Former Big Brother Naija star Dorathy Bachor has entered the fray of an escalating social media debate between Lagos-based and UK-based Nigerian socialites, delivering a sharp reality check to those flaunting their holiday lifestyles. The controversy ignited after UK personality Joyce-Anne Deji, known as Madam Joyce, aired grievances about being ignored by Lagos women during her December visit.
The tension began when Madam Joyce shared a video lamenting how Lagos women allegedly snubbed her greetings, suggesting they perceived her as a threat to their relationships. Identifying herself as a “high-profile babe,” Joyce’s comments sparked immediate backlash from Nigerian social media users, culminating in Dorathy’s pointed response.
Taking to X platform, Dorathy dismissed the notion of “Detty December” being anything special, asserting that what visitors consider holiday excitement is simply everyday life for Lagos residents. Your Detty December is our every day lifestyle #stoptripping,” she declared, adding that Lagos women don’t make similar fusses when they travel abroad for summer.
The exchange has highlighted deeper cultural tensions between Nigeria-based and diaspora Nigerians, particularly during the holiday season when many return home. Social media users quickly rallied behind Dorathy’s perspective, with many pointing out that Lagos’s vibrant social scene operates year-round, not just during festive periods.
Commentators have noted the irony in Madam Joyce’s complaints, with some questioning the very concept of “high profile” status in Lagos’s sophisticated social landscape. The discussion has evolved beyond simple social courtesies to touch on broader themes of cultural identity and social status among Nigerians at home and abroad.
You don’t hear us make noise when we travel for summer. Yen yen yen 😏
— Dorathy Bachor🌍 (@Thedorathybach) December 19, 2024
Several observers pointed out that similar tensions don’t seem to exist between male returnees and local residents, suggesting a gendered dimension to the controversy. The debate has also sparked conversations about changing social dynamics in Lagos, where local lifestyle standards increasingly match or exceed international expectations.
The incident has revealed evolving perspectives on Nigeria’s social scene, with many highlighting how Lagos’s entertainment and lifestyle offerings have developed to rival global standards. Some supporters of Dorathy’s stance emphasized that Nigerian women’s economic and social advancement means they’re less likely to be impressed by returning visitors’ perceived status.
Social media reactions have ranged from humorous to contemplative, with many users appreciating Dorathy’s straightforward approach to addressing what they see as unnecessary social posturing. The discourse has sparked broader discussions about social etiquette, class dynamics, and the changing nature of Nigerian society.
Others have used the opportunity to highlight the progress made by Nigeria-based women, suggesting that the days of being automatically impressed by returning diaspora are over. The debate has showcased how social media can quickly transform personal grievances into broader cultural discussions.
The incident also underscores the evolving relationship between Nigerians at home and abroad, revealing how traditional assumptions about status and influence are being challenged by Lagos’s growing sophistication and economic development. Many commentators noted that the city’s social scene now rivals any global destination, making seasonal returns less remarkable than they might have been in the past.
As the discussion continues to unfold, it has become clear that this exchange represents more than just a social media spat. It reflects deeper changes in Nigerian society, particularly regarding how returning diaspora integrate with local communities and the shifting dynamics of social status in an increasingly globalized world.
