Afrobeats star and son of music legend Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti, has launched a fierce broadside against social media activist VeryDarkMan and his followers — known as “Ratels” — in a heated Instagram Live session, accusing VDM of orchestrating attacks against him while defending presidential hopeful Omoyele Sowore.
“You People Are Rats”
The musician, long associated with activist circles, drew a sharp line between himself and VDM’s fanbase, accusing the influencer of directing his followers to target him while refusing to take personal responsibility.
“VeryDarkMan and his brother told you people to come for me. I have never asked anyone to go after them before, but you guys want to tag me as the betrayer?” Seun said.
He reserved particular contempt for the Ratels, stripping them of their identity in blunt terms. “My own is to expose the rats that call themselves ratels,” he declared, adding that VDM — whom he described as younger and therefore obligated to show deference — had crossed a line. “VDM can’t say that kind of thing to me; he knows I’m older than him.”
A Friendship Now Under Strain
Seun revealed the depth of his prior relationship with VDM, contrasting it with his longer-standing bond with Sowore — and using both comparisons to frame what he sees as a betrayal.
“Sowore never sleep my house, but VDM don sleep my house. I have known Sowore longer than VDM has been alive,” he said. “What kind of friend will say people should go and insult his friend? Even VDM said this — VDM say no insult Fela, insult Seun.”
He added pointedly: “I go deal with una.”
The Sowore Question
At the heart of the feud is the ongoing dispute between VDM and Sowore, a veteran opposition figure and 2027 presidential aspirant. Seun said he had privately counselled both men but was ignored.
“Since the first day we spoke about it, I don’t need to repeat what I told them. Both of them disregarded me,” he said. “I can never allow ratels to spoil Sowore presidency.”
Turning to Sowore’s critics, Seun invoked the principle of presumption of innocence. “They said Sowore is fighting for Blord, that he’s a thief and a scammer — everybody is innocent until proven guilty. Must we be in prison for police to investigate a case? Seize my passport if you think I’ll run.”
He noted that he, Sowore, and VDM had all experienced state persecution. “Me, Sowore and VeryDarkMan has been victims of this. How many terrorists and kidnappers have been prosecuted and jailed?”
Fela’s Legacy Is Not a Weapon
Seun also pushed back against those attempting to use his father’s legacy as a pressure point against him — dismissing the tactic with the assurance of someone who has heard it all before.
“I am Fela’s son. There is nothing you can say about Fela that would make me react, because all these things have been said to me before. Fela fed thousands of people — unlike borehole and yeye charity VeryDarkMan is doing,” he said.
Burna Boy, the Chain, and a Rare Compliment
In a moment of unexpected candour amid the storm, Seun offered warm words for fellow Afrobeats giant Burna Boy — with whom he had previously been linked in controversy over a gifted chain.
“Honestly, I no believe say Burna Boy go give me that chain. I just told him to give me the chain, and when he bring the chain, I no dey house — na my wife dem meet for house,” Seun said. “Burna is one artiste I respect. He’s my musical brother.”
❝I go deal with una… Even VDM said this shii – VDM say no insult Fela, insult Seun. What kind of friend will say people should go and insult his friend? Sowore never sleep my house, but VDM don sleep my house. I have known Sowore longer than VDM has been alive.❞
– Seun Kuti pic.twitter.com/ULM2d4UuFv
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) April 25, 2026
The comment stood in sharp contrast to his combative tone throughout the session — a rare moment of warmth in what was otherwise a declaration of war against those he sees as having turned on him.
