Bobrisky, Nigerian transgender and self proclaimed Nigerian barbie, has been declared to be a viral disease by the Federal Government.

According to Otunba Segun Runsewe, the Director-General of National Centre for Arts and Culture, Bobrisky is worse than the Ebola Virus and could be carrying infections that would affect any woman that shares a public toilet with Bobrisky.

This statement is coming from the same person who said Bobrisky is a national disgrace and threatened to deal with her.

Apparently, Otunba Segun Runsewe is more serious than we thought. Now, the next phase of his plans for Bobrisky is to warn tourists off.

But, I have got some questions about this feud that has been brewing for the past months.

  • Considering that the Ebola Virus was an epidemic disease that killed more than 11,000 people during its outbreak in 2014-2016 and we’ve yet to hear that Bobrisky killed anyone, isn’t that statement a bit presumptuous?
  • Isn’t this total focus on Bobrisky by Otunba Segun Runsewe a teeny weeny bit insensitive to aspects of arts, culture and tourism that are being left ignored?
  • Is Bobrisky really the main problem that Nigeria has right now?
  • Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju has been known as Bobrisky for years, with no qualms, why is she suddenly being seriously tagged person non grata?

My conclusion:

There’s a lot to turn tourists away from visiting Nigeria- and it’s not Bobrisky.

Most of the foreigners being warned off Bobrisky are actually used to mingling with transgenders, crossdressers and other folks of the LBTQ community. So who exactly are you warning off, Otunba Segun Runsewe?

Yes, we know that the Same-Sex Prohibition Act in Nigeria criminalizes any gay marriage and any persons found guilty will be jailed for 14 years. But, so far, Bobrisky has yet to say she is homosexual or married to someone of the same gender.

Furthermore, if the FG can wage war on homosexuality, using Bobrisky as a scapegoat, can they also direct that same energy to ridding the country of the insecurity and economical issues?

>

OUR MISSION

Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.