Seun Kuti Speaks on Buhari’s Death: “He Damaged My Family More Than Anyone”

Story written by rita uzuh (July 16, 2025):

Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has reacted to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that the late leader caused irreversible harm to his family during his tenure as Nigeria’s Head of State.

In a video shared via his official Instagram page, Seun—son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti—said Buhari dealt more severely with his family than with any other Nigerian family. He recalled that his father and uncles, Beko Ransome-Kuti and Koye Ransome-Kuti, were unjustly persecuted during Buhari’s military regime in the 1980s.

“There’s nobody Buhari has offended and damaged like my family,” Seun said. “Buhari dealt with my family, but his death is not any type of justice or victory for us.”

The singer expressed regret that his father and uncles passed away long before Buhari’s death, describing them as better men who deserved to outlive the former president.

“My only regret is that my dad Fela, and my uncles Koye and Beko died before him. The only solace I can take from his death is that the three of them will gang up against him in the afterlife—if there’s such a thing,” he added.

Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital at the age of 82. He was buried in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday.

Seun Kuti’s statement has drawn widespread reactions, especially from Nigerians familiar with the long-standing tension between the Buhari-led military government and the Kuti family. Fela Kuti, a vocal critic of military rule and advocate for human rights, was frequently targeted by successive regimes, including Buhari’s.

The Afrobeat musician’s remarks add to the national conversation surrounding the legacy of Buhari, a leader both revered and criticized for his impact on Nigeria’s political and civil history.