Afrobeats singer, Seun Kuti, has stirred controversy with his response to the recent altercation between Minister of Works David Umahi and Arise TV journalist Laila Johnson.
Umahi’s reaction to Johnson’s question, captured in a video sparked criticism, with Kuti’s commentary further fueling the debate on social media.
Speaking on the issue in pidgin English, Kuti said, “The Minister of works was busy explaining himself for all news station, one girl wey dey speak phonetic dey disrespect our minister. The Minister self deserves respect. May be he don toast the girl before. The Minister has disgraced himself.”
Kuti’s remarks on the incident have drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians online.
While some criticized him, questioning his grasp of the situation, others defended Johnson, asserting that she was simply doing her job.
The incident has reignited discussions on freedom of speech and the media’s role in holding public officials accountable.
Many have expressed concerns about the treatment of journalists and the need for greater respect for press freedom in Nigeria.
Criticizing Kuti, @MO_shaibu, “Seun has always been a useless person.”
Another user@lonnewolf, said, “only agree with him on the last part. When was the last time a poor man in Lagos have access to that beach? At the same time he should asked the Obas and Omonile that questions. Because they are selling everything.”
@DiceOfTruth, who stated that Kuti was totally wrong on this issue said, “This is an example of how wrong and right is embodied in a human. Seun completely wrong on the journalist. There was no disrespect in asking a valid question. Also completely right in the fact that poor people have been kept away from the beach front. Food for thought.”
Baking Kuti, @lashbosss, write, “Always love listening to seun kuti, he speaks facts and the truth most times and I agree with him on this issue.”
@firstladyshipPA, who strongly criticized Seun for his actions, said, “Seun Kuti is a disgrace 😭😭😭 He don go smoke 💨 wrong Igbo from he plug without food💨💨🥸.”
Also@yo_muphasa, “But waitn bro Seun Kuti wants the Nigerians to do exactly??? Like his always against the oppressed telling em they don’t know how/when to behave and do things in the right direction…. Egbon if you so know the way out of all this mess we already find ourselves in, bro abeg show us the Light Mk we follow you obs em!”
A user who was not pleased with Kuti’s action @shopehaasstrop, said, “It was irritating watching Seun say what he is saying. I don’t have a side in this matter but we all know when a food is not well done and this is an example of that.”
Video:
https://x.com/OneJoblessBoy/status/1786470019573977236?t=479Ta9y61alxAYjMvkpc5Q&s=08
