Lagos, Nigeria – October 16, 2025 – Nigerian media personality and entrepreneur Toke Makinwa is no stranger to flaunting her opulent lifestyle, but her latest reveal has ignited a firestorm of backlash from fans who branded it a blatant “waste of money.” The 40-year-old vlogger and author shared an endearing yet extravagant video on Instagram showing her infant daughter, Yakira Eliana (affectionately called Yaya), receiving a soothing weekly massage from a hired Indonesian specialist – a perk that arrives not once, but twice a week at their home.
In the clip, which has racked up over 500,000 views since posting on October 15, Makinwa pans the camera over the serene scene: the masseuse gently kneads Yaya’s tiny limbs with expert precision, using what appears to be premium oils, while soft ambient music plays in the background. Captioning the post with heart emojis and a simple “Baby’s weekly unwind,” Toke highlighted the routine as part of her commitment to “the best care for my princess,” emphasizing how the sessions promote relaxation and early wellness for her months-old bundle of joy. The video, set against the backdrop of Yaya’s lavish pink-themed nursery – recently toured by Makinwa in a separate post showcasing custom closets and designer cribs – underscores the influencer’s unapologetic embrace of high-end parenting.
Makinwa, who welcomed Yaya via surrogacy in August after years of fertility struggles shared openly on her podcast Talk With Toke, has made headlines for her motherhood glow-up. From unboxing Chanel accessories for her newborn – complete with a cheeky warning to future suitors that “Dubai trips won’t impress her with me as mama” – to her rapid postpartum fitness regime, Toke’s updates paint a picture of affluence that’s inspired some but alienated others. This latest flex, however, crossed a line for many netizens, who flooded the comments with pointed critiques on economic disparity in a nation grappling with inflation and hardship.
“Waste of money! What’s wrong with Nigerian hands? We have talented masseuses here who could do the same for a fraction,” one follower fumed, echoing a sentiment that trended under #TokeWaste on X (formerly Twitter). Another quipped, “Everything na show off. While some are struggling to afford baby formula, you’re importing massages from Indonesia? Value what you have at home.” The backlash intensified with references to local talent, as users lamented, “Ijaw people have magic hands in Nigeria – why fly in help when we can train our own?” Some even tied it to broader cultural debates, accusing Makinwa of perpetuating a “foreign-is-better” mentality that sidelines African expertise.
Not all reactions were sour; a wave of supporters rallied in defense, praising Toke’s prioritization of her child’s health. “God when! My baby deserves this energy too,” gushed one admirer, while another noted, “If she can afford it, why not? Better than stressing over DIY massages.” Celebrities like actress Lilly Afegbai, who visited Yaya shortly after birth and shared her own thrilled reaction, chimed in with heart emojis, adding a touch of solidarity to the divided discourse.
Makinwa, whose net worth is estimated at over $3 million from ventures like her TM Luxury hair line and book deals, has long navigated public scrutiny over her spending – from bleaching cream endorsements to her high-profile divorce from fitness guru Maje Ayida. Yet, as a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and self-care, she doubled down in her stories, responding to a critic with, “Wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s an investment. My baby’s peace is priceless.” The post comes amid rumors swirling about Yaya’s father – with fans speculating on his faith based on her Hebrew-inspired name – but Toke swiftly shut down the gossip, keeping the focus on her “little queen.”
As the debate rages, this episode highlights the tightrope Nigerian celebrities walk between aspiration and accessibility. For Toke Makinwa, it’s just another chapter in her unfiltered empire-building – but for fans, it’s a stark reminder that not all that glitters is universally golden. Will she address the uproar head-on? Only time – and perhaps another vlog – will tell.