When Nigeria’s First Lady Criticizes Meghan Markle’s Fashion Choices

Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Olorunmi Tenubu, recently made a pointed comment about Meghan Markle's fashion sense during the Duchess's visit to the West African country.

In a speech at the Celebrating Women event, which marked the one-year anniversary of President Bola Tenubu's term, the First Lady emphasized the importance of preserving Nigerian culture and identity.

She expressed her disapproval of what she perceived as Meghan Markle's disregard for traditional values, stating firmly, “We do not accept n^dty in our culture.”

Senator Tenubu highlighted the significance of women in Nigerian society, urging them to embrace their heritage and resist external influences that may lead to a loss of identity.

She remarked on the tendency of some Nigerian women to emulate American movie stars, cautioning against forsaking their roots.

The First Lady's remarks, captured in a video that garnered over 960,000 views on the social media platform X, underscored the cultural sensitivities surrounding Meghan Markle's visit to Nigeria.

Despite the criticism from Nigeria's First Lady, Meghan Markle found support from her loyal followers.

One defender noted that the Duchess's trip to Nigeria aimed to honor and uphold cultural values, aligning with the First Lady's message to preserve traditions.

However, not all reactions were positive, with some critics echoing the sentiment that Meghan's attire did not align with Nigerian standards of modesty and respectability.

While the Nigerian First Lady refrained from directly addressing Meghan's wardrobe choices, she did take a swipe at events like the Met Gala, known for its daring fashion statements.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Nigeria focused on initiatives supporting mental health among soldiers and empowering youth, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

Meghan's attire for the tour, estimated at £120,000, featured a range of designer pieces, including a backless peach dress by Heidi Merrick and a lace-up print dress by Joanna Ortiz.

The royal couple's visit received mixed reactions, with some praising it as a successful unofficial royal tour, while others criticized Meghan's fashion selections.

Despite the differing opinions, the engagement with Nigerian officials and the focus on important social causes were seen as commendable efforts by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

As the debate around cultural sensitivity and fashion choices continues, Meghan Markle's visit to Nigeria has sparked conversations about the intersection of tradition, identity, and global influence in the modern world.