Remi Tinubu clarifies statement about nudity was not directed at Meghan Markle

Remi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has clarified her statement after a recent speech about nudity was misinterpreted as a criticism of Meghan Markle’s attire during her visit to the country. 

After Meghan’s visit, Remi Tinubu, while speaking at an event celebrating the first year of her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s, presidency, urged Nigerian youths to avoid indecency and nudity.

She said: “We are not having the Met Gala . . . We don’t accept nakedness in our culture.

 “It is not beautiful at all . . . They are mimicking and trying to emulate film stars from America. They don’t know where they come from. Why did Meghan come here, looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with. We know who we are, and don’t lose who you are.” 

Foreign media took Remi Tinubu’s speech and said it was directed at Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

Responding, the First Lady’s office said her reference to the Duchess of Sussex was about her journey to understand her identity and where she came from after Meghan learned she is of Nigerian heritage. 

“She meant Meghan appreciates the people we are and hence her coming here,” the First Lady’s office said in a statement to AFP Fact Check. 

“At no point did she say anything about Meghan’s dressing.”