Woli Arole Faces Backlash for Criticising Women Who Choose Surrogacy

Nigerian comedian and media personality Woli Arole has come under heavy criticism after sharing his disapproval of women choosing surrogacy for reasons beyond medical necessity. His comments, which many have described as tone-deaf and intrusive, have ignited a heated debate on social media.

On June 16, 2025, Arole posted a message on Instagram where he urged women not to be influenced by “wokeness,” insisting that God’s design for women includes carrying their children in the womb. He argued that opting for surrogacy without a medical reason contradicts divine intentions.

“Listen carefully,” he wrote. “It is a blessing for a WOMAN to carry her baby in her WOMB. That’s how GOD wants IT. Don’t let WOKENESS derail you. Unless for medical reasons, she can adopt options like Surrogacy, IVF and all. You can’t say ‘my BODY my DECISION,’ I don’t feel like carrying a child I want SURROGACY. Nooooo!!! Your body is God’s TEMPLE!!!”

This remark didn’t sit well with many Nigerians, particularly women who found his statement judgmental and dismissive of the real challenges of pregnancy. Within hours, Arole’s post drew widespread backlash across social media platforms.

Many pointed out that he has no experience of pregnancy and therefore should not dictate what choices women make with their bodies. One user commented, “Dear men, learn to stop commenting on the use of women’s body. Allow us women to talk it out with ourselves. Thank you.”

Another said, “Why do men always have opinions on women bodies? You don’t even experience menstrual cramps or pregnancy yet you want to dictate how we should give birth?”

A mother shared her personal ordeal: “I have experienced pregnancy twice and it wasn’t funny at all. That I’m still alive is God’s grace. My child will be 5 soon and I still have complications. If I have the money, I’ll opt for surrogacy as many times as possible.”

Some users sarcastically mocked his views, saying, “As you never carry pregnancy before na. No be only temple.”

The common sentiment online was that Arole’s opinion reflected a broader problem of men trying to control women’s choices, particularly when it comes to their reproductive decisions. Many social media users urged him to stay out of “women’s business” and stop using religion to shame women into painful pregnancies.

This isn’t the first time public figures in Nigeria have been criticised for making insensitive or outdated remarks on women’s health choices. But Woli Arole’s post appears to have struck a nerve, especially in an age where more women are speaking out about the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of childbirth.

As of now, Arole has not issued a follow-up or apology. But the backlash continues to trend online, with many calling for more empathy and respect when discussing women’s reproductive rights.

Tips and Recommendations:

• Men should approach women’s health conversations with empathy and humility, or respectfully stay out of them.
• Public figures must be more mindful of their influence and avoid promoting harmful stereotypes.
• Surrogacy is a legal and personal choice; women should not be shamed for choosing the safest path for them.
• Society must normalize different paths to motherhood without attaching judgment.
• Online discussions about sensitive topics should focus more on support and less on condemnation.