‘Appalled’: Soyinka Disassociates Self from Pyrates Chant Ridiculing Tinubu

Founding member of the National Association of Seadogs also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Wole Soyinka, has released an interim statement disassociating himself from the views expressed in a viral video circulating on Nigeria’s social media space, in which members of the confraternity mocked the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Pyrates were seen chanting, “Hand dey shake, leg dey shake, Baba wey no well, dey shout emi lokan,” in reference to a statement made by Tinubu in the lead up to the APC presidential primary.

“Emi lokan,” which has become one of the most fsmous comments attributed to Tinubu, translates to “It’s my turn,” in Yoruba language.

However, Soyinka said he deems it necessary to clarify his views as the world is aware of his connection with the confraternity.

In his words, “It is essential that I state in clear, unambiguous terms, that I am not involved in that public performance, nor in any way associated with the sentiments expressed in the songs.”
He went on to state that members of the confraternity are entitled to their individual and collective freedom of expression. Hence, he does not dictate or interfere in the political choices of the group.
He also assureed that he remains unaware of the confraternity’s decision to approve or denounce any political candidate and referred to the act as a “bizarre development.”

He said, “Like any other civic group, the Pyrates Confraternity is entitled to its freedom of expression, individually or collectively. So also is Wole Soyinka in his own person. I do not interfere in, nor do I attempt to dictate the partisan political choices of the Confraternity.

“I remain unaware that the association ever engages in a collective statement of sponsorship or repudiation of any candidate. This is clearly a new and bizarre development, fraught with unpredictable consequences.”

Soyinka added that he is appalled by the lyrics of the chant as they outrightly go against his cultural upbringing. He explicitly stated, “I have listened to the lyrics of the chant intently and I am frankly appalled. I find it distasteful. I belong to a culture where we do not mock physical afflictions or disabilities.”
He concluded by saying he will release a further statement.

In his words “A further statement will be issued when I have made further enquiries into this strange, uncharacteristic outing of the association.”

Damiloju Oreofe

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