Nigerian First Lady Criticizes American Celebrities’ Dress, Meghan Markle’s Outfits Spark Controversy

In a recent event in Abuja, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, made a fervent call for Nigerian women to uphold modesty in their attire, denouncing the prevalent trend of scantily-clad dressing, particularly influenced by American celebrities. 

Her remarks come in the wake of Meghan Markle’s highly publicized visit to Nigeria alongside her husband, Prince Harry, which has stirred both admiration and criticism.

During their three-day visit to Nigeria, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex showcased an array of fashion choices, with Meghan Markle donning outfits that ranged from a printed halter-neck dress to a red strappy dress with a ruffled hem. 

However, it was her backless peach dress, dubbed the ‘Windsor Gown-Blush‘, that drew significant attention and debate.

Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, seized the opportunity to express her dismay at the proliferation of revealing attire, stating, “We have to salvage our children. 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.”

Tinubu’s remarks, made during an event commemorating her husband’s one-year anniversary in office, underscored her concern for the younger generation’s adherence to cultural values and modesty. 

She urged Nigerian women, particularly the youth, to reject the overtly revealing styles propagated by American celebrities, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s cultural identity.

In her impassioned speech, Tinubu asserted, “Tell them we don’t accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. It’s not beautiful at all.“ Her words resonated with many attendees, who echoed her sentiments regarding the need for sartorial modesty.

However, amidst Tinubu’s call for cultural preservation, criticisms emerged regarding Meghan Markle’s wardrobe choices during the visit. Some observers argued that her attire lacked the modesty expected in a Muslim-majority nation like Nigeria. 

A fashion expert even remarked that Markle “showed too much skin,” particularly referencing the backless peach gown she wore, which bore the name ‘Windsor,’ evoking connections to the UK royal family.

While some viewed Markle’s outfit selections as a strategic nod to her royal ties, others interpreted them as a subtle critique of traditional royal conventions. 

The controversy surrounding her attire exemplifies the intersection of fashion, culture, and diplomacy in high-profile visits.

In response to the critiques, supporters of Meghan Markle praised her fashion choices as empowering and reflective of personal expression. They emphasized the importance of embracing diverse styles and rejecting outdated notions of propriety.

As the debate surrounding Meghan Markle’s visit continues, Oluremi Tinubu’s message remains clear: Nigerian women should prioritize cultural values and modesty in their attire, resisting external influences that contradict their heritage. 

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members