LAGOS, JUNE 12, 2025 –
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, was overcome with emotion during a media briefing in Lagos as he paid tribute to the late physician and fearless human rights activist, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, a prominent figure during Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
Soyinka spoke during a special event commemorating the June 12 Democracy Day, recalling the intense struggles, betrayals, and sacrifices that defined the period following the annulled 1993 presidential elections.
💔 Soyinka on Beko: “He Was Ready to Die for Nigeria”
In a deeply moving moment, Soyinka recounted a powerful memory of Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, brother to music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Afrobeat drummer Femi Kuti.
- “Beko once came to me with a plan. He wanted to acquire an equipment — something with which he could eliminate General Sani Abacha,” Soyinka said.
- “I had to talk him out of it. It wasn’t the right way… but that shows you the depth of his conviction. He was ready to die.”
At that point, Soyinka paused — eyes misty — visibly emotional as he reflected on the magnitude of Beko’s sacrifice and courage during the dark days of Nigeria’s military dictatorship.
đź“… Remembering June 12: A Battle of Patriots and Opportunists
- Soyinka did not mince words while describing the June 12 struggle. He mentioned:
- Patriots who gave everything for Nigeria’s freedom.
- Traitors and opportunists who used the crisis to climb politically.
- The ongoing injustice faced by many Nigerians even today under the guise of development.
His speech began with the theme: “Development Without Dehumanisation”, where he criticized the forceful evictions of poor Lagos residents in the name of urban development.
đź•Ż Beko Ransome-Kuti: A Life of Courage
- Born: 2 August 1940
- Died: 10 February 2006 (aged 65)
- Cause of Death: Lung cancer complications
- Place of Death: Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba
Dr Beko was known for his relentless activism during the Abacha regime, spending years in detention, and enduring torture — all in the name of justice and democracy.
In 2010, the Lagos State Government honoured him with a statue and a public space now known as the Beko Ransome-Kuti Park.
đź—Ł Why This Matters
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, voices like Soyinka’s continue to remind us of the real cost of freedom. The sacrifices of figures like Beko, Kudirat Abiola, MKO Abiola, and many others are not just historical footnotes — they are lessons for present and future leaders.
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đź”– Key Quotes from Soyinka:
“Some actors in the June 12 struggle were opportunists… but many were heroes.”
“Beko’s resolve to go to any length showed how far people were willing to fight for this nation.”
“You cannot talk about Nigeria’s democracy without mentioning the Ransome-Kuti family.”
✊🏽 Let’s Not Forget
As we reflect on Nigeria’s journey toward democracy, let’s ask:
What are we doing to preserve the freedoms these heroes fought for?
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