Nigerian First Lady's 'Nakedness' Remark Post Meghan Markle's Visit Goes Viral

Following the recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Nigeria is engaged in a nuanced debate about cultural identity, sartorial expression, and the influence of Western celebrity fashion on traditional ways of life. In the context of Meghan Markle's fashion choices during her stay, Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has made a firm plea for cultural preservation and modesty, urging women to embrace their heritage while ditching the trend of 'nakedness' promoted by American celebrities on the occasion of her husband's administration's first anniversary in Abuja.

Teenagers and young people, Tinubu added, should dress modestly and avoid the trends popularised by American celebrities, "We have to salvage our children," she declared. "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," she said. She continued, "Tell them we don't accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. It's not beautiful at all."

Meghan Markle's Fashion Diplomacy

Markle, recognised for her distinct style and fashion-forward choices, travelled to Nigeria with her husband, Prince Harry, following an invitation from the country's chief of military staff. Throughout their three-day tour, Markle wore a variety of outfits, including a patterned halter-neck dress and a red strappy dress with a ruffled hem. Her backless peach dress, aptly titled 'Windsor Gown-Blush', drew a lot of attention and criticism. While some lauded her fashion diplomacy and perceived nods to Nigerian culture, others expressed reservations, citing concerns over modesty in a Muslim-majority nation.

Markle's outfit has significance for more than just aesthetic reasons, raising questions about the role of fashion in diplomacy and cultural representation. The selection of the 'Windsor' gown, which bears the name of the UK royal family, sparked debate about deeper reasons and symbolic gestures.

Meghan Markle's Nigerian lineage

Markle promoted her Nigerian lineage during her visit to the country, and while Tinubu refrained from explicitly attacking the Duchess, she did mention her 43% Nigerian heritage based on a DNA test and the significance of embracing one's cultural roots. "Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with us. We know who we are. Don't lose who you are," she stated. 

Beyond sartorial considerations, Senator Tinubu championed the cultivation of confidence and self-respect among Nigerian women, "They're all lovely girls, but they need to be confident in themselves. We are fashionable, and we understand what is going on. "When mothers stand with you, the house is in order," she said during her address. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle travelled to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games, an international sporting event founded by the Duke of Sussex a decade ago to support soldiers injured in warfare.  The Sussexes' three-day tour to Nigeria was their first formal trip to Africa after resigning as working royals and moving to California. However, fashion experts commented that Markle "bared too much skin" and would have dressed more modestly if the trip had been coordinated by Buckingham Palace.