The First Lady’s office has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, criticized Meghan Markle’s wardrobe choices during her visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry. Tinubu’s office told AFP Fact Check that she did not refer to ‘Meghan’s clothing’ in her comments at a recent event recognizing women’s accomplishments.
Clarification from the First Lady’s Office
The uproar arose from a YouTube video of Tinubu’s address at the event, ‘ Celebrating the Woman,’ commemorating President Bola Tinubu’s one-year office. The gathering was intended to recognise the tremendous achievements made by women in all aspects of Nigerian society.
During her address, Oluremi Tinubu emphasized a message aimed at young Nigerian women, asking them to avoid dressing inappropriately to copy Hollywood film stars. “In our society, nakedness is unacceptable. That’s not lovely. It’s not lovely at all. There are gorgeous females, but they must be confident in who they are. They are imitating and attempting to copy cinema stars in America,” she remarked.
No direct comments about Meghan Markle
During her visit, the First Lady made no direct remarks regarding Meghan Markle’s clothes. However, she did criticize the fashion seen on occasions such as the Met Gala, which is noted for its exposed and expensive attire. She cited Meghan’s trip to Nigeria in the context of her overall message on cultural humility.
Meghan Markle’s Visit
During their three-day tour to Nigeria, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex participated in a variety of events to promote women’s leadership and empowerment. Meghan Markle spoke at an event with Nigerian-born World Trade Organisation director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, where she discussed her Nigerian roots.
Meghan acknowledged her affinity for Nigeria, referring to it as “my country,” and emphasised the virtues of Nigerian women. “Never in a million years did I think I’d comprehend it so well. And what has been reiterated so often in the last day is, ‘Oh, we were not shocked when we found out you are Nigerian.’ It is a complement to you because people characterise a Nigerian woman as bold, resilient, courageous, and attractive,” she said.
Fashion Choices Under Consideration
Meghan Markle’s outfit selections during her stay also grabbed notice. It was believed that she spent almost £120,000 on new dresses and jewels for the three-day vacation, which included Heidi Merrick’s peach backless dress and Johanna Ortiz’s strappy patterned dress.
Royal expert Jennie Bond chimed in on Meghan’s pricey clothing during her vacation to Nigeria. Bond stated, “I have an issue with Meghan or anybody, even members of the Royal Family, wearing such beautiful clothes and dripping in diamonds costing thousands and thousands of pounds when they’re travelling someplace like Nigeria. Personally, I don’t understand how you do that; it seems out of place when most Nigerians are wondering about where their next meal will come from. However, Meghan is not the only one that does this; the royals do as well.
