"We Don't Accept Nakedness": Nigeria's First Lady After Meghan Markle's Visit

Just weeks after the high-profile visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, to Nigeria, the nation's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has made headlines with a bold statement on modesty and cultural values. 

Speaking at an event in Abuja to mark the one-year anniversary of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, taking office, the First Lady urged Nigerian women to "not accept nakedness," criticizing the influence of scantily-clad American celebrities.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Nigeria on May 10, 2024, following an invitation from the country's chief of defence staff, Nigeria's highest-ranking military official. 

During their visit, Meghan Markle, who has claimed she is 43% Nigerian, showcased a variety of outfits that drew significant attention. 

Her wardrobe included a printed halter-neck dress, a backless peach dress, a white strapless dress, and a red strappy dress with a ruffled hem.

While her fashion choices were celebrated by some, they also sparked controversy. 

Critics argued that her outfits were too revealing, especially given Nigeria's conservative cultural norms and its significant Muslim population. 

One particular dress, the backless peach 'Windsor Gown-Blush' by California-based designer Heidi Merrick, was noted for both its elegance and its boldness. 

Some viewed it as a strategic nod to her ties with the UK royal family, while others saw it as inappropriate for the setting.

In response to the growing influence of Western fashion trends, Oluremi Tinubu delivered a passionate plea to the women of Nigeria. 

She emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity and modesty in the face of globalization and the pervasive influence of Western celebrities. 

"We have to salvage our children," Tinubu said. "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."

Her message was clear: Nigerian women should resist the urge to emulate the revealing styles often seen on American celebrities.

"Tell them we don’t accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. It’s not beautiful at all," she declared.

The First Lady's comments were not just a critique of fashion but a broader call to uphold Nigerian values and identity. 

She questioned Meghan Markle's intentions, asking, "Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home. We know who we are. Don’t lose who you are."

Oluremi Tinubu praised the inherent beauty and confidence of Nigerian women, urging them to take pride in their heritage. 

"They’re all beautiful girls, but they should be confident in who they are," she said, emphasizing that Nigerian fashion can be both stylish and modest.

The reactions to Meghan Markle's visit and her fashion choices have been mixed. 

While some praised her for her elegant style, others felt she should have been more considerate of Nigeria's cultural norms. 

Fashion experts and social commentators have weighed in, with some agreeing that Markle's outfits showed "too much skin" for a predominantly Muslim nation.

The broader conversation sparked by Oluremi Tinubu's remarks touches on the complex interplay between global influences and local traditions. 

As the world becomes more interconnected, the challenge for many cultures is finding a balance between embracing modernity and preserving their unique identities.

Oluremi Tinubu's powerful message underscores the importance of cultural pride and modesty in an age of increasing Western influence. 

Her call for Nigerian women to "not accept nakedness" and to remain true to their cultural values resonates deeply in a society grappling with the impacts of globalization. 

As Nigeria continues to navigate these dynamics, the voices of its leaders, advocating for the preservation of cultural heritage, will play a crucial role in shaping the nation's identity.