Why Fela Anikulapo Kuti Married 27 women On 20 February, 1978

On 20 February, Fela marries 27 women in a traditional Yoruba wedding ceremony in Lagos. In doing so, Fela demonstrates his belief in traditional African customs and values, and their primacy over those promoted by Britain during the years of colonial rule. Equally important, Fela wants to legitimise the status of the women who, because they are living with him but are not married to him, are stigmatised by conservative Nigerians.

According to reports, Fela decided to make the bold move after rumours began to filter the air that he was holding the women in his band as captives. Fela in his usual rebel style was reported to have asked all the ladies in his band if they wanted to marry him, of which 27 of them agreed.

Then on February 20, 1978, Fela called twelve traditional priests presided over the wedding ceremony which took place at Parisona Hotel at Anthony, Lagos.

According to reports, a number of the wives agreed to marry Fela despite their parents' reluctance. The event it is said was attended by close friends and family members. Fela during the event, then placed naira notes on their heads, offered a few words and dished around marriage certificates.

The names of the 27 wives were Fehintola Kayode who happens to be Seun Kuti's mother,Damiregba, KeuweOghomienor, Folake Oladeinde, Folake Oladejo, Ronke Edason, Laide, Emaruagheru Osawe, Ihase, ShadeShodeinde, Suru Eriomola, Tejumade Adebiyi, Omolola Osaeti, Tokunbo Akran, Ronke, Adejonwo, Lamiley, Funmilayo, Adunni, Remilekun, Kikelomo, Lara and Bose.

After the marriage, it is reported that Fela engaged in a rotation system where he had 12 of them with him at a particular time. After the marriage, he took all 27 of them to Ghana for the honeymoon.

By 1986, after his release from two years in prison, he divorced these women. None were forced to leave their home, though some had already moved on during his time in prison.