Wole Soyinka Criticizes FG's 'Petulant Irrationality' Over Music Ban
In an unexpected and passionate critique, celebrated Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka denounces the Federal Government’s decision to ban a song by renowned Nigerian musician Eedris Abdulkareem. Describing the move as an act of “petulant irrationality,” Soyinka warns that this step represents a regression into authoritarian practices reminiscent of Nigeria’s past.
A Step Backward for Free Expression
According to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, the ban poses a significant threat to freedom of expression. In a statement issued from New York University, Abu Dhabi, Soyinka emphasized the danger of suppressing artistic voices, marking a return to Nigeria’s unfortunate history of censoring dissent. As stated in Politics Nigeria, Soyinka’s statement outlines how stifling creativity undermines fundamental democratic principles.
Sarcasm and the Ironic Boost of Censorship
With his signature wit, Soyinka suggested that the ban doesn’t go far enough. He sardonically proposed the proscription of Abdulkareem himself and the dismantling of any musical association he is part of, including PMAN. “It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed,” he wrote, pointing to the absurdity of such measures.
Interestingly, Soyinka also noted how censorship ironically serves as free publicity, potentially benefiting the very artists it aims to silence. “The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion,” he keenly observed, hinting at the possibility that Abdulkareem is financially rewarded, as laughter echoes from bank halls.
The Larger Picture: Democratic Principles on the Line
While he hadn’t listened to the song, Soyinka argued that the matter transcends mere lyrics and strikes at the core of democratic rights like free expression. “It cannot be flouted. That, surely, is basic,” he stressed, further arguing that such actions set a dangerous precedent. Restrictions bolstered by flamboyant publicity inadvertently elevate the very voices they aim to suppress.
The Path to Abyss
Asserting the gravity of the situation, Soyinka warned against regimes that silence dissent, only to surround themselves with sycophants. “Any government that censors dissenting voices while encouraging only praise singers is on a ‘downhill slide into an abyss,’” he stated, capturing the erosion of democratic norms that such censorship symbolizes.
In this dramatic stance, Wole Soyinka’s critique not only seeks to address a current cultural struggle but also to remind us of the enduring struggle for freedom and democratic governance. His words resonate as both a warning and a call to action against repressive policies that stifle artistic expression.
