…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Nigerian Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has expressed his dissatisfaction with the recipients selected for the 2023 national awards.
Specifically, he called out certain individuals who were granted the Officer Of The Order of The Niger (OON) title, including Davido, Kunle Afolayan, Victor Osimhen, Terry Waya, and over 300 other prominent Nigerians.
The Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs officially announced the list of honorees on May 28th, leading to a discussion about the integrity and values of public figures and the separation of political beliefs from personal achievements.
Questioning the Integrity of Awardees:
In a recent conversation on national honors, Seun Kuti voiced his opinion that celebrities and public figures who had previously criticized ex-President Muhammadu Buhari were being hypocritical by accepting the award.
He challenged these individuals to reflect on whether they would be willing to reject the national honors based on their principles.
This statement sparked a lively discussion about the integrity and values of those in the public eye and raised the question of whether it is possible to separate political beliefs from personal achievements.
Seun Kuti’s Stance:
Seun Kuti questioned why those who had criticized the current government as the worst thing ever would accept an award from the same government.
He wondered if they would reject the award on principle or if they believed that President Buhari had become legitimate.
He further emphasized that in the next three and a half years, the same cycle would repeat itself, leading to the question of what these individuals truly stand for.
He expressed his frustration with this situation through the hashtags #Mafo!! and #standwellwell.
Online Conversations and Differing Opinions:
Seun Kuti’s remarks have sparked online conversations, with many people supporting his stance.
They believe that accepting national honors from a government one has criticized compromises their integrity.
However, others argue that since the current government has been perceived as a “Chop I Chop” government, where personal gain takes precedence, it is understandable for individuals to accept national honors regardless of their principles.
Conclusion:
Seun Kuti’s criticism of the selection process for the 2023 national awards has brought attention to the integrity and values of public figures.
The discussion revolves around whether it is possible to separate political beliefs from personal achievements and whether accepting awards from a government one has criticized compromises one’s principles.
As the conversation continues, different perspectives emerge, highlighting the complexity of this issue.