Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, has stirred significant discussion on social media by suggesting that Timi Dakolo’s song “Great Nation” would have been a better national anthem than the old anthem to which the country has returned.
On Wednesday, May 29, President Bola Tinubu signed the “National Anthem Bill 2024” into law, reinstating the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This decision has garnered mixed reactions, with some Nigerians supporting it while others criticized the president for not addressing more pressing issues.
Reacting to the development, Adekunle Gold expressed his thoughts on his X handle, questioning why the authorities did not consider Timi Dakolo’s song as the new anthem. “No one thought Timi Dakolo’s Great Nation makes a better anthem?” he asked.
The now-viral tweet elicited mixed reactions from netizens who flocked to the comment section to share their opinions.
An X user, identified as @CarmillaXander, agreed with Adekunle Gold, saying, “Absolutely yes, that song could make the least patriotic Nigerian stand up and go ‘sasageyo’.” Another netizen, @Tyekooon, tweeted, “The lyrics are too deep for an unserious country, hence.”
User @jachukwu added, “If they were truly looking for an anthem that will steer up patriotism and love for the country it would have been that song.”
However, not everyone agreed. @BFMPLUS countered, “Yes but it still carries the disputable and derogatory word: Tribe!! We should stop describing ourselves as tribal people. No whiteman ever allows himself to be called tribe.”
As the debate continues, the reinstatement of the old anthem remains a controversial topic, highlighting the diverse opinions among Nigerians on what best represents their national identity and aspirations.
