Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has criticised Yoruba kings for forsaking traditional religious values, accusing them of cultural hypocrisy and hollow pageantry
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]eun Kuti slams Yoruba kings for what he described as a widespread abandonment of traditional religious values by monarchs who continue to occupy revered cultural thrones in the South-West.
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The outspoken Afrobeat musician, who is also the youngest son of the legendary Fela Kuti, made the statement via his Instagram Story on Tuesday.
He accused a significant portion of Yoruba royalty of hypocrisy, claiming they have distanced themselves from the very deities and customs their roles demand them to uphold.
“90 percent of Yoruba kings don’t believe in Yoruba gods yet they sit on Yoruba thrones and make a mockery of what it means to be Yoruba,” Kuti wrote.
He also criticised what he described as superficial displays of cultural identity, suggesting that Yoruba heritage was being reduced to empty rituals and celebration while ignoring the socioeconomic challenges many face.
“Fanfare in the midst of misery. Joy in the face of poverty and glamor in the presence of ignorance,” he lamented.
Kuti’s message concluded with a stern reminder that cultural identity should go beyond aesthetics and festivals.
“Being Yoruba is not a festival!” he declared, urging a deeper, more sincere engagement with traditional Yoruba beliefs and values.
The post has since sparked conversation across social media platforms, drawing both support and criticism for his candid appraisal of modern-day traditional leadership.
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Kuti, known for his activism and cultural commentary, continues the legacy of his father Fela in using music and media to challenge institutional norms and promote African consciousness.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
