Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has reacted to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the leader dealt with his family but his death is not justice or victory for Nigerians.
Buhari died in London on Sunday, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
Reacting during a live video on social media on Tuesday, Seun criticised those celebrating the former military ruler’s death, saying justice was not served.
He said: “That an old man has died in old age after using our blood to secure the financial future of his generations is not justice. Nobody watching this live video can say that their family suffered in the hands of Buhari the way my family did.”
The singer, who is the son of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, also faulted the idea that death equals victory over injustice.
“Now, some of you will come online celebrating like his death is a victory for us. Did you charge him in court for his crime? Why do you think an old man dying of old age is justice?” he asked.
Seun also claimed that taxpayers’ money was used to fund Buhari’s overseas medical treatment until his death.
“Over £3,000 was spent every month for his treatment in the UK while Nigerians are dying in public hospitals. You think that’s justice?” he added.
Although he expressed deep pain over the harm allegedly caused by Buhari to his family and many others, Seun said he does not celebrate the former president’s death.
“Buhari killed my friends, Buhari killed better men than me, men that should still be alive today. He killed my people. He killed the future of many Nigerians,” he said.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and later as civilian president from 2015 to 2023, is to be buried on Tuesday, in his hometown Daura, Katsina State according to Islamic rites.
