Lagos, Nigeria – October 13, 2025 – Big Brother Naija alumna Uriel Oputa has unleashed a fierce takedown of online critics who shame women for their motherhood decisions, igniting a passionate discourse on reproductive rights and societal pressures. In a bold Instagram Live session that drew over 100,000 viewers, the 37-year-old entrepreneur and reality TV star declared, “So what if a woman brings a child into the world?” – a rallying cry that’s now echoing across social media as a beacon for women navigating judgment in an era of relentless scrutiny.
The outburst stemmed from a wave of viral backlash against high-profile Nigerian women, including influencers and celebrities, who have publicly shared their choices around pregnancy, single motherhood, and family planning. Oputa, known for her unapologetic candor since her 2017 BBNaija stint, addressed the hypocrisy head-on during a candid chat with fans. “Why is it anyone’s business if a woman decides to have a child, adopt, or wait until she’s ready? We’re not trophies for validation,” she fumed, referencing recent trolls targeting a popular actress for her “late” pregnancy announcement and another for opting out of motherhood altogether.
Oputa’s clapback wasn’t isolated; it tapped into a broader conversation fueled by Nigeria’s evolving cultural landscape. With rising discussions on platforms like X and TikTok about “baby mamas” versus traditional marriages, the entrepreneur highlighted how outdated norms weaponize women’s bodies. “Society cheers when it suits the narrative but crucifies us for owning our stories. Enough!” she added, urging followers to “normalize choices without the noise.” Her words struck a nerve, amassing thousands of shares and sparking the hashtag #SoWhatIf, which trended nationwide within hours.
This isn’t Oputa’s first foray into feminist advocacy. The London-based chef, who has built a brand around wellness and empowerment through her Uriel’s Kitchen line, previously called out body-shaming in 2023 after trolls mocked her post-surgery curves. Now, as she expands into motivational speaking, her latest stance aligns with global movements like #ChoiceNotChance, amplified by figures such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Local activists, including those from the Nigerian Feminist Forum, praised her for amplifying marginalized voices. “Uriel’s reminder is timely – in a country where maternal mortality rates hover at 512 per 100,000 live births, shaming women for their reproductive timelines is not just cruel; it’s dangerous,” noted Dr. Funmi Ogunbanjo, a reproductive health expert.
Social media lit up with support, as users from all walks shared personal battles: single moms celebrating their resilience, child-free women affirming their joy, and allies vowing to dismantle the patriarchy one comment at a time. “Uriel said what we all feel! My choice to freeze my eggs at 30 was met with ‘pity parties’ – no more,” one follower commented, while another quipped, “Trolls stay mad because empowered women don’t need their approval.”
As the debate rages on, Oputa’s message serves as a powerful antidote to the toxicity, reminding Nigeria’s digital generation that motherhood – or the lack thereof – is a personal sovereignty, not a public spectacle. In her sign-off, she left fans with a mic-drop: “Live your truth, ladies. The world will adjust.” With her influence only growing, expect this firebrand to keep the conversation – and the critics – on their toes.