Alternate Vision

On Feb 10, 2006 Nigeria lost one of its greatest human rights activists and national icons - Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, elder brother of the legendary Afrobeat hero Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who used his music to battle tyranny and oppression in Nigeria.

Born into an extraordinary family, Dr. Beko was fortunate to have been educated in the west, where he obtained his medical degree at Manchester University in England. He returned to Nigeria in the early 60s where he started working as a medical practioner abd fought hard for the ill and afflictted to have access to proper medical care. This is when he got involved with the early civil rights movement.

"Beko comes from a strong background of human rights activism. His mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was at the forefront of anti-colonial struggle in Nigeria. She organized Nigerianwomen to fight for their right to vote and be voted for. She waged many battles against indiscriminate taxation of women. One of those battles in 1948 led to the abdication from the throne of a tyrant king in Abeokuta, one of the major towns in Western Nigeria."

One thing is for sure, he will go down in history books for his relentless opposition to the dictatorial regime of former President Sunny Abacha, an act that he was unjustly imprisoned for three years. In the true spirit of the Kuti family, Dr. Beko fought for the principles of good governance, democracy and equal rights for all. He offered overwhelming support to the marginalized and powerless majority through his medical and human rights efforts.

If it interests you, here is an awesome interview by the Chinua Achebe Foundation with Dr. Beko on everything from civil rights, Nigeria's stuggle to overthrow oppressive regimes to Fela and smoking hemp. The continent needs more Beko's at the forefront of socio-political activity. Rest in Peace.