Photo credit: Wikipedia
The closure of the Afrikan Shrine by the Lagos police shows the Nigerian authorities do not cherish peace neither do they have any iota of respect for the Nigerian constitution.
The shrine was the home base of the iconoclast musician, late Fela Kuti.
Incidentally, the Kuti family has become noted for their revolutionary activities. Fela’s mother, Funmilayo was instrumental in banishing an Alake, as the traditional ruler of Abeokuta is called. She was a leader of the women who protested against unjust taxes. She was also a great nationalist.
So was her husband!
Their children, especially Fela and Beeko, also fought against oppression by the state. Of course, in a society where people are complacent, the Kuti clan suffered terribly for their stance. Police raids, imprisonment, destruction of properties and the eventual death of matriarch Funmilayo.
Fela’s children and even grandchildren are effectively taking the struggle in their hands.
For the people to be prevented from gaining access to the shrine is an affront not just on the people involved, but on the constitutional provisions for freedom of assembly, right to association, and more.
Unknown to them, the authorities are indirectly sharpening the teeth of the lion!
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