Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has accused Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo of politicizing the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad, alleging that her activism is a targeted attack against his former record label boss, Naira Marley.
Kuti’s allegations came as a response to Ojo’s criticism that he is “confusing” the youth by endorsing controversial social media activist VeryDarkMan. Ojo had suggested that Kuti’s support for VeryDarkMan was misleading for young people.
In a video shared on his Instagram account, Kuti addressed Ojo directly: “I have watched your video, Iyabo [Ojo] but throughout the video you’re just talking about what VeryDarkMan did yet you said I was the one you were calling out. But there is one thing that I hold onto, you said I’m a confusionist confusing the youths. [Yoruba] This life is wicked. I’ve been on your podcast before because I bear you no grudge. I bear you no ill will. I stand personal beef. But when it’s political… It was you guys who politicised the death of Mohbad.”
Kuti further questioned the motives behind Ojo’s activism, doubting that it was truly about seeking justice for Mohbad. He challenged her stance, saying, “You politicised his death. And I don’t believe you guys politicised his death because you were looking for justice because now what’s the findings? Did you accept the government’s findings? I read somewhere that the government said Mohbad died of substance abuse. If you guys believe the government findings, what are we doing? Justice for what?”
Kuti’s remarks highlight a rift between public figures in Nigeria over the handling of Mohbad’s death and raise questions about the motivations behind public activism.