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| Bobrisky. |
The 23-year-old accounting graduate from the university of Lagos who is known for his make-up, lavish lifestyle and light skin colour, once narrated how he changed from poor and dark skinned ' Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju' to light skinned ' Bobrisky', through the help of his rich 'mystery bae'.
From Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju To Bobrisky:
Since Mr. Idris became known locally and internationally as 'Bobrisky', a lot of attention has been drawn to the brand both positive and negative.
On September 23, 2016, Bobrisky shocked many when he debunked rumours in some quarters that he is a gay. Ever since then, the intersexual cross-dressing, bleaching advocate, has been in one controversy or the other, including a recent spat with Derenle Edun.
On October 26, 2016, Bobrisky once again became a topic of contention in the country after he was announced as one of the guest speakers at the Rights & Responsibilities Seminar in Abuja. After the announcement, Bobrisky topped 'Nigeria Twitter Trend' for more than 16 hours.
With his inclusion as guest speaker at the event, top speakers such as President Muhammadu Buhari’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmed and a member of Alder Consulting Executive Committee, Subomi Plumptre, withdrew from the Conference.
Bashir Ahmed's withdrawal:
President Muhammadu Buhari’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmed, showed he couldn't stand the presence of Nigeria's cross dresser, Bobrisky, popularly known as “Africa’s First Male Barbie,” after he withdrew from the Rights & Responsibilities Seminar in Abuja, following Bobrisky's inclusion.
The New Media Citizens and Governance Conference kicked off in Abuja on Wednesday, October 26 and Bobrisky, the intersexual cross-dressing, bleaching advocate, was slated to speak on Day 2 (Thursday) October 27.
On seeing the Bobrisky as part of the guests, Ahmed reportedly withdrew from the conference.
Giving reason for his decision, Ahmed wrote on his Twitter handle @BashirAhmaad: “I will not be attending #NMGC2016 tomorrow—Most people commending me—others decrying my non-attendance.
“I have received several messages from friends, tweets, and even colleagues from the media on my attendance at the NMGC Conference.
“Most commending me for rejecting to share the same podium with Mr Idris Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky, others decrying my non-attendance.
“Indeed, I will not be attending the NMGC Conference and have since communicated that to the organizers.
“I thanked them for the kind invitation and they also understand the fact I will be unavailable for the event.
“You may contact the NMGC Conference for more details.” Ahmed said.
Alder Consulting:
Similarly, a member of Alder Consulting Executive Committee, Subomi Plumptre, withdrew from the Conference following Bobrisky’s involvement.
A statement from Alder Consulting reads “Bobrisky’s presence would sensationalize and radicalize the event, which should otherwise be a serious discourse on new approaches to media engagement.” The statement added.
But despite their withdrawal, Bobrisky honoured the invitation as he was one of the speakers at the event earlier today, October 27.
What Nigerians are saying:
Though a lot of Nigerians have expressed different views as regards Bobrisky's participation in the seminar, many are of the opinion that the intersexual cross-dressing, bleaching advocate, shouldn't have been penciled down for the seminar, due to the fact that his presence at the conference is indicative of Nigeria’s sentiment towards homosexuality because Bobrisky has neither been identified as gay or straight.
The Nigerian law:
While same sex marriage is accepted globally, the Nigerian law frowns at the act with severe punishment meted out to anyone who is caught in the act.
In January 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the Bill which outlaws same sex marriage, gay groups and public displays of affection by homosexuals. The signed bill stated that gays; lesbians in Nigeria will risk a 14-year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce such marriage.
The signed bill also states that any person who operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly will earn 10-year imprisonment.
Implication of Bobrisky's spotlight:
Before Bobrisky became popular to the extent of topping 'Nigeria Twitter Trend', there was a certain acclaimed musician called 'Vic O'.
Though Vic O seems to have lost it musically, however he has been able to get the attention he craved for.
Similarly, Bobrisky has risen from a relatively unknown personality in the society to the status of a guest speaker in seminars and conferences in the country, which has led many to question what we celebrate in this part of the world.
Though the hate message about Bobrisky should be tamed in order to reduce the possibility of the Cross dresser contemplating suicide, however in taming the hate message, Nigerians must watch what we promote.
Now the 'BIG QUESTION' is : How Did Bobrisky Garner such 'PUBLICITY?
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