Nigeria has a growing number of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer) individuals who are open about their sexuality, despite the country’s conservative laws and societal norms.
The Nigerian law, however, strictly prohibits LGBTQ+ activities, with severe penalties for those who engage in same-sex relationships, marriages, or civil unions. The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2013 is the primary legislation governing these laws. Many Nigerians view LGBTQ individuals with disdain, and same-sex relationships are widely considered taboo.
Some notable public figures have found their names trending as regarding this forbidden act as some of there children have publicly supported the act and joined the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some notable public figures children who have shown support for the act with some coming out publicly to announce they are gay:
Bolu Okupe
Bolu Okupe, the 31-year-old son of former presidential aide Doyin Okupe, his unapologetic stance on his gay status. Born on January 20, 1994, Bolu is a Nigerian LGBTQ+ rights activist and model who publicly came out as gay in January 2021.
As a graduate of the University of Manchester, UK, with a Master’s degree in International Management, Bolu has been open about his experiences as a gay man in Nigeria. He revealed that he knew about his sexual orientation at the tender age of 10 or 11 and decided to come out publicly to encourage other gay men not to hide their relationships.
Bolu’s relationship with his late father, Doyin Okupe, has been subject to public scrutiny. When he was alive, Okupe Sr. expressed love and support for his son, he has also described Bolu’s orientation as a “spiritual challenge” that requires prayer and divine intervention. Despite this, Bolu remains committed to his advocacy work, aiming to launch The Black Foundation to support young LGBTQ+ Nigerians and West Africans aged 16 to 25.
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Habibat Tinubu
Habibat Oyindamola Tinubu is a US based model, singer and music video vixen. The graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, United State has built a career for herself as a runaway model.
She has worked for different brands on different runways across the world. Habitat is a LGBTQ right activist and identify as “queer” – an umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual or are not cisgender. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people may all identify with the word, queer.
On Twitter, Habibat Tinubu has expressed her thoughts, showing her support for LGBTQ+ rights. She has also shown great support for the LGBTQ+ community through her modeling career.
On January 24th 2024, a picture of her went viral on twitter, when she poses nak3d for gay pride celebration in America. She made a statement about her “queer status” on one occasion while modeling as a cat and making cat noises.
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She is the sixth of the seven children of President Bola Ahmed Tiubu, but the second of the three children of his wife, Remi Tinubu.
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Ozonna Soludo
Ozonna Soludo, the 31-year-old son of Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, is a musician, songwriter, and entrepreneur born on February 11, 1994.
Recently, Ozonna created a social media buzz with a viral video of him dancing, which birthed a rumor about his personal life. However, the speculation surrounding his sexuality seems to have been put to rest after he was spotted in public with his white girlfriend. The couple’s outing helped to silence critics and put an end to the rumors.
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Oseloka Obi
Oseloka Obi is the son of Peter Obi, a prominent Nigerian politician and he is a British-Nigerian actor and producer. Speculation about his sexual orientation began circulating online after photos of him with another man were shared on social media, with some users suggesting they were in a romantic relationship.
Oseloka denied the rumors, describing them as gossip and fiction spun from pictures, and explained that his profession as an actor often requires him to portray characters different from himself.
Dieko Afolayan
Dieko Afolayan, the son of acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, has been making waves in the entertainment industry. Born into a family of creatives, Dieko has grown up surrounded by the world of cinema and has begun to carve out his own path.
Recently, Dieko gained significant attention on social media for his bold fashion choices, with one particular outfit worn during a movie ‘Recall’ premiere sparking widespread discussion online. The young Afolayan’s sense of style has proven to be a topic of interest among fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. However, the attention wasn’t all positive, as some people took to social media to question his lifestyle, with some labeling him as gay due to his fashion sense.
In response to the speculation and criticism, Dike addressed the rumors with a statement, setting the record straight about his personal life. “I will keep on introducing myself at certain times until people know me. If you are looking for where hard work meets success or how your guy will become that person, you’re welcome to my page,” he stated, emphasizing his determination. He described himself as “ambitious and hardworking,” noting his self-awareness and diverse talents.
“I am an individual of many talents. I am 19 years old. I would describe myself as ambitious and hardworking. I would describe myself as self-aware. One thing people should know about me is that I am very reserved. I am an influencer, creator, and entrepreneur. I come from a line of stars. I am also an individual who is trying to find himself in a world of chaos, in a world of not being accepted, being made to conform to society’s measures of what they expect of me. It is annoying,” Dieko said, expressing his frustration with societal expectations and the pressure to conform.
The controversy surrounding his fashion choice and the subsequent response from Dieko have only added to his growing public presence. As the son of Kunle Afolayan, a prominent figure in Nollywood known for films like “Irapada” and “October 1,” Dieko has had the opportunity to learn from his father’s craft. While he is forging his own way, his connection to the film industry through his family has undoubtedly influenced his public presence.
Dewy Oputa
Dewy Oputa, the daughter of Nigerian music veteran Charly Boy, has been making waves with her courageous decision to publicly identify as a lesbian. Born into a prominent family, Dewy has grown up in the public eye, but her journey to self-acceptance and love has been a personal one.
Dewy’s decision to share her relationship with her girlfriend on social media was a bold move, especially given the societal norms and expectations in Nigeria. However, she has expressed gratitude for her partner and their relationship, celebrating their third anniversary in 2021.
Dewy’s parents, including her father Charly Boy, initially struggled to accept her sexuality, but they have since come out in support of their daughter. As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Dewy revealed that her aim is to create a safe and welcoming community for youths in the African community. She believes in promoting acceptance and love, allowing individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment or rejection.
Dewy also shared her thoughts on motherhood and family expressing plans to adopt or foster children with her partner.
