Nigerian actor Woli Arole has come under fire for a recent Instagram post that many found insensitive regarding women’s safety. The actor’s comments have sparked significant outrage online.
THE CONTROVERSIAL POST
On September 5, 2024, Woli Arole posted a message to women on Instagram, urging them to avoid behaviors he associated with increased risks. He wrote:
“Message to the LADIES: The devil is on a rampage against young ladies’ destinies. Can we see the rate of RITUAL KILLINGS. Ladies don’t fornicate around, don’t carry SUGAR DADDY, don’t follow one boyfriend away for a weekend, don’t date BOYS you know that are doing FRAUD!!! Be careful. Beware. Study your Bible, PRAY. Give your life to Christ. Your destiny is more than SEX and MONEY.”
REACTIONS AND BACKLASH
Arole’s post quickly drew criticism from Nigerians who felt it was insensitive and misplaced, especially in light of recent tragedies involving violence against women. Critics argued that the focus on women’s behavior neglected the broader issue of violence and the need for men to be held accountable.
Comments on social media included:
- “Women are being killed every day and this is all you could come up with, why not advise our fellow men to stop killing our women and protect them instead?”
- “Always advice for the women, never one for the men! Mtscheeew.”
- “Something that WORRIES me sooooooooo much is how the message is NEVER EVER EVER saying ‘Young men, leave young girls to fulfill destinies,’ ‘young men, STOP ritualism,’ ‘young men, desist from being MURDERERS’. Isn’t that what we are supposed to be preaching?”
In response to the backlash, Woli Arole deleted his post on the morning of September 6, 2024. The actor’s comments have sparked a larger conversation about addressing the root causes of violence and focusing on the actions of perpetrators rather than placing the burden on victims.