Reno Omokri Faces Backlash as Estranged Wife Accuses Him of Neglecting Their Special Needs Child

 

Social media commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, is facing public criticism after his estranged wife, Tuokpe Onuwaje, accused him of neglecting their son who lives with special needs.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Onuwaje alleged that Omokri had failed to maintain meaningful contact with their son since June 2024, a gap of over a year. She described his visits as “occasional and performative,” stressing that their child deserves genuine parental involvement rather than fleeting appearances.

According to her, real parenting is demonstrated through consistency, time, and presence not through “staged photos or quick visits”. She claimed that while Omokri often makes efforts to be around his other children, their special needs son has been left out of this attention.

Onuwaje’s statement partly read:

“Stop showing up just for photo ops show up for real life. Our son with special needs is waiting for quality time with his dad, not just the fleeting visits you do with his siblings. You haven’t seen nor spent time with your son since June 2024! Over a year!
Prioritise meaningful moments over social media validation. Be present, be involved, and be a constant in your children’s lives. Real parenting happens in the everyday moments, not just in staged photos. Put down the camera.”

Call for Prioritising Family Over Public Image

The mother of Omokri’s son urged him to reduce his heavy involvement in public engagements and instead focus on building a stronger relationship with their child. She maintained that raising a child with special needs requires constant presence, patience, and emotional support, and that her son deserves equal attention alongside his siblings.

Her remarks have stirred discussions online, with many Nigerians debating the balance between public image, career demands, and family responsibilities.

Background

Reno Omokri, who served as a media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has in recent years carved out a reputation as a social media influencer, political commentator, and motivational speaker. His frequent use of platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) has made him a controversial figure, often sparking strong reactions to his views on politics, religion, and family life.

This is not the first time Omokri’s personal life has become a subject of public debate. However, the current allegations, centered on the care of a child with special needs, have drawn wider attention due to the sensitive nature of the issue.