Seun sparked controversy when he took to social media to claim the South-west state belongs to the Portuguese and lebelled its citizens “slave owners”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Seun Kuti, Nigerian musician and son of legendary Afrobeat singer, Fela Anikulapo- Kuti, has joined the controversial debate on who is the rightful owner of Lagos State.
The singer sparked controversy when he took to social media to claim the South-west state belongs to the Portuguese.
The debate about the ownership of Lagos has been ongoing for many years, but it recently gained more momentum in the wake of the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in the state.
However, as seen in a series of posts on Seun Kuti’s Instagram page, Lagos belongs to the Portuguese, who were the first Europeans to settle in the area.
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He further argued that they have a legitimate claim over Lagos because they had established a trading post there before other Europeans arrived.
Seun went on to say the name of the state is a Portuguese word and wondered why Nigerians haven’t come to terms with that. He also concluded that most prominent Lagosians are slave owners.
He wrote: “Lagos is no man’s land – wrong. Lagos is yoruba land – wrong again. Lagos is a European satellite slave port – correct!! you don’t know Lagos!! Hey, ode look here, Lagos is a Portuguese word. It is called the slave coast. Learn your history, you no go gree. Everyone moved to Lagos to slave!! All prominent Lagos elites are slavers. Defend your masters all you want!! Why Ibadan no get Portuguese name? Wetin be the french name of Oshogbo? He who names it owns it,”
Kuti’s assertion sent tongues wagging on social media, with many Nigerians disagreeing with him and expressing disbelief.
Others, however, saw his point of view and argued that his claims have some merit. They also urged the Nigerian government to acknowledge Lagos’ complex history.