Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti has made a controversial statement regarding his family’s greatest enemies, revealing that they are prominent figures from his own ethnic group, the Yoruba. Speaking at the 2024 Felaberation Festival, Kuti highlighted former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late businessman MKO Abiola as key adversaries of the Kuti family. His comments, which touched on deep-rooted ethnic tensions and family history, sparked conversation about tribalism and unity within Nigeria.[…]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE▶
Kuti explained that his family had always rejected the idea of tribalism and instead embraced a broader, more inclusive vision of African unity. He emphasized that their upbringing was influenced by pan-African ideals, with figures such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, and Patrice Lumumba shaping their worldview. “We grew up with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti,” Kuti said, referring to the prominent pan-African activists and political figures who inspired him and his family.
This rejection of tribalism is central to Kuti’s understanding of identity, and he was quick to clarify that his remarks were not rooted in tribal hatred. “Pan-Africanism was the order of the day. So, I didn’t grow up being sentimental. I saw good people, bad people. I’ve got great European friends, I’ve got terrible European friends. I’ve got great African friends, I’ve got terrible African friends,” he stated. Kuti’s message was clear: ethnicity and tribal affiliations should not define a person’s worth or actions.
In his address, Kuti also made it clear that the Kuti family had faced significant challenges from leaders within their own ethnic group. He pointed specifically to the influential Yoruba figures Obasanjo and Abiola, suggesting that their opposition to his family was a result of political and personal differences. “One of our [the Kuti family’s] greatest enemies as you know are Yoruba people; Obasanjo or Abiola,” Kuti declared, underlining the internal conflict within Nigerian politics.
Kuti’s statements may come as a surprise to many, considering the revered status both Obasanjo and Abiola hold within Nigerian and Yoruba political circles. Obasanjo, a former military ruler and two-time president of Nigeria, and Abiola, a successful businessman and presidential hopeful, were both pivotal figures in the nation’s modern history. However, Kuti’s remarks suggest that personal and political rivalries have played a significant role in the strained relationship between his family and these leaders.
The Kuti family’s history of activism and defiance against the Nigerian establishment, especially during the era of military rule, likely contributes to the tensions mentioned by Femi Kuti. His father, Fela Kuti, was a prominent critic of Nigerian governments, using his music as a weapon against corruption and oppression. It is in this context that Kuti’s relationship with Obasanjo and Abiola must be viewed — as part of a broader struggle against those in power who, in the eyes of the Kuti family, sought to undermine their ideals.
In concluding his remarks, Kuti urged the audience to resist the divisiveness of tribalism. “Brothers and sisters, something very important is going on in our lives; ethnic problems. You call it tribalism. Please, do not bring the Anikulapos in your stupidity,” he said. His words serve as a call for unity, urging people to look beyond ethnic differences and focus on the shared struggles and aspirations of all Africans…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
