Nigerian rapper and activist Eedris Abdulkareem has made headlines with his new song Tell Your Papa. He says the song is not meant to insult President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, but to respond to Seyi’s public praise of his father.
In March 2025, Seyi Tinubu called his father “the greatest president in Nigeria’s history” at an event in Adamawa State. Eedris says this statement is what pushed him to make the song.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds, Eedris explained that Nigerians are only asking for basic things like electricity, safety, jobs, and a better economy. He said Seyi’s comment sounded insensitive given the country’s current hardship.
“If Seyi hadn’t spoken, I wouldn’t have made the song,” Eedris said. “His words were out of touch with reality.”
The rapper added that President Tinubu might be a great dad to Seyi, but not to Nigerian youths. “Seyi is empowered, but many young people have no jobs or food. Let Seyi travel by road without security so he can see what normal Nigerians go through,” he said.
Eedris also criticized Seyi’s speech, saying he should avoid making public comments if he can’t speak clearly about the country’s real problems.
The song Tell Your Papa was later banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which said it was not fit for public broadcast. Many, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, condemned the ban, calling it censorship.
Eedris compared the situation to when his song Nigeria Jaga Jaga was banned in 2004. “It’s still relevant today,” he said, pointing out that little has changed in the country.
This isn’t the first time Eedris has used music to speak out. In 2024, he released Emi Lo Kan, criticizing President Tinubu and Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Back in 2018, he also released Letter to Mr Obasanjo.
Reacting on Instagram, Eedris said the government doesn’t like the truth and sees criticism as a crime. He described President Tinubu’s administration as “insensitive and vindictive.”
He ended his post with a quote from Uthman Dan-Fodio: “The conscience is an open wound; only the truth can heal it.” He added, “Aluta continua,” which means “The struggle continues.”
