Nigeria is a conservative country which still upholds its traditions jealously. This is the notion that the average Nigerian is presented with and made to project. The other side of the conservative coin presents the country’s deep religious beliefs distributed between adherents of the Christian faith, Islam and traditional religions. So whatever people do which may seem traditionally or religiously pushing the boundaries, are usually kept private or done behind closed doors.
Non conventional practices bordering on issues of sexuality have been with African societies for centuries but Africans have adopted a pragmatic approach to living with such lifestyles. Nigeria is no exception.
Recently there was what could be faintly described as a reality check, with what could be the coming of age of the LGBTQ community in Nigeria. Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky a social media influencer and celebrity won the most beautifully dressed woman competition, at the launch of a new movie. Bobrisky started his career as a cross dresser and now identifies himself as a woman after series of medical alterations. Though it hasn’t been independently verified that Idris Okuneye is now a fully fledged woman.
Crowning Bobrisky as a woman rattled the sisterhood as young Nigerian women fondly refer to themselves. They felt it was a slap on their faces that a man could have the effrontery to identify as one of them and ultimately take their trophy.
Bobrisky has done remarkably well for himself amassing a huge following on social media, with numerous endorsements deals and building up a network of connections with people in high places. However it’s important to note that Bobrisky was enabled on his journey to fame or notoriety by the youth primarily, who idolise practically everything on social media.
Nigeria’s economic challenges opened opportunities for the youth on social media platforms through which they are able to showcase their talents which are often monetised. Bobrisky embraced the social media like a maiden would embrace her first love. To the youth population and the downtrodden, Bobrisky represents a hero who rose from a very humble background to making a name and fortune for himself, while defying the odds that the Nigerian system throw up. Bobrisky’s admiration stems from his ingenuity and creativity rather than his sexuality.
The uproar over Idris’s triumph was more of a reaction to what was interpreted as accepting Bobrisky’s constituency into the mainstream. Bobrisky’s supposed fraternity with political entities in the country didn’t help matters in a society that still prides itself as traditional and conservative. The sisterhood on their part felt that a misogynistic punch was thrown at them. Bobrisky’s acceptance may not have come full circle yet, but he is a phenomenon that is etching gradually into the country’s contemporary culture.
Olugbenga Adebanjo
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