Social media personality and controversial Nigerian figure, Bobrisky, has publicly declared a permanent change of identity, warning fans and critics alike to stop referring to him by his birth name, Idris Okuneye. In a viral Instagram video posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the crossdresser insisted he should henceforth be addressed as Afolashade Amope, describing the new name as a true reflection of his identity and womanhood.
“Let this be the last time anybody calls me Idris. That name is dead to me,” Bobrisky said, his tone sharp and unapologetic. “My name is Afolashade Amope. If you respect me, call me by my name. Simple.” The video has sparked massive conversations across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, drawing both praise and backlash from Nigerians online.
This announcement comes just months after Bobrisky’s controversial conviction in April 2024 for naira mutilation at a Lagos party, a case that saw him sentenced to six months in prison. His release in October 2024 was followed by a quiet period, but it appears Bobrisky is now returning to public life with a louder, bolder persona.
The name change is already generating mixed reactions online. While supporters are applauding his right to self-identify and encouraging others to embrace his choice, critics have continued to debate the legitimacy and timing of the move, given his recent legal woes and increasing scrutiny from the public.
Bobrisky, who rose to fame in 2016 for his unfiltered social media presence and flamboyant style, has remained one of Nigeria’s most polarizing figures. His transition from Idris to Afolashade Amope marks a new chapter in his gender identity journey—one he appears determined to assert at all costs.
Legal experts are also weighing in, with some suggesting that this name change may affect ongoing lawsuits or records tied to his former identity, especially as Nigeria’s laws still struggle to clearly define gender and identity rights. However, the social media influencer seems unfazed, declaring that no backlash will stop him from living in his “truth.”
“I’ve come a long way. This is who I am. And whether they like it or not, they will address me as Afolashade Amope,” he concluded in the trending video, which has already clocked over 2.3 million views within 18 hours of being posted.
