Omokri urges Nigerians to support Burna Boy amid criticism

Abdullateef Fowewe

Former Presidential Spokesman, Reno Omokri has called on Nigerians to show solidarity with Burna Boy despite the controversies surrounding him during his international tour.

Writing on X, Omokri acknowledged Burna Boy’s claim that Nigerians did not make him, stating, “To a large extent, he is right. Now, since we did not push him up, the least we can do is not pull him down.”

Expressing disappointment at the growing anti-Burna Boy sentiment, Omokri said, “Seeing the anti-Burna trend among some Nigerians really saddens me. But he is a Nigerian, and he deserves my solidarity. Being Nigerian ought to count for something!”

He urged Nigerians to nurture rather than destroy, pointing out parallels with South Africans supporting Tyla after her controversial comments in the U.S.

Omokri highlighted, “Isn’t that what we as Nigerians are meant to do for Burna Boy? We ought to call for understanding of his actions which we can sometimes take too far as a people.”

Omokri also criticised the harsh treatment of other Nigerian talents like Rema and lamented how many only showed love for MohBad after his death.

He reminded Nigerians of Burna Boy’s role in reshaping the country’s international image, asking, “Do we want to lose a giant because of a Lilliputian foible? Does that even make economic sense?”

He concluded with a hopeful note: “Many foreigners only have a positive image of Nigeria and Nigerians because of people like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Nollywood stars. It is in our own enlightened self-interest to protect these brands.”