Writer and life coach, Solomon Buchi, has stirred heated reactions on social media following his remarks on media personality Toke Makinwa’s recent pregnancy announcement.
Buchi, in a video statement, congratulated Makinwa, who is expecting her first child at 40, but faulted her for attributing the pregnancy to divine intervention.
“I’m happy that Toke is having a child at almost 40. It seems like it’s something she’s really desired as a woman, but I have a problem with mixing Jesus and God with it,” he said.
“You’re having a child outside of wedlock. You are not married. So there is just no need bringing God into that. There is no point trying to spiritualise it. Honestly, you can give your testimony without implicating God’s word and his standard.”
He argued that parenthood, according to God’s design, should only take place within marriage. While clarifying that he did not see having a child as “ungodly,” he maintained that Makinwa’s testimony should not be tied to faith.
“Just say that you really wanted to be a mother and now you’re about to be a mother. Maybe you’re a mother already. There is no need to infuse God into it because according to God’s standard, the only right way to be a parent is in the premise of marriage… I’m actually happy for her, but let’s not bring God into it,” Buchi added.
His comments have ignited a storm of responses online, with Nigerians sharply divided.
Some agreed with him, insisting that Makinwa’s decision should not be spiritualised.
@dgoflife wrote: “But he is right on this one. Celebrate your achievement, but don’t bring God into it when you know you didn’t achieve it according to God’s standard!”
@MaziChubby argued: “A thief wouldn’t use Jesus as a backing for his success at robbing people. Same logic applies here.”
@el_obisesan added: “Not a big fan of Solomon, but he’s actually right. According to God’s standards, the only right way to be a parent is in the premise of marriage.”
Others, however, accused Buchi of moral policing and of using religion to shame women.
@Yemmmmie_ countered: “Toke Makinwa is having a child, that’s a beautiful thing. Stop using religion to shame her or question her choices. God doesn’t need your permission to bless someone.”
@DeraOnuh remarked: “Whether the child came out of wedlock, it’s none of our business. Many married couples are still praying for this same blessing. She knows what she went through, and God knows too.”
@FolajeuwoNelson wrote: “Thank God say God no be man. She believed God did it for her and you’re here being bitter about it?”
@egbonwisdom9 quipped: “It’s because of holier-than-thou Solomon that Jesus was born out of wedlock. To shame you that the God you celebrate nobody back him mama ooo. Hypocrites.”
Others mocked Buchi’s persistence in commenting on women’s choices.
@seanpepisky asked: “Buchi Buchi Buchi, just congratulate her and move on, dem swear for you?”
@Adukeadexoxo taunted: “He’s busy running his mouth online, meanwhile his wife is the one feeding him in the UK.”
@justKingjulius wrote: “I can’t seem to find what’s this man’s issue with women.”
For many, the debate highlights the clash between conservative religious interpretations and personal freedom in celebrating milestones.
As of press time, Toke Makinwa has not responded to Buchi’s remarks.
