Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has openly criticized Nigerian celebrities and feminists for failing to extend their support to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District, amidst her serious allegations of sexual harassment. Kuti expressed his disappointment, pointing out that women have not shown the same level of solidarity toward Akpoti-Uduaghan as they did for Annie Idibia during her highly publicized divorce proceedings with Nigerian singer 2Face Idibia.
Kuti’s remarks were made in an Instagram post, where he expressed concern over the lack of attention given to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations, which he deemed a far more pressing issue. According to Kuti, discussions surrounding the controversial Lamborghini scandal involving Burna Boy and Sophia Egbueje have dominated public discourse, while serious allegations such as those made by Akpoti-Uduaghan have been largely ignored.
“About the sexual harassment case in the senate, I stand with the Senator [Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan] 100 percent,” Kuti said, making it clear where his allegiance lies. His statement further criticized the double standards within Nigerian celebrity culture and activism, particularly focusing on the silence of women’s rights advocates.
Kuti pointed out that while these so-called activists have been vocal about less significant issues, they have remained quiet about the more serious matter at hand. “It’s appalling that all these so-called women activists are all quiet,” he lamented. He further emphasized the inconsistency in the support offered by the Nigerian public, especially in comparison to the attention given to other celebrity-related matters.
The musician continued his criticism by referencing the public uproar that surrounded Annie Idibia’s divorce from 2Face, noting that many Nigerian celebrities and activists rallied to support her during the difficult period. Kuti expressed his frustration with the fact that the same level of support has not been directed toward Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite the severity of the allegations she is facing.
“These kind of things cannot continue in this country. What that woman [Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan] is saying is very serious,” Kuti asserted, indicating that the issue at hand goes beyond mere celebrity gossip. He argued that while Nigerians are quick to jump into discussions about celebrity disputes, they fail to address matters that are crucial to the country’s well-being and integrity.
In his concluding remarks, Kuti pointed out a deeper issue within the Nigerian entertainment and political spheres. “Many of these celebrities, especially Nollywood actors and actresses are benefiting from the government through fraudulent grants so they can never come out to speak on this kind of matter,” he explained. Kuti expressed his inability to lead a protest demanding justice for Akpoti-Uduaghan, yet he strongly urged Nigerian women to step up and lend their support to her cause. “I can’t openly protest to demand justice for Natasha but I implore Nigerian women to support her,” he urged.
