Illocutionary and Perlocutionary Leadership Acts in Bolanle Austen Peters’ Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Authors

  • Oremire J. Ehibor

    Department of Languages and General Studies, College of Leadership and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria
  • Rhoda A. Osiyemi

    Department of Languages and General Studies, College of Leadership and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria
  • Joy Eyisi Jr

    Department of Languages and General Studies, College of Leadership and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria
  • Olalekan Atoloye

    Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.9191
Received: 21 March 2025 | Revised: 15 May 2025 | Accepted: 19 May 2025 | Published Online: 12 November 2025

Abstract

This study is a pragmatic analysis of the illocutionary and perlocutionary acts in the leadership communication of Funmilayo portrayed in the biographical film Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti by Bolanle Austen Peters. With a qualitative design, the study employed a case study approach to explore language use within the specific context of the film. Data collection involved primary data from the film, transcribing relevant speeches and conversations of the central character, Funmilayo. Secondary data were gathered from literature on pragmatics, speech act theory, and leadership that provided context and supported the findings. Engaging John Searle's (1976) taxonomy of speech acts, utterances from selected scenes in the film were transcribed, systematically categorised, and analysed. The objectives identified the prevalent illocutionary acts employed in the language use of a leader, analysed illocutionary acts performed in the movie while identifying the most recurrent speech acts and the intended meaning and effects, and evaluated the perlocutionary impact on listeners. Findings revealed that directives emerged as the dominant illocutionary act used to coordinate grassroots mobilisation for social change through rhetorical questions and instructions. Funmilayo's utterances achieved their aims of motivating, inspiring, and organising women in the market, as evidenced by their responsive cheers. This research provides new insights into Funmilayo's strategic language as an influential leader in Nigeria's history, underscoring the integral role of pragmatic analysis in understanding leadership communication. There are implications for advancing knowledge on effective oration within African contexts, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which emphasises peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Keywords:

Illocutionary Act; Perlocutionary Act; Pragmatics; Speech Acts; Leadership

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How to Cite

Ehibor, O. J., Osiyemi, R. A., Eyisi Jr, J., & Atoloye, O. (2025). Illocutionary and Perlocutionary Leadership Acts in Bolanle Austen Peters’ Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(12), 950–959. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.9191

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 12 (December 2025): In progress

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Oremire J. Ehibor, Rhoda A. Osiyemi, Joy Eyisi Jr, Olalekan Atoloye

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.