Afrobeats musician and outspoken activist Seun Anikulapo Kuti has warned Nigerians that leaderless protests are unlikely to deliver lasting change, citing Nepal’s political unrest as a cautionary tale.
In recent interviews with multiple media outlets, Kuti argued that mass movements without clear leadership or a defined political platform often splinter, get hijacked, or are overtaken by forces that don’t represent the protesters’ demands.
“I don’t support a leaderless protest,” Kuti said. “The Nepalese removed their military government about 20 years ago, but with recent protests, they have brought the military back. That’s what happens when you revolt without a political platform.”
The youngest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Seun has consistently positioned himself as a voice for social reform. He noted that while spontaneous demonstrations can galvanize public sentiment, they rarely translate into sustainable political change without strategy and structure.
Kuti referenced Nepal’s recent turmoil, where anti-government protests led to a resurgence of military influence, reversing democratic gains. He warned that Nigeria could face similar setbacks if citizens mobilize without a framework for governance reforms or alternative leadership.
Beyond identifying the risks of leaderless action, Kuti pointed to a “missing professional class” — skilled, credible Nigerians who could help hold movements accountable and convert protest energy into policy change. He urged Nigerians to cultivate grassroots leadership rather than relying solely on traditional political parties or career politicians.
According to Kuti, meaningful protest requires more than anger or numbers. “Organize politically,” he advised, stressing the need for well-defined platforms that can convert street demonstrations into legislative and policy outcomes. He added that true change involves preparing credible alternatives to replace failing systems — not simply switching one political elite for another.
Kuti’s comments arrive as frustration mounts over economic hardship, governance failures, and the lingering effects of previous protest movements like #EndSARS. Many Nigerians continue to debate the effectiveness of mass action versus organized political participation. While some activists argue that structure can slow momentum or be co-opted, Kuti insists that urgency without planning risks worsening the status quo.
Seun Kuti’s warning underscores a broader conversation about Nigeria’s future: protests alone, he argues, are not enough. Without leadership, strategy, and a political platform, public uprisings risk repeating history’s mistakes. His message to Nigerians is to pair passion with preparation, ensuring that the call for change becomes a movement capable of lasting transformation.
