Nollywood actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh has ignited fresh controversy across Nigerian social media with a pointed question about men’s attitudes toward DNA paternity testing. The outspoken single mother shared her thoughts through an Instagram story that quickly generated widespread discussion among her followers and entertainment observers.
“I was under the impression that it was women who were supposed to be avoiding DNA tests – so why are men the ones running now? The irony is unreal. Make it make sense,” Dikeh wrote, adding cryptically that “Running a foundation is not for the faint hearted.” Her provocative question challenges prevailing narratives around paternity uncertainty while hinting at broader experiences from her charitable work.
Though Dikeh carefully avoided naming specific individuals, social media users and entertainment commentators rapidly connected her remarks to the ongoing public dispute between celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest and his alleged Kenyan baby mama. This high-profile paternity controversy has dominated Nigerian entertainment news in recent weeks, with accusations and counter-claims playing out across various social media platforms.
The controversy intensified when the woman, identified as Helen, shared what she claimed were screenshots of private conversations with Cubana Chief Priest, allegedly showing she had informed him about her pregnancy. Helen has publicly demanded a DNA test while vowing to continue speaking out until the matter is resolved, creating precisely the scenario Dikeh appears to reference in her cryptic post.
Dikeh’s commentary touches on a cultural contradiction that resonates widely in Nigerian society. Traditionally, paternity uncertainty has been framed as primarily concerning for men, with DNA testing portrayed as a tool men might employ to verify their biological connection to children. Her observation inverts this narrative, suggesting that contemporary reality shows men sometimes resist the very testing that conventional wisdom suggests they would welcome.
Cultural commentators note that Dikeh’s post reflects evolving gender dynamics around parenthood and responsibility in Nigerian society. Dr. Amina Bamali, a sociologist specializing in family structures at Lagos State University, explains: “What we’re seeing is a shifting landscape around paternity confirmation. The availability of DNA testing has transformed what was once whispered uncertainty into scientific certainty, creating new tensions when that certainty is actively avoided rather than sought.”
The actress’s reference to her foundation work adds another dimension to her commentary. As founder of the Tonto Dikeh Foundation, which focuses on vulnerable children among other causes, her remark that “Running a foundation is not for the faint hearted” suggests her observations may stem from patterns witnessed through her charitable activities rather than merely commenting on celebrity gossip.
This is not the first time Dikeh has sparked public conversation around parenting and gender expectations. As a single mother navigating Nigeria’s entertainment industry while raising her son, she has frequently shared candid reflections on parenthood that challenge conventional narratives. Her willingness to address contentious topics has established her as a polarizing but influential voice on family dynamics in contemporary Nigerian society.
Media analyst Chukwudi Okonkwo observes that Dikeh’s communication style exemplifies a new approach to celebrity influence: “What makes Dikeh’s social commentary particularly effective is her ability to pose questions rather than simply making statements. By framing her observation as a question, she invites public discourse while maintaining plausible deniability about targeting specific individuals.”
The timing of Dikeh’s commentary coincides with increasing public awareness around paternity fraud in Nigeria. Several high-profile cases have emerged in recent years, fueling debate about traditional family structures, trustworthiness in relationships, and the rights of children and parents. DNA testing services have reported substantial growth across major Nigerian cities, reflecting growing demand for biological certainty in family relationships.
Legal experts note that Nigeria currently lacks comprehensive legislation specifically addressing paternity fraud or mandating DNA testing in disputed cases. Barrister Emmanuel Nwagbara explains: “Our legal framework still largely operates on presumptions of paternity within marriage. As scientific testing becomes more accessible, we’re witnessing societal norms evolve faster than corresponding legal frameworks.
For many Nigerian men, Dikeh’s observation strikes at complex cultural expectations around masculinity and fatherhood. Traditional notions of manhood remain strongly tied to virility and reproductive success, creating potential conflict when biological certainty threatens these self-conceptions. This complexity may partially explain the seeming contradiction Dikeh highlights, where some men potentially avoid the very tests that could confirm their paternity.
Women’s rights advocates have welcomed Dikeh’s willingness to challenge double standards around parental responsibility. For too long, questioning paternity has been framed as an insult to women’s honor rather than a matter of simple biological fact,” notes women’s rights campaigner Folake Adeyemi. Dikeh’s question helps normalize the conversation around DNA testing as a neutral tool rather than an accusation.
As social media continues dissecting Dikeh’s comment, the conversation has expanded beyond the immediate reference to Cubana Chief Priest’s situation to broader discussions about transparency in family relations, the psychological impact of paternity uncertainty on children, and evolving gender roles in Nigerian society.
Whether intentionally or not, Dikeh’s seemingly casual observation has triggered substantive debate about how Nigerian society navigates the intersection of traditional family values and modern scientific capabilities. Her ability to generate such discussion with a brief social media post demonstrates the significant cultural influence she maintains beyond her acting career.
As the conversation continues unfolding across Nigerian social media, Dikeh’s provocative question stands as another example of how celebrity voices increasingly shape public discourse around sensitive social issues that might otherwise remain unaddressed in mainstream conversation.
