Nigeria’s First Lady Criticizes Meghan Markle’s Attire, Promotes Modesty
In a powerful speech delivered shortly after Meghan Markle’s high-profile visit to Nigeria, the country’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, issued a strong message to Nigerian women. Speaking in Abuja to mark the first anniversary of her husband, President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the First Lady emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural identity and modesty.
Addressing the influence of Hollywood’s provocative fashion trends, Tinubu urged Nigerian women, particularly teenagers and young adults, to reject revealing clothing popularized by American celebrities. “We have to salvage our children,” Tinubu asserted. “We see the way they dress. We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness, is just everywhere and the men are well-clothed. Tell them we don’t accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. It’s not beautiful at all.”
While Tinubu did not directly criticize Meghan Markle, she alluded to the Duchess’s recent visit to Nigeria. Markle, who revealed through a DNA test that she is 43% Nigerian, had visited the country with her husband, Prince Harry, to promote the Invictus Games. Tinubu commented, “Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with us. We know who we are. Don’t lose who you are.”
Markle and Prince Harry’s trip received mixed reactions. Some critics felt that Markle’s choice of expensive and revealing outfits was inappropriate in a country where over half of the population is Muslim. A fashion expert noted that Markle “bared too much skin” and speculated that she might have dressed more conservatively if the visit had been coordinated by Buckingham Palace.
During her speech, Tinubu praised the beauty of Nigerian women and encouraged them to embrace their cultural identity with confidence. “They’re all beautiful girls, but they should be confident in who they are,” she said. “We are fashionable, we see what is going on.”
Tinubu also called on Nigerian women to be unifying forces in their homes and communities, advocating for greater national prosperity. “When mothers stand with you, the house is in order,” she declared. “Looking ahead, we must endeavor to become the unifying force in our homes and our communities, to bring about greater prosperity for our nation.”
The Sussexes’ three-day visit to Nigeria was their first official trip to Africa since stepping down as working royals and relocating to California.
