Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide has said his gay son, Bolu Okupe, is not a criminal and will one day be celebrated in Nigeria and globally.
Bolu had disclosed his sexuality through an Instagram post that pictured him holding a rainbow flag with the caption, “Yes I’m Gay AF.”
In his reaction, Okupe who remarkably served in the Goodluck Jonathan administration that outlawed homosexuality expressed his disaffection for his son’s sexual orientation.
He said, “He knows that as a Christian and a witness for Christ (an evangelist) I am vehemently opposed to homosexuality as it runs contrary to the avowed precepts of my Christian faith.
“For me, I look beyond the surface or the physical. Here I see a major spiritual challenge ahead but I know as my God liveth, this whole saga will end up in praise to the Almighty Jehovah who I serve day and night.”
It led to reactions from Nigerians on social media who called him out for being part of an administration that passed a 14-years jail term for homosexuals despite him having a gay son. Some equally were of the view that he failed as a father due to his son’s sexuality.
In an obvious reaction, the former aide to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan shared a munched magazine page that showed another son of his listed among the Most Influential Africans in 2017.
He said, “This is also my son Dewunmi Okupe, one of Bolu Okupe’s five other brothers. I love all the children God has given me, Bolu inclusive. I pray for them to excel in their fields of endeavours. Bolu will still be celebrated on this wall, in Nigeria and globally, in the name of Jesus.”
He added, “Bolu is not a criminal. He lives in France where homosexuality is not a crime. His present mindset and sexual orientation do not conform to Christian doctrine which I hold to with my life. But I am certain that with the boldness he has made his declaration, he will still use the same attribute to serve God and boldly declare His Glory in Christ Jesus. Mark my words.”