Lagos, Nigeria – July 15, 2025 — Afrobeat singer and activist Seun Kuti has spoken out following the death of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring that the late leader’s passing does not constitute justice for the suffering he believes was inflicted upon his family.
In a fiery video posted to his verified Instagram account on Monday, Seun Kuti — the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti — claimed that Buhari did more damage to his family than any other in Nigeria during his time as Head of State in the 1980s and later as an elected President.
“There’s nobody Buhari has offended and damaged like my family. Buhari dealt with my family, but his death is not any type of justice or victory for my family,” Seun said.
Buhari, who died in a London clinic on Sunday at the age of 82 after an undisclosed illness, was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday. His death has drawn tributes and reflections from around the world — but Seun’s response stands in stark contrast, offering a bitter reminder of one of the most personal and contentious chapters in Nigeria’s post-independence political history.
Seun Kuti specifically recalled how his father and two uncles — Fela, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, and Koye Ransome-Kuti — were allegedly persecuted, harassed, or imprisoned during Buhari’s military regime in the 1980s.
“My only regret is that my dad Fela, and my uncles Koye and Beko died before him; all better men than him,” Seun continued in the emotional video. “The only solace I can take from his death is that the three of them will gang up against him in the afterlife if there’s such a thing.”
A Painful History with Buhari’s Regime
Seun’s late father, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was a legendary Nigerian musician and activist whose music fiercely criticized military oppression, colonial legacy, and socio-political injustice. He was arrested and jailed during Buhari’s military government in 1984 under controversial charges of currency smuggling — charges which Amnesty International and numerous rights groups described as politically motivated.
During the raid on Fela’s Kalakuta Republic compound in 1977 — although under the Obasanjo regime — military brutality was meted out against Fela and his family. However, many argue that Buhari’s time in power saw a continuation of state repression against dissenters like the Kutis. Fela was handed a harsh 10-year prison sentence by a military tribunal, only to be released after 20 months when the regime changed.
His brother, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, a medical doctor and prominent human rights activist, was also jailed under both military and civilian regimes, including during the Buhari-led government. Beko was an outspoken critic of authoritarian rule and helped found the Campaign for Democracy, making him a target of state repression.
Koye Ransome-Kuti, another prominent member of the family and a former university administrator, also faced intimidation and pressure during this turbulent period.
Seun Kuti’s Activism and Unflinching Critique
Seun Kuti has long walked in the footsteps of his father, both musically and politically. Known for blending Afrobeat with social commentary, he often uses his platform to confront issues such as police brutality, bad governance, and systemic inequality in Nigeria.
His comments following Buhari’s death are consistent with the Kuti family’s historical stance on Nigeria’s leadership and the military’s intrusion into democratic governance.
“Buhari’s death doesn’t bring back what my family went through,” Seun said. “We are still healing from the trauma, the jailings, the threats, the violence — and for me, that wound is still fresh.”
Despite backlash from some supporters of the former president, Seun has remained defiant in his position. Supporters of the Afrobeat star praised his outspokenness online, calling it a “bold and necessary truth in the face of historical amnesia.”
A Divisive Legacy
Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy remains one of the most divisive in Nigerian history. As a military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, he introduced what was then described as a “War Against Indiscipline“, enforcing strict codes of conduct, jailing critics, and curbing press freedoms. Many recall that era with a mix of nostalgia and resentment — citing improvements in discipline and corruption control, but also the harsh clampdowns on civil liberties.
In 2015, he returned to power as a democratically elected President, serving two terms until 2023. His civilian presidency was marked by efforts to fight corruption, insurgency, and economic instability — although critics argue that the promises of change fell short, especially in the areas of human rights, police reform, and economic equity.
As tributes pour in from global leaders and Nigerian institutions, Seun Kuti’s message serves as a sobering counter-narrative, reminding Nigerians and the world of the personal costs of authoritarian rule.
Public Reaction
Reactions to Seun’s video have been mixed. While some accuse him of being disrespectful to the dead, others — particularly youth activists — see it as a powerful reminder of the unresolved pain inflicted by past governments.
A trending post on X (formerly Twitter) read: “Seun Kuti isn’t dancing on a grave — he’s calling attention to one. There’s a difference.”
For Seun, the issue is not about vengeance but memory. “We must never forget,” he said. “The death of a man doesn’t erase the damage he did to people’s lives. My father, my uncles — they lived and died fighting for what’s right. I owe it to them not to keep silent.”
As Nigeria reflects on the life and legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, voices like Seun Kuti’s add a critical layer to the national conversation — one that insists that truth and justice must walk side by side, even in death.
Africa Live News will continue to cover reactions and tributes following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
