Taye Currency‘s Lyrics Spark Outrage at Ibadan‘s New Olubadan Coronation
Ibadan, Nigeria - The coronation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday was marred by controversy after fuji musician Taye Currency performed a song containing lyrics widely condemned as inappropriate for the occasion. The phrase “were la fi n wo were,” translating to ”we used insanity to cure insanity,” drew immediate and widespread criticism online.
The backlash highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and appropriate artistic expression during important customary events. The incident has ignited a debate among Nigerians regarding respect for the Olubadan stool and the selection process for performers at such ceremonies, with many questioning why Currency was chosen over other prominent fuji artists. The controversy unfolded as dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and other prominent traditional rulers attended the installation following the death of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi olakulehin, two months prior.
DAILY POST reports that the lyrics quickly propelled Taye Currency to the top of trending topics on X (formerly Twitter),with users expressing shock and disappointment.
“Werey la fi’wo werey na song? Nonsense,” wrote @Frank24net.
@olatunbosun006 called it a “Total Embarrassment to his family. NOT Ibadan people. On coronation day?”
Other users questioned the choice of performer.@OluwaferanmiDan stated, “It’s not his fault now; it’s the fault of the organizers that decided to platform someone whose last musical boom was 17 years ago. Weyrey la fi n wo weyrey ni coronation? Afi weyrey naa.”
@babasafeez added, “It’s obviously political. Why picking Taye over Osupa or K1 for coronation, even Paso and Malaika will deliver well. É sha ma fi werey ghade lo.”
@fesooyebade described the performance as “an historic disappointment, an embarrassment to Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora,” suggesting that numerous Ibadan-origin musicians coudl have provided a more fitting performance.
A video of the performance is circulating online: https://x.com/ibcityannouncer/status/1971572432445337922?t=Zy6QvWrQY0AYx6aK5CdyiQ&s=19
