Woli Arole Faces Backlash Over Instagram Remarks on Surrogacy

June 17, 2025 — Nigerian comedian and on-air personality Woli Arole has come under criticism following his recent Instagram post, in which he questioned the choice of surrogacy by women who are medically capable of pregnancy.

On June 16, Arole asserted that birthing a child is a divine responsibility and cautioned against what he described as a trend toward “wokeness” undermining traditional maternal roles. He stated:

“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… 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!!!”

The message has now sparked prompt backlash on social media, with many users condemning Arole’s remarks as intrusive and judgmental. A common refrain among critics was:

“LEAVE WOMEN’S BODIES ALONE!!!”

One respondent shared a personal testimony:

“I have experienced pregnancy twice and it wasn’t funny at all… If I have the money, I’ll opt for surrogacy as many times as possible.”

Arole emphasized that his comments were not directed at women with medical obstacles but aimed at those opting for surrogacy without necessity. However, critics argue that his language generalized all women, ignoring the complexities of reproductive health and personal autonomy. The incident underscores ongoing social tensions surrounding reproductive choices, as advocates for bodily autonomy took issue with Arole’s framing, pointing out that decisions regarding pregnancy are deeply personal and often shaped by health, emotional well-being, and individual circumstances.