Seun Kuti has ignited fresh debate after calling out Yoruba monarchs for abandoning traditional beliefs while clinging to culturally sacred thrones.
The Afrobeat star slammed the extravagance of cultural festivals amid widespread poverty, urging a deeper reflection on true Yoruba identity and values.
Nigerian Afrobeat singer and activist Seun Kuti has once again sparked conversation on social media, this time taking aim at Yoruba traditional rulers. The outspoken musician criticized many of the region’s kings for allegedly abandoning traditional values while still occupying positions of cultural and spiritual importance.
In a series of posts shared via his Instagram stories, Seun expressed his frustration with what he described as a disconnect between the roles Yoruba monarchs play and the values they uphold. He boldly claimed that a large majority of these traditional rulers no longer believe in Yoruba deities, yet they continue to sit on thrones that are deeply rooted in those same ancestral beliefs.
“He wrote that 90 percent of Yoruba monarchs no longer believe in the traditional Yoruba gods, yet they continue to occupy thrones rooted in those beliefs, turning the essence of being Yoruba into a mockery.
Kuti went on to criticize the pageantry and extravagance often associated with cultural festivals, especially when these events are celebrated amidst widespread social and economic hardship. He noted the irony of elaborate celebrations taking place while communities struggle with poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment.
“He wrote, “Celebrations amid suffering, joy surrounded by poverty, and luxury in the midst of ignorance.” “Being Yoruba is not a festival!”
In a follow-up post, he took an even stronger stance, stating: “There is no bigger criminal than the benevolent king/dictator.”
Seun’s comments come shortly after the celebration of the Ojude Oba Festival, an annual cultural event that draws thousands of Yoruba people together to honor their king. While the festival is often seen as a celebration of heritage and unity, Kuti’s remarks suggest he believes it also highlights the contradictions in the values and leadership of some traditional rulers.
As expected, his posts have stirred mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with his sentiments while others criticized him for disrespecting cultural institutions. Nonetheless, Seun Kuti remains unafraid to challenge authority and raise difficult questions about the state of tradition, identity, and leadership in Nigeria.
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