“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 stated.
Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has criticised Yoruba monarchs, accusing them of abandoning the traditional religious beliefs they are expected to uphold.
In a post shared on his Instagram story on Tuesday, the outspoken musician alleged that most Yoruba kings no longer believe in indigenous deities despite occupying traditional thrones.
“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 stated.
He expressed concern over what he described as a disconnect between cultural heritage and the behavior of traditional rulers, saying, “Fanfare in the midst of misery. Joy in the face of poverty and glamor in the presence of ignorance.”
Calling for a more authentic expression of Yoruba identity, Kuti concluded, “Being Yoruba is not a festival!”
His comments sparked discussions online about the role and relevance of traditional rulers in preserving indigenous values.