Popular lifestyle influencer Solomon Buchi has publicly advised Bobrisky, Nigeria’s most famous cross-dresser, to “embrace his God-given masculinity” and “surrender his life to Jesus.” This advice comes amid swirling allegations of a N15 million bribery scandal involving Bobrisky and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
As the sun set over Lagos on September 27, 2024, the Nigerian social media sphere was abuzz with discussions about Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okunneye. For days, rumors have circulated about a potential money laundering case against the cross-dresser, which was allegedly dropped due to a substantial bribe.
The streets are talking, but Bobrisky seems oblivious,” noted social media analyst Adebayo Ogunlesi. It’s a perfect storm of controversy, identity politics, and alleged corruption.”
According to unconfirmed reports, the EFCC had been investigating Bobrisky for money laundering involving a sum of N15 million. However, sources close to the commission claim that the case was suddenly dropped under mysterious circumstances.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, when reached for comment, stated, “We cannot discuss ongoing investigations or confirm or deny specific cases. The commission remains committed to fighting financial crimes without fear or favor.”
Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, Solomon Buchi, a social media influencer known for his conservative views, took to Twitter to offer unsolicited advice to Bobrisky. In a post that quickly went viral, Buchi wrote:
What Bobrisky needs right now is Jesus. He should surrender his life to Jesus, and give up on any act of homosexuality if he’s involved in any. Jilt his political godfathers and boyfriends. Embrace his God-given masculinity and restart his life on a new note without social media noise.
This statement, coming from Buchi who had previously criticized another social media personality, VDM, for “lacking education,” has sparked intense debate about gender identity, religion, and personal freedom in Nigeria.
The response to Buchi’s advice has been swift and polarized, reflecting the complex attitudes towards gender identity and sexuality in Nigerian society.
Twitter user @ChiamakaCintia supported Buchi’s stance, commenting, “We all know this is the truth but we choose to turn an eye. Stop enabling homosexuality by following their pages. God will judge you. Repent.”
On the other hand, @emunapurity criticized Buchi’s approach, retorting, “You wey don find am, where he dey? Rubbish.” This sentiment echoes a broader frustration with unsolicited advice on personal matters.
Dr. Olumide Makanjuola, a gender studies expert at the University of Lagos, provides context to the controversy: “This situation highlights the complex interplay between personal identity, societal expectations, and religious beliefs in Nigeria. Bobrisky’s public persona challenges traditional norms, which often leads to such reactionary responses.
Interestingly, as of this report, Bobrisky has remained uncharacteristically silent on both the alleged EFCC scandal and Buchi’s advice. This silence has only fueled further speculation and debate.
“Bobrisky’s brand has always been about controversy,” explains celebrity publicist Ayodele Adewale. “Whether this silence is strategic or a genuine retreat from the public eye remains to be seen.”
This incident raises important questions about the acceptance of diverse gender identities in Nigeria, the role of social media in shaping public discourse, and the intersection of personal beliefs with public personas.
As social commentator Funmi Iyanda notes, “Whether one agrees with Bobrisky’s lifestyle or not, the public nature of this ‘advice’ and the allegations highlight the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in Nigeria.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a mirror reflecting the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards gender, sexuality, and morality in contemporary Nigerian society. While Bobrisky’s situation and Solomon Buchi’s advice have sparked heated debate, they also open up important conversations about acceptance, personal freedom, and the role of public figures in shaping societal norms.
