Masking as a Metaphor for Leadership Crisis in Mike Asukwo’s Opaque Style and Oracle on Lockdown

The presence of metaphors in political cartoons offers insightful pathways for communicating information about societal experiences. This article examines how masking is used as a metaphor to critique Nigeria's leadership crisis using semiotic analysis the verbal-visual messages contained two cartoons, Opaque Style and Oracle on Lockdown, by prominent Nigerian cartoonist Mike Asukwo. Operating within contextual frames opacity oracular silence, metaphorically applied show apparent disconnect between ruling class masses. A connotative reading verbal visual employed constructs images that portray leaders Nigeria people who are secretive, deceptive, indifferent, lacking empathy. While comparative view fashion styles humorously anchor message satire Style, these expressed through use practice.