Seun Kuti, the Nigerian Afrobeat singer and son of reknowned musician Fela Kuti, has sparked controversy with his recent claims that Portugal owns Lagos State.
It is pertinent to note that the debate surrounding the ownership of Lagos, has been ongoing for quite a long time now. It has gained momentum following forthcoming gubernatorial race, with various groups making contending claims.
However, Kuti’s claim that the Portuguese are the rightful owners of Lagos has really commanded attention.
In a series of recent posts on his Instagram handle, Kuti asserts that Lagos belongs to Portugal because the Portuguese were the first Europeans to settle in the area. He argued that the Portuguese had a legitimate claim to the land because they had established a trading post there before other Europeans arrived.
Taking things further, thes inger deduces his claim from the single fact that Lagos was named by the Portuguese. In his opinion, anyone who names a person or thing owns it.
‘Lagos is no man’s land – wrong. Lagos is yoruba land – wrong again. Lagos is a European satellite slave port – correct!! you don’t know Lagos!! Hey, ode look here, Lagos is a Portuguese word. It is called the slave coast. Learn your history, you no go gree. Everyone moved to Lagos to slave!! All prominent Lagos elites are slavers. Defend your masters all you want!! Why Ibadan no get Portuguese name? Wetin be the french name of Oshogbo? He who names it owns it,” he opined’.
Kuti’s assertions has triggered a wide range of reactions among Nigerians. While some are expressing disbelief and outrage, others have accused Kuti of being ignorant of history and of promoting colonialism. Others have argued that Kuti’s claims have some iota of truth and that the Nigerian government should do more to recognize the city’s convoluted history.
Conclusively, the eternal question with regards to the ownship of Lagos State remains a highly controversial topic. Seun Kuti’srecent assertions have intensified controversy. While Kuti’s assertion that the Portuguese are the rightful owners of Lagos may seem controversial, it has called attention to the complicated history of the region and prompted discussions about how best to ratify and adore that history.
