Governor Akinwunmi Ambode unveiled a statue of Fela Anikulapo Kuti on Sunday in commemoration of the legendary Afro-beat king’s historic music career.
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The effigy tagged ‘Liberation Statue’ is erected at Allen Roundabout in Ikeja. Its unveiling was part of activities lined up to mark the 79th posthumous birthday and the 20thanniversary of the enigmatic artiste, who used the platform of his art to agitate for social justice.
“The phenomenon that the world knows as “Fela” was deeply rooted in the evolution of Lagos State. The story of music, art, entertainment and tourism in Lagos and Nigeria cannot be told without an eloquent mention of the “Abami eda”.
“On this day, October 15th, which would have been Fela’s 79th birthday, the government and people of Lagos State celebrate ‘’Fela’’ with the unveiling of this Liberation Statue. It has been 20 years since he passed on but the memories he left us with remain evergreen. Today we celebrate a man who voluntarily turned his back on a life of comfort and privilege, and took up his saxophone as a weapon to fight for the liberation of our people from neo-colonialism and bad governance,” Ambode said while speaking at the unveiling.
The governor continued: “This “Liberation” statue is not an image of Fela but a symbol of Fela’s philosophy. This artwork was created as a form of respect and remembrance to this legend; what he stood for and fought for with his music; his mythology; struggle for freedom; fight for human dignity; social consciousness; courage and Pan-Africanism.”
