In a stunning act of violence, Afrobeat sensation and son of Fela Kuti, Seun, has found himself in some sort of “palaver” – part of the lyrics of a song sung by his father or the “wahala, wahala, wahala” that his fellow Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter, Habeeb Olalomi Oyegbile popularly known as Portable passed through over a similar offense, after a shocking video surfaced online, capturing Seun pushing and slapping a police officer at Third Mainland Bridge. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to swiftly condemn the assault and issue an immediate order for Kuti’s arrest.
The video, which went viral on social media, reveals the intense confrontation between Kuti and the unidentified police officer. Although the exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, what is evident is the officer’s composed demeanor throughout the ordeal, while Kuti’s actions escalated into an aggressive physical assault.
In response to the incident, IGP Usman Alkali Baba wasted no time, instructing the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, to ensure the expeditious arrest of the acclaimed musician. The IGP’s swift action also includes a comprehensive investigation into the underlying factors that triggered such a heinous attack, with the intention of ensuring the perpetrator faces due prosecution.
IGP Usman Alkali Baba firmly reassures the Nigerian populace that any form of contempt or disdain towards figures of authority will not be tolerated. He emphasizes that those who commit such abominable crimes will undoubtedly be held accountable for their actions.
CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters in Abuja, issued a statement on behalf of the police force, expressing their commitment to upholding the law and bringing perpetrators of violence to justice.
Meanwhile, Seun Kuti has broken his silence, pledging his full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation. In an Instagram story, he stated, “I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted.”
As the nation eagerly awaits further developments in this shocking case, it is a reminder that even celebrities are not above the law, and acts of violence will be met with swift and decisive action from the authorities.
“When trouble sleep
Yanga go wake am
Waking him dey find
Palaver, he dey find
Palaver, he go get-e o)
Palaver, he go get
Palaver”
~Fela Kuti
Conclusively, from the lyrics of Fela Kuti’s song above and the face-value evidence from the video, one can deduce that it seems that Seun was ‘Mr. Trouble’, while the ‘unknown’ policeman was ‘Mr. Yanga’. However, from Seun’s intemperate reaction, he has now become ‘Mr. Yanga’, while the ‘unknown’ policeman will now become ‘Mr. Trouble’ because of the coercive power of the State at the disposal of the ‘constituency’ he represents- The Nigeria Police. Or who do you think is trouble and who is yanga?