This was my one and only nomination into the Powerlist. When I looked at the calibre and outlook of the 50 wise men that we put together to make the nominee list, I just knew that if I did not give myself that wild card to nominate one person, Bob would not make the list.
Bobrisky, at the height of his powers, commanded followership in the millions. He preened across social media, boldly advocating for open sexuality and, if you consider the hypocritical conservativeness of our society, you would understand the risks this man/child/woman took.
The shady sexual underworld in Nigeria runs into the millions. It’s a whole underground society, complete with its own sexual industry, fashion, music, culture, and alternative lifestyle. Nigeria, as a society, although modernizing very quickly, has left the ethos of same sex as the last to be affected by the open reform of modernity.
Same-sex and other such alternative sexual lifestyles still remain in the dark crevices of our national cloakroom. It is not discussed openly; the stigma remains strong, but it is practiced very aggressively in dark bedrooms, in dark alleys, and amongst almost all strata of society — from the lowly to the upper echelons.
Bob blew this all open. Forging from the earlier works of predecessors like the one that appeared in the East immediately after the Civil War, through the Charly Boy phenomenon of the ’80s and the eccentricity of Denrele, who went a little bit under for a while, Bob boldly drove it away from just the looks and even beyond the gay lifestyle, adding another layer — transvestism and open declaration of sex change.
He talked very openly about his gay lovers — hiding their identity — spoke about sex change procedures, advertised body enhancement, and very importantly joined in the curation of the multi-billion-naira skincare industry.
Bob’s followers included millions of women who looked up to him for skincare and beauty treatments, and this led to the strengthening of a whole industry that employed millions and impacted infrastructure, logistics, the entertainment industry, fashion, to name a few.
Bob’s inclusion on the list is a colourful anthem to the power of his eccentricity, his huge influence, and his left-of-the-road approach toward the law.
He unknowingly forged judicial and prison reform conversations when it was found out that he did not actually spend time in prison following a conviction for defacing the naira. This declaration, which was unknowingly leaked, led to legislative enquiries, amongst others.
Like him or not, the man/woman at his peak was one of the most powerful and influential Nigerians alive, and even though he seems to have simmered down in self-exile, his work and lifestyle seem to have emboldened millions of Nigerians who have embraced alternative sexuality despite the law prescribing a 14-year imprisonment for it.
To experience this alternative lifestyle, just go underground on a Friday night in any major city in Nigeria — be it Lagos, Port Harcourt, or Abuja — and witness the vibrancy and the energy of alternative sexuality.
Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju was born on August 31, 1991, in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria. He is originally from Ogun State and identifies as a transgender woman and bisexual.
He is the youngest child of his mother, born into a polygamous family with nine siblings.
He attended King’s High School and Okota High School in Lagos and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
He gained popularity through Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, where he showcased makeup tutorials, fashion, and lifestyle content.
He went viral in 2021 for creating the “Bobrisky dance” on TikTok. He is also known for promoting skin-lightening products and beauty services.
He is a very prominent figure in Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community, despite the country’s strict laws against same-sex relationships.
He has frequently been involved in public feuds with celebrities like Tonto Dikeh, James Brown, and Papaya Ex.
He has been criticized by government officials and conservative groups for his gender expression and lifestyle.
He was arrested in April 2024 by the EFCC for allegedly defacing naira notes at a public event.
He is said to have an estimated net worth of $3.125 million, mostly from his cosmetics business, brand endorsements, and social media promotions.
There you go.
Duke of Shomolu
Bobrisky made the Powerlist
Last modified: February 20, 2026
