Nigerian transgender personality, Bobrisky, made headlines once again as she stole the spotlight on the red carpet at the Lagos premiere of “Ajanaku: Beast of Two Worlds” on Sunday, March 25th. Dazzling in a stunning black sequined gown, Bobrisky, whose birth name is Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, turned heads and walked away with the coveted award for Best Dressed Female.
The star-studded premiere, held at the Circle Mall in Lekki, attracted Nollywood A-listers such as Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, and Sola Sobowale. However, it was Bobrisky who captivated the crowd with her striking ensemble and confident demeanor.
Despite the applause from some quarters, Bobrisky’s win ignited controversy due to Nigeria’s strict laws against transgender identity and LGBTQ+ rights. Actress Dayo Amusan voiced her discontent in a video posted on Instagram, expressing disbelief at the decision to award Bobrisky the Best Dressed Female honor.
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Amusan questioned the judges’ decision, asserting that honoring a crossdresser over female attendees disrespected the efforts of all the women present. She suggested that if recognition for crossdressers was deemed necessary, a separate category should have been created rather than undermining female participants.
Bobrisky’s journey to fame has been marked by her bold fashion choices, unapologetic self-expression, and a penchant for stirring controversy. Rising to prominence through social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, she has amassed a significant following and carved out a unique niche in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
While Bobrisky’s win may have sparked debate and raised questions about inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry, it undoubtedly underscores her influence and ability to command attention on and off the red carpet.
As reactions continue to pour in, Bobrisky remains a polarizing figure, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of acceptance in Nigeria’s conservative culture.