Woli Arole, a Nigerian comedian and actor, has provoked controversy on social media with his harsh criticism of women who choose surrogacy even when they are physically capable of carrying a pregnancy.
Arole characterised such decisions as misguided and driven by “wokeness” and contemporary notions that, in his opinion, undercut divine purpose, in a message published on his Instagram page on Monday.
He wrote,” Listen carefully. It is a blessing for a woman to carry her baby in her womb.
“That’s how God wants it. Don’t let wokeness derail you.
“Unless for medical reasons, she can adopt options like surrogacy, IVF and all.”
Arole denounced surrogacy as a question of personal preference, but he acknowledged the necessity of assisted reproduction in cases of infertility or health issues.
“You can’t say, ‘my body, my decision. I don’t feel like carrying a child. I want surrogacy.’
No!! Your body is God’s temple!!” Arole said.
The comedian further argued that the womb is a sacred gift meant to fulfil a divine role, not something to be bypassed for lifestyle reasons.
“Don’t let wokeness derail you. Your body is God’s temple.
“Surrogacy is not something you just choose!! There’s a reason God gave you a womb,” Arole added.
Since then, his comments have generated responses on the internet, eliciting both praise and condemnation for his stance on women’s reproductive choices as well as the larger discussion surrounding bodily autonomy and changing family dynamics.
