Popular Nigerian chef and food blogger Tolani Tayo-Osikoya, widely known as Chef T, has issued a fiery response to a social media critic who lambasted her conduct on her cooking competition show, Delicious or Disaster.
The Criticism and Chef T's Direct Challenge
The controversy began when a user named Mimi tagged Chef T in a post, describing the show as a "humiliation ritual" and accusing the judges, particularly Chef T, of being "pretentious" and "condescending." Mimi claimed the host constantly belittled contestants and lacked the culinary authority to judge.
In a video shared on January 18, 2026, Chef T hit back directly. She stated she typically ignores criticism unless tagged, expressing disappointment that someone who wasn't a contestant felt qualified to judge her character based on short clips. "You didn't go on the show. I am sure you watched just a few clips from the show, and you look at me from head to toe and call me condescending. Please bring us a clip from where I was condescending to anybody on that show," she challenged.
Defending Her Contributions and Judging Philosophy
Beyond defending her tone, Chef T highlighted her personal investment in the show. She revealed that the ₦1 million prize awarded to contestants comes from her own pocket, not from sponsors. She questioned why this generosity was overlooked, noting she could have used the funds for personal luxury.
"I could have used that money to go on holiday or fly business class, but I chose to support young chefs," she explained. Addressing her critics broadly, she urged those who dislike her approach to simply block her on all platforms rather than tagging her in negative posts. "If you don't like me, block me everywhere. Don't trigger me on social media," she said, asserting that her judging style aims to encourage growth, not humiliation.
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The video sparked a wave of mixed reactions online, deepening the debate about the show's tone. While some fans supported Chef T's stance, others insisted the criticism was valid.
@herdaeholuwah commented, "lol I wish she was open to constructive criticism. The show just gets worse." @Dedecami questioned the judges' credentials, writing, "You think being a content Creator is a criteria to judge cooking shows. Nigerians and anyhowness."
Others, like @EngrObichukwu, pointed to specific behavior: "But it's not a lie. The way she speaks to some of the contestants isn't really nice." @Wit_sender felt her response video was itself condescending: "'You had the nerves to tag me.' Aunty even Guinness world record holder knows how to handle criticism well."
Concluding her message, Chef T emphasized that Delicious or Disaster is a project she remains proud of and won't abandon due to online noise. "Enough is enough. May they not rubbish your hard work," she stated firmly.
In related news, Chef T has previously spoken out about Nigeria's economic hardship, lamenting how rising food prices have turned basics into luxuries and questioning how adults can survive when most earnings go solely to feeding.
