Seun Kuti, a renowned musician and the youngest son of Fela
Anikulapo Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat,
has strongly criticized comedian Ayo
Makun, popularly known as AY, for his justification in accepting a national
honour bestowed upon him.
It was recently announced by the Ministry of Special Duties
and Intergovernmental Affairs, under the leadership of former president
Muhammadu Buhari, that AY, along with other celebrities such as Davido, Kunle
Afolayan, Victor Osimhen, and several others, would be conferred with national
honours on June 1st, 2023.
In response to the announcement, AY took to Twitter to
address the critics who questioned his decision not to reject the honorary
award. He emphasized that a national honour is the highest form of recognition
one can receive and defended his acceptance of it. He stated that the nation is
greater and more important than any president or political party that awards
such honours. AY further expressed his allegiance to a country where he has
made his own contributions and expressed his happiness in being rewarded by the
same nation.
However, Seun Kuti, not impressed by AY’s explanation, took
to his Instagram page and story to respond. Seun Kuti regarded AY’s explanation
as unnecessary and taunted him to simply receive his ‘Buhari’ award without
providing further explanations.
Seun Kuti clarified that the selection for national awards is
not determined by public opinion polls, but rather by a presidential committee,
with the president ultimately accepting the nominations of certain individuals.
While acknowledging that it is a national honour, he emphasized that it is
ultimately a presidential appointment. Seun Kuti urged AY to accept his
‘Buhari’ award without the need to explain himself any further.
Expressing his disdain for what he perceives as selling out,
Seun Kuti questioned AY’s lack of conviction or action. He advised him to
resist the temptation to explain himself and cautioned against disguising
hypocrisy as national loyalty or patriotism. Seun Kuti also highlighted the
fact that AY possesses two homes and two passports, possibly alluding to the
comedian’s perceived privilege and the potential conflicts that may arise from
it.
In summary, Seun Kuti has criticized AY for his justification
in accepting the national honour, considering it unnecessary and urging him to
simply receive the award without explanation. Seun Kuti’s comments suggest a
disappointment with what he perceives as AY’s lack of conviction and potential
hypocrisy.
