Seun Kuti Slams Dangote Group Over Fatal Truck Accident Involving Phyna’s Sister

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has strongly criticised the Dangote Group following a recent road accident involving one of its trucks, which left Ruth Otabor — the sister of reality TV star Phyna — with one leg amputated and battling for her life.

Kuti, in a passionate Instagram video, described the incident as a glaring example of how major corporations in Nigeria often escape accountability, despite repeated accidents resulting in loss of lives. He accused the conglomerate of exploiting systemic weaknesses in the country to maintain its dominance while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer devastating consequences.

“Blood Money” and Lack of Accountability

The outspoken musician referred to the Dangote Group as a “vampire” empire built on “blood money,” arguing that the company’s operations would not be tolerated in more regulated societies. He noted that in countries abroad, similar lawsuits would have forced companies to pay billions in compensation for negligence, but in Nigeria, victims are often left without justice.

“Nowhere in this world can you operate business the way this man operates business in our country and get away with it,” Kuti said. “Civil lawsuits alone would have buried these companies. They would have paid billions upon billions of dollars in settling. But here, lives are lost and nothing happens.”

A History of Deadly Accidents

Kuti recalled previous incidents involving Dangote trucks that had claimed the lives of several Nigerians, pointing out that each time, responsibility was deflected. He criticised the arguments often put forward by officials and company representatives that the trucks are licensed to different agents and therefore beyond the direct control of the Dangote Group.

According to him, such explanations reveal the failure of governance and regulatory systems, which prioritise economic power over citizens’ welfare. “These heartless people, because of what they will eat, look away from the pain of the masses. This man is a danger to the citizens of our country,” he added.

Impact on Citizens

The Afrobeat star went further to condemn the monopoly and influence wielded by the Dangote Group in various sectors, particularly food production and distribution. He argued that the conglomerate uses Nigerian resources and farmlands to produce goods that citizens can hardly afford, worsening the plight of millions struggling with inflation and economic hardship.

“The food, he uses our land and our money to grow. Can you afford it? The things he sells to the public, that’s why Nigerians cannot afford,” Kuti remarked, stressing that corporate interests continue to enrich themselves while ordinary people pay the ultimate price.

Growing Calls for Justice

The tragic case of Ruth Otabor has reignited conversations around road safety, corporate responsibility, and the lack of legal redress for victims of industrial negligence in Nigeria. While many Nigerians have expressed solidarity with Phyna’s family, public figures like Seun Kuti are intensifying calls for stricter accountability measures against influential companies.

For now, Ruth Otabor continues her recovery journey after the life-altering accident, but the debate sparked by the incident highlights deep-seated concerns over corporate power, safety standards, and the urgent need for reform.

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