Born on 2 August 1940, Dr Bekololari Ransome-Kuti was one of Nigeria’s most prominent human rights activists and a determined advocate for social justice. His contributions were pivotal, both as an individual at a key moment in history and as a leading figure in civil society groups during critical periods in Nigeria’s development.
Beko, as he was popularly known, emerged as a steadfast moral voice during Nigeria’s years under military rule, from the early regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo to the authoritarian administrations of Generals Buhari, Babangida, and Abacha. As a result, Beko frequently clashed with those in power and was imprisoned multiple times, which ultimately affected his health.
Beko’s life of activism was rooted in a family legacy of social reform. His father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, founded the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to advocate for better schools under colonial rule. His mother, Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a leading figure in the fight for women’s rights, including suffrage and opposition to unjust taxation, and played a role in negotiating Nigeria’s independence. His siblings also left their mark: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti used Afrobeat music to challenge oppression, while Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti dedicated his life to improving healthcare in Nigeria. Beko’s cousin, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, has been a consistent voice for freedom and justice for decades.
Educated at Abeokuta Grammar School, Coventry Technical College, and the University of Manchester, where he studied medicine and led Nigerian students as their president, Beko combined his professional expertise with a passion for activism.
His activism became even more prominent following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Beko was a key figure in the opposition movement, organising protests and campaigns within and outside Nigeria to demand a return to democratic governance. His efforts led to his arrest and imprisonment for life by the Abacha regime in 1995, after being accused of involvement in a coup plot. He was released in 1998 following General Abacha’s death, having spent three years in prison.
Despite these ordeals, Beko remained steadfast in his commitment to justice and democracy. He was deeply involved in initiatives such as the Pro-National Conference (PRONACO) to explore Nigeria’s governance structure and the development of mechanisms to support the nation’s growth.
Dr Bekololari Ransome passed away on 10th February 2006, aged 65, from lung cancer at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.