“90% of Yoruba Kings Don’t Believe in Yoruba Gods” – Seun Kuti Slams Monarchs, Cries Betrayal of Heritage

Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has stirred significant controversy by publicly asserting that a vast majority of Yoruba kings do not genuinely believe in the traditional Yoruba deities they are meant to represent. The outspoken artist, son of the legendary Fela Kuti, accused these monarchs of abandoning their cultural and religious heritage while continuing to occupy traditional thrones, thereby making “a mockery” of Yoruba identity.

Kuti made the scathing remarks in a post shared via his Instagram story on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. His statement directly challenges the perceived spiritual authority and cultural authenticity of many traditional rulers in Yorubaland, who are often seen as custodians of indigenous beliefs and customs.

“90 percent of Yoruba kings don’t believe in Yoruba gods yet they sit on Yoruba thrones and make a mockery of what it means to be Yoruba,” Seun Kuti wrote. This bold claim suggests a deep-seated disconnect between the contemporary practices of traditional rulers and the ancient spiritual foundations of the Yoruba people.

Kuti’s critique aligns with his long-standing advocacy for African consciousness, traditional values, and a rejection of what he perceives as colonial or Western influences that have eroded indigenous identities. He has, in the past, been vocal about the importance of embracing African spirituality and has often criticized figures who he believes pander to foreign religious ideologies at the expense of local traditions. For instance, he previously lambasted the Ooni of Ife for publicly declaring Jesus as his father, arguing that such statements undermine the historical and spiritual essence of the Yoruba monarchy.

The musician’s comments are likely to ignite heated debates among cultural enthusiasts, traditionalists, religious groups, and the Yoruba diaspora. Traditional rulers in Yorubaland historically derive their legitimacy and spiritual power from their connection to the land and the deities, often undergoing elaborate rites and rituals rooted in indigenous faiths. Kuti’s assertion questions the sincerity of this connection for a significant number of them.

While specific instances or reasons for his claim were not detailed in his recent post, Kuti’s strong words reflect a broader sentiment among some cultural purists who express concern over the perceived dilution of traditional practices due to the increasing influence of Christianity and Islam among Yoruba monarchs.

The controversy highlights a complex interplay of tradition, modernity, religion, and identity within contemporary Yorubaland, challenging the role and perceived authenticity of its traditional institutions in a rapidly changing world.