The self-styled “social media preacher” and political commentator, Reno Omokri, is facing a storm of criticism after shocking claims from his first wife that he abandoned their son living with special needs. The allegations, which surfaced over the weekend, have set off a fierce debate online about Omokri’s public persona versus his private life.
For years, Omokri has built his brand on offering moral lessons, political commentary, and sharp critiques of opposition figures, most notably Labour Party’s Peter Obi. But now, critics argue that the man who frequently lectures others on family values has serious questions to answer about his own responsibilities at home.
The accusations, which were first made public in the UK where his former family resides, allege that Omokri walked away from his first marriage and has failed to provide consistent care for his son, who reportedly requires special attention. His ex-wife claims that the burden of caregiving has been left solely on her shoulders, even as Omokri enjoys visibility, book tours, and political engagements across Nigeria and abroad.
The revelation has prompted many Nigerians to speculate how Omokri himself would have reacted if the tables were turned. Social media users have pointed out that if the same allegation had been linked to Peter Obi, Omokri would likely have used it as ammunition in his relentless online campaign against the former presidential candidate. “If this were Obi, Reno would have done 200 videos by now,” one X user fumed.
For a man who has positioned himself as an authority on integrity, discipline, and faith, the accusation of neglecting his own child with special needs strikes at the heart of his credibility. Some of his critics now call him a hypocrite, accusing him of weaponising morality against political opponents while failing to uphold the same standards in his personal life.
The story has also re-ignited conversations about the treatment of children with disabilities in Nigerian and diaspora families, where stigma, neglect, and lack of support systems often compound the challenges faced by single parents. Advocacy groups have urged Omokri to address the allegations openly and use his platform to champion the rights of children with special needs, rather than sidestep the matter.
For now, Omokri has not issued a formal response to the claims, but the damage to his image is already visible. Once seen as a sharp political influencer with a loyal online following, he now faces mounting pressure to prove that his loud calls for accountability in others are not hollow when it comes to his own family.
