Omokri Defends Criticism Of Davido's Bring Them Home Jacket — Calls It Performative Activism

Controversial Nigerian social media commentator, Reno Omokri, has doubled down on his earlier criticism of Afrobeats superstar Davido's "Bring Them Home" jacket, insisting that his comments were misconstrued and taken out of context.

The firebrand politician-turned-activist, who has never shied away from calling out public figures, said he was not attacking Davido personally but was rather expressing concern over the message the jacket conveyed — particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with insecurity, kidnapping, and the plight of abducted citizens.

Recall that Davido sparked a massive social media debate after he was spotted wearing a custom-made jacket emblazoned with the words "Bring Them Home" during one of his concerts. While many fans and Nigerians praised the gesture as a show of solidarity with families of kidnapped persons, Omokri was among the first to question the sincerity behind the move.

In a series of posts, Omokri argued that wearing a slogan on a jacket at a concert did little to actually bring anyone home, describing it as performative activism — a trend he said many Nigerian celebrities have mastered.

However, in his latest response, Omokri clarified that his intention was never to disgrace Davido or belittle the cause.

"I am not against Davido. I am not against the 'Bring Them Home' campaign. What I am against is people turning serious national issues into fashion statements and content for clout," Omokri stated.

He further explained that true activism, according to him, goes beyond wearing branded merchandise at sold-out shows.

"If Davido truly wants to bring them home, let him use his platform, his money, his connections — not just a jacket. Let him fund intelligence, support security agencies, engage with the families directly. A jacket won't bring back Chibok girls. A jacket won't free the hundreds still in captivity," he added.

Omokri's comments have once again divided public opinion. While some Nigerians agree with him that celebrity activism often lacks substance, others have accused him of being a habitual critic who thrives on controversy.

Davido, who has largely remained silent on the matter, has however continued to use the "Bring Them Home" phrase across his social media platforms and merchandise, suggesting he is committed to keeping the conversation alive.

The debate has reignited broader conversations about the role of celebrities in Nigeria's socio-political space — whether their influence should be measured in hashtags and jackets, or in tangible action.

Meanwhile, families of kidnapped persons have continued to appeal to the government and well-meaning Nigerians to do more, insisting that slogans alone will not bring their loved ones back.

The "Bring Them Home" campaign, which gained momentum following the mass abduction of students from the Government Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State in 2020, remains one of the most pressing national issues in Nigeria, with hundreds still in captivity across the North West and North Central regions.