Seun Kuti Criticizes Sanwo-Olu for Not Planting Fruit Trees
Nigerian singer Seun Kuti has criticized the Lagos State government for not planting fruit trees, highlighting how beneficial they would be for the community. During an Instagram livestream, Kuti emphasized the importance of fruit trees, recalling how, in the past, various fruit trees were plentiful and accessible. He expressed frustration over the government’s removal of these trees, which he believes has negatively impacted the poor.
“There are hungry people everywhere, so why won’t the government plant trees all over Lagos? Just simple fruit trees. When we were young, we would pluck fruits from the trees when we were hungry after being out all day,” Kuti said.
Kuti further argued that planting these trees would cost the government nothing and would greatly benefit the public. He mentioned mango trees, orange trees, and African apple trees as examples, stressing that the tropical climate of Lagos would naturally support their growth. He pointed out that even in nearby Cotonou, coconut trees are abundant, questioning why Lagos is different.
In 2020, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu faced criticism from over 1,300 residents of Ikoyi for attempting to cut down trees to make way for drainage construction. Despite this, the government announced plans to plant trees in 2022, though Kuti remains critical of their efforts, emphasizing the need for more fruit-bearing trees to support the community.