The internet erupted with disturbing comments from Nigerian men, the very people who should understand the weight of unspoken emotions.
By HALIMA LAYENI
A nation that once took pride in raising “strong men” is now reaping the consequences of generations of emotional suppression and it’s breaking our men. The recent attack on 25-year-old Nigerian influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, for crying at his best friend, Priscilla’s wedding is more than an internet scandal. It is an indictment of our collective failure to raise emotionally healthy men.
Enioluwa, in a raw, beautiful, and deeply human moment, shed tears as he celebrated a life milestone with someone he loves platonically. But instead of compassion, he was met with venom. The internet erupted with disturbing comments from Nigerian men, the very people who should understand the weight of unspoken emotions.
“Men used to fight lions and tigers but little boys have to watch Enioluwa shed tears like a woman on her period.”
“Enioluwa is such a terrible role model for younger men.”
“When I have a male child, when he turns 10 years old I go first break five bottles for his head make he know say men mount.”
“I go wear crown of thorns make he know say life no be bed of roses.”
“See simp behavior. You dey cry because woman marry? Na wa for you.”
“He must have been sleeping with her. Why else would a man cry that much?”
These cruel commentary is not just about Enioluwa. It is about every boy who has been told that his tears are unacceptable. It is about every man who has been shamed for showing emotion. It is about a culture that would rather raise broken, hardened men than whole, healthy ones.