreams is a politically-charged photography series — inspired by Femi Kuti’s sixth studio album of the same name — that uses a parodic narrative to challenge the corrupt behavioural patterns of Nigerian politicians.

(Photo: Ifebusola Shotunde)

Demonstrating the conniving nature of politicians in our country, Ifebusola Shotunde uses photography and augmented reality to capture the perils politicians instigate through their insidious ambitions and reckless longing for power.

The captivating series depicts a political aspirant who wreaks havoc on the population of his jurisdiction, engaging in bribes, commissioning thugs and condoning kidnapping — all as a means to electoral success.

In the end, the series concludes accurately, as the political aspirant emerges as the hero, ordering his thugs to release the kidnapped victim, and lay down their arms, bringing peace to the city, despite being the cause of the chaos in the first place.

(Photo: Ifebusola Shotunde)

As for where you can find this series, Ifebusola has shirked the photographer’s exhibition hall for a more meaningful gallery. The series is displayed on the streets of Lagos, mocking the typical Nigerian politician’s campaign poster.

Explaining this decision, Ifebusola states:

“I decided to show the work on the streets because it gives a wider range of Nigerians a chance to see the work and discuss possible ways of making the country a better place…”

And on why they were motivated to even embark on this journey at all?:

“My reason for going ahead with this project was to start a conversation on how we, as ordinary people, suffer from the incompetence of our so-called leaders.”

Take a look at more of the series below: