WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has condemned the recent ban on musician Eedris Abdulkareem’s song, calling it a regressive move that undermines the fundamental right of free expression. In a statement, Soyinka argued that the ban not only targets the artist’s work but also threatens the creative freedom of others. Soyinka expressed frustration over the recurring trend of censorship in the country, which he believes stifles artistic expression and socio-political commentary. He noted that such actions create a permissive atmosphere for governors and theocratic authorities to pursue, kidnap, and imprison social critics. The Nobel laureate also commended cartoonist Ebun Aleshinloye for his graphic commentary on the ban, describing it as a summation of the wisdom of attempting to stifle unpalatable works of art. In a postscript, Soyinka condoled with the families of the latest victims of mob violence in Edo State, where 19 youths were killed. He expressed outrage over the incident and emphasized the need for justice, highlighting the culture of impunity that perpetuates such brutish assaults on humanity. Soyinka concluded that governments that tolerate only yes-men and women are on a downhill slide into chaos, urging the regulating body responsible for the ban to reverse its decision.
Soyinka condemns ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song
