A throwback video of social media influencer, Sisi Oyibo, has resurfaced online and is stirring up conversations about identity, migration, and what it truly means to “belong” in Nigeria.
The clip, reshared on Sunday by X user Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10), shows Sisi Oyibo addressing those who have questioned her Nigerian identity because of her foreign roots.
In the video, she hit back strongly at her critics, saying they were mistaken to doubt her roots. “I said I’m white, I’m French, Lebanese, but they raised me in Ajah since I be pikin. I cannot be from somewhere again,” she explained.
Drawing comparisons with Nigerians abroad, she added: “If they raise you somewhere… every time you ask somebody for this America, even Nigerians, you ask them, where are you from? They will tell you, Houston, Texas, because they raised them in Houston. So me, that was raised in Lagos, I cannot say I’m from Nigeria again?”
Sir Dickson, while posting the video, criticized what he described as Nigerians’ double standards. According to him, “A Nigerian would be raised in London or Atlanta and start claiming to be British or American. But when a foreigner raised in Nigeria does the same, you find a way to talk down on them. Migration happens both ways. You need to wake up.”
On Instagram, many praised Sisi Oyibo for her Lagos upbringing and her fluency in pidgin. One user, @smartalliolayinka, commented: “You are a Lagosian. Period.” Another, @paolofrancis07, applauded her delivery, writing: “I’m loving it for the way u speak, girl. It’s awesome.”
The discussion also picked up steam on X, where users delved deeper into the meaning of identity and belonging. Some argued that if Nigerians raised abroad can identify as British or American, then foreigners raised in Nigeria should equally be free to claim Nigerian identity.
“Belonging isn’t about blood alone, it’s also about where you grow, live, and build,” one user, @Amaafrikaa, wrote.
Others suggested the backlash was less about identity and more about geography. “Most of these people are not angry that she identifies as a Nigerian; the problem is the Lagos that is involved. If she had mentioned any other part of Nigeria, they would have celebrated her online,” @UC_Emeliem argued.
Still, many came to her defense. To @PontiffVoice, “If you are born and brought up in Lagos, you are rightfully a Lagosian. Period.”
