1997

At a nationally televised press conference, Fela reasserts his right to smoke weed. He is arrested for drug dealing. Fela defies a police order to close the Shrine and continues to perform at the club. In June, ill-health forces him to cancel a European tour. He is cared for at home by his daughter Yeni. In late July, he is admitted to hospital.

On 2 August, Fela dies. An estimated hundred and fifty thousand people gather in Tafawa Balewa Square to pay their final respects, and over a million others line the route as the coffin is taken to the Shrine for a private ceremony for family and friends. The crowd is so dense that it takes seven hours to cover the twenty kilometre journey. The following day Fela is buried in the grounds of Kalakuta.

1997