Nigerian social media personality and controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, has taken a public swipe at Nigerian lawmakers over their silence on the recent wave of killings in Benue State. In a scathing post shared on his Instagram story on Monday, Bobrisky accused senators and House of Representatives members of turning a blind eye to the bloodshed in the North-Central state, despite previously convening urgently over his own legal troubles.
The post, which quickly went viral, reignited debate about the government’s priorities and the role of public figures in holding elected officials accountable. Bobrisky wrote:
“Senator/house representative didn’t call urgent meeting over the killing happening in Benue.
But they can call urgent meeting when it comes to Bobrisky. Shame, shame!!!!
Shame!!! What a shameful country.”
This latest outburst comes amid reports of renewed violent attacks in Benue State that have left dozens dead and hundreds displaced. Governor Hyacinth Alia recently confirmed the involvement of armed groups in coordinated assaults on rural communities, sparking outrage across Nigeria. Yet, national lawmakers have remained largely silent, with no emergency plenary session or resolution passed on the matter.
Bobrisky’s frustration draws partly from his own recent legal entanglements. In 2024, he was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria Act by spraying and mishandling the Naira during a social function—an offense that sparked widespread public debate and prompted swift legal action.
Although he was convicted, media reports later alleged that Bobrisky did not serve any substantial jail time, further fueling speculation of special treatment and government distraction from national priorities. His case, however, drew considerable political attention, with some lawmakers reportedly discussing the cultural and legal implications of his actions.
Now, Bobrisky is turning the tables on those lawmakers, questioning their silence on real threats to human lives.
Bobrisky’s criticism has received mixed reactions online. Some Nigerians praised him for using his platform to highlight the state’s negligence toward critical security issues.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Bobrisky might be controversial, but he’s right. Our politicians prioritize nonsense while people are dying.”
Another added:
“We may not agree with everything Bobrisky does, but let’s not ignore the point—Benue is bleeding, and the Senate is mute.”
Others, however, questioned Bobrisky’s moral standing to speak on national issues, citing his past run-ins with the law and tendency to stir controversy.
This is not the first time Nigeria’s lawmakers have been accused of neglecting urgent humanitarian issues. In recent months, violent clashes in Plateau, Kaduna, and Benue states have resulted in significant casualties. Yet, consistent legislative responses, emergency sessions, or concrete policy measures have been lacking.
Meanwhile, high-profile cases involving celebrities or sensational media events often receive outsized attention, with lawmakers rushing to issue statements or propose reactive legislation.
Bobrisky’s post, while provocative, speaks to a growing trend of Nigerian entertainers stepping into political commentary amid frustration with governance. Figures like Falz, Burna Boy, and DJ Switch have in the past spoken out on insecurity, police brutality, and political accountability—often drawing more attention to issues than traditional institutions.
As insecurity deepens in many parts of Nigeria, including the Middle Belt, many believe it will take more such unconventional voices to amplify the public’s demand for action.
For now, Bobrisky’s post is the latest reminder that silence in the face of violence, especially from those in power, only breeds more outrage—even from the most unexpected corners of society.