African studies : the ambiguity of ownership and originality

Abstract

Arowosegbe‟s article is a welcome invitation to reconsider African studies by reflecting on the dubious ambiguities of their ownership. While he dismisses Western hegemony, he also demands acknowledgement of the relevance of Western thought to the discipline. The latent tension and challenge to reconcile these demands are underlined by his parallel references to knowledge production in as well as on Africa without a further clarifying distinction.