Grammy-nominated afrobeat artist, Seun Kuti, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu served as his political mentor.
In a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the son of the late afrobeat legend Fela Kuti shed light on his relationship with President Tinubu, emphasizing their familial connection and mentorship.
Kuti described President Tinubu as an “uncle” and shared that he had a close, mentor-like relationship with the president while growing up.
He recalled that President Tinubu was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a group that played a pivotal role in advocating for democracy in Nigeria, particularly during the aftermath of the military’s annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola.
Seun Kuti stated, “My relationship with President Tinubu on a personal level is very robust. I grew up knowing him as an uncle. He was a very good friend of uncle Beko [Kuti].
He was a political mentor to me growing up as a child. Many of the ideas that I understand today, it was these men that taught me as a child growing up.
Knowing them fighting for democracy in this country with NADECO, even when he [Tinubu] went on exile… Wale Soyinka, uncle Beko, Asiwaju, these were the men who fought for our democracy.”
Kuti also acknowledged his past involvement in Tinubu’s political rallies during the latter’s first term as Governor of Lagos State. While emphasizing his personal connection with President Tinubu, Kuti clarified that he did not have any current political affiliation with him.
He addressed the speculations surrounding his relationship with the president, asserting that they were attempts to undermine his image.
Kuti emphasized that he speaks the truth regardless of external pressure and clarified that he hasn’t visited President Tinubu’s residence in years, except when essential for national issues.
Furthermore, Seun Kuti expressed his concerns about President Tinubu’s performance, highlighting that he believes the president has not been living up to expectations.
