Online seminar series: What is the Global South and why it matters - Session 9

From Street-Level Policing to State Legitimacy: What Nigeria Tells Us About the Global South

Speaker: Dr Oluwagbenga Michael Akinlabi, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Northumbria University

This presentation draws on over a decade of empirical research on policing, procedural justice, and state legitimacy in Nigeria and across the Global South to explore the meaning of the Global South and why it matters. More than a geographic designation, the Global South reflects a constellation of historical, political, and institutional conditions rooted in colonial legacies, socio-economic exclusion, and enduring governance challenges.

Dr Akinlabi's research explores how these structural forces shaped the everyday lived experiences of citizens in their interactions with the state - particularly through the practices and conduct of policing institution. Drawing on case studies from Nigeria (and other African countries), he examines how systemic issues such as police corruption, deviance, excessive use of force, and lack of accountability erode trust in public institutions. These dynamics are not merely isolated failures; they are manifestations of deeper legitimacy crises embedded in postcolonial contexts. A central focus of this work is procedural justice - the degree to which state actors exercise fairness, transparency, and respect in their engagement with the public. Dr Akinlabi highlight how procedural justice - or the lack of it - shapes compliance with the law, willingness to cooperate with the police, and broader democratic engagement. In particular, youth perspectives on legality, moral justification, and authority offer critical insights into the legitimacy crisis in many postcolonial societies. Moreover, Dr Akinlabi argues that public cynicism towards policing extends beyond local discontent. It is symptomatic of global patterns of marginalisation, structural underdevelopment, and unequal power relations.

The Global South matters not only because of its demographic and geopolitical significance, but because its struggles for justice, legitimacy, and accountable governance shape broader trajectories of global peace, security, and equity. Rethinking the Global South through the prism of policing reveals the urgent need for reforms grounded in dignity, accountability, and trust.

About the speaker

Dr Oluwagbenga Michael Akinlabi is a senior lecturer in criminology and criminal justice at Northumbria University, UK. He holds a PhD from Griffith University, an MPhil from Cambridge, and MSc in Clinical Psychology and Bachelor of Education in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Ibadan. A comparative sociolegal scholar, his research focuses on policing, procedural justice, legitimacy, and accountability in the Global South. He has published pioneering studies on youth perceptions of police legitimacy and 'dull compulsion. A recipient of multiple international awards, he also leads Inspire the Future Africa and serves as public relations officer for the Nigerian Association Tyne and Wear.

About the seminar series

The series features speakers from across the world, drawn from social science and social work disciplines who explore how concepts related to the Global South impact policy and practice. The series will be of interest to academics, professionals, students, researchers and policy makers eager to diversify their knowledge and make their professional practice more inclusive. It would appeal to those working in the areas of criminal justice including prisons, probation services and policing, education, nursing, psychology, social science, sociology and social work.

The series is set up to encourage discussion and debate with time for a paper and discussion – so please come along and join the debate! The topics can be found on the Eventbrite link.

The seminar series is chaired by Dr Amy Duvenage and Professor Elaine Arnull, Southampton Solent University, who are happy to hear from you if you have any questions/comments:

elaine.arnull@solent.ac.uk

amy.duvenage@solent.ac.uk

Everyone is welcome – whether you are an expert in the area or wanting to hear what the Global South is and what ideas the speakers have about it.