Fela Commorative Exhibition : I Visited His Shrine In The 80s- Kwara Governor

Kwara State governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has revealed that he visited the shrine of late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in the 1980s.

The governor made the disclosure on Monday at a commemorative exhibition tagged Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, organised by the Kwara State Government at the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film (ICAAF) on Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin.

His revelation drew loud applause from the audience, which included veteran Nollywood actors.

AbdulRazaq also named the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and some senior military officers among those who visited Fela’s shrine during the period.

The governor said the exhibition was more than a tribute to the musician, describing it as part of the state government’s efforts to preserve African stories, promote cultural education and create opportunities in the creative industry.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” he said.

He described Fela as more than a musician, noting that his music challenged conventions and raised questions about power, freedom, identity and justice.

AbdulRazaq said the exhibition used photography, archival materials, films, graphic works and other artistic expressions to explore Fela’s life and enduring influence.

He added that the institute was designed to help younger generations understand the musician’s legacy while promoting creative enterprise, attracting visitors and strengthening Kwara’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative industry.

Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti, thanked the state government for honouring her father, despite his not being from Kwara State.

“Fela is not from Kwara State, but you have celebrated him in a very commendable way. His Excellency, thank you for sponsoring this,” she said.

She added that the exhibition demonstrated that her father’s identity transcended ethnic boundaries.

“This event has shown that Fela was not a Yoruba or Igbo man, but an African, and Kwara has just made all realise this,” she said.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju, said the exhibition provided an opportunity to revisit Fela’s life and works and examine how his music and ideas continued to influence generations.

She said the government was creating opportunities for young people through investments in film, fashion and technology.

Olukoju cited the Sugar Film Factory, Garment Factory and Ilorin Innovation Hub as projects aimed at developing talent and supporting enterprise.

She added that ICAAF, formerly known as the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, would provide a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

Dignitaries at the event included Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and APC governorship candidate, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu; Mukthar Shagaya; the governor’s senior adviser and counsellor, Saadu Salahu; and Senior Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu.

Members of the State Executive Council, commissioner-designates Afeez Abolore and Ali Jimoh, and APC House of Representatives candidate Abdulquwwiy Olododo also attended.

Nollywood actors present included Muka Ray, Yinka Kadir and Ibrahim Chatta.