Victor Osimhen, the renowned Super Eagles forward and Galatasaray striker, has recently found himself at the center of a controversy that goes beyond his performance on the football field. Despite his significant philanthropic efforts in Lagos, he is facing backlash from his hometown in Edo State over allegations that he has distanced himself from his roots and family traditions.
The 26-year-old’s reputation for generosity, particularly in Lagos, has earned him admiration. However, the recent outcry stems from claims made by some members of his community, who accuse him of neglecting his family and hometown. This criticism has gained traction on social media, with many expressing their disappointment at what they perceive as Osimhen’s abandonment of his roots.
The source of the backlash appears to stem from a social media post by Omuyiwa John, an elderly man who claims to be related to Osimhen’s father, Patrick. John stated that he and Patrick Osimhen attended the same primary school in their hometown of Olenokwa, located in Okhuesan, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. According to John, Osimhen’s father moved to Lagos, where he eventually married, but it was the people from their community who helped raise funds for the completion of marriage rites after Patrick’s wife passed away.
John’s post highlighted a longstanding relationship with the Osimhen family, suggesting that the people of the community had always supported them in times of need. He expressed surprise and disappointment that Victor Osimhen, despite his success and wealth, has not acknowledged the role his hometown played in his family’s journey. John added that even when Patrick’s wife passed away, it was the community that contributed financially to the rites required for her burial, an event that, according to tradition, involved more than just the immediate family.
One of the most significant grievances shared by John and others in the community is the claim that Osimhen has not returned to visit his ancestral home, despite his considerable fame. This criticism has intensified since the burial of Osimhen’s father. The community members were reportedly upset that Osimhen and his siblings chose to bury their father in Lagos rather than bringing his body back to the village for the traditional rites, which they felt was disrespectful to local customs.
Despite these allegations, Osimhen has made no public statement addressing the situation, leaving many to speculate about his relationship with his hometown and whether he will respond to the claims. His silence has allowed the controversy to grow, with opinions split between those who believe he has neglected his origins and others who argue that his contributions to the country’s footballing achievements and charitable works should speak for themselves.
Osimhen’s status as one of Nigeria’s most successful footballers has earned him significant recognition, and his charitable efforts in Lagos, such as donations to various causes and support for underprivileged communities, have solidified his image as a generous figure. Yet, the controversy surrounding his hometown reflects a deeper tension between personal success and community expectations, especially when cultural traditions are involved.
For now, the situation remains unresolved, with many waiting to see whether Osimhen will address the accusations and how he will handle the growing pressure. His next move could significantly shape his legacy, not only as a footballer but also as a figure who navigates the complexities of balancing personal success with familial and cultural ties.
