Gladness Gideon
Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Woli Arole, has ignited widespread debate across social media platforms following his critical comments about women who choose surrogacy despite being physically able to carry a pregnancy.
In a strongly worded Instagram post on Monday, Arole took aim at what he described as a rising trend of “wokeness” that encourages women to forgo natural pregnancy for lifestyle reasons.
“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,” he wrote.
While he acknowledged the legitimacy of surrogacy, IVF, and other assisted reproductive technologies in cases of infertility or medical necessity, the comedian condemned the use of surrogacy purely as a matter of personal preference.
“You can’t say, ‘My body, my decision. I don’t feel like carrying a child. I want surrogacy.’ No!! Your body is God’s temple!” he added.
Arole argued that the womb is a divine gift and should not be bypassed for reasons of convenience or ideology, asserting that opting out of pregnancy without medical cause undermines divine intent.
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His remarks have since drawn a mix of support and backlash online. Supporters praised him for upholding traditional and religious values, while critics accused him of policing women’s reproductive autonomy and ignoring the evolving realities of family planning and bodily agency.
The controversy touches on broader societal discussions in Nigeria and globally about the intersection of faith, personal freedom, and modern family structures.
While some defend Arole’s right to express his beliefs, others say his comments risk reinforcing stigmas around alternative reproductive choices.
As reactions continue to pour in, the debate underscores the cultural tension between conservative values and shifting norms around women’s rights and reproductive health.