#ThrowBackThursday: Remember when Fela married his 27 wives?

On our throw back story for this Thursday, we take a look at the time Fela Anikulapo Kuti got married to 27 wives.

Hey guys, it's that Thursday again where we take you back memory lane to the yesteryears and today we want to remind you of the time Fela got married to 27 wives in one day.

Yes, guys, Afro beats legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti got married to 27 women in one day back in 1978 in what was seen as a very daring move.

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.

ALSO READ: We need to do more in honour of Fela Anikulapo Kuti

 

The names of the 27 wives were Fehintola Kayode who happens to be Seun Kuti's mother,Damiregba, Keuwe Oghomienor, Folake Oladeinde, Folake Oladejo, Ronke Edason, Laide, Emaruagheru Osawe, Ihase, Shade Shodeinde, 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.