A professional pharmacist and published author, Michael Ifeanyichukwu Ogbodo, has sparked widespread outrage after posting comments that appear to normalise non-consensual sex and blame a rape victim for her own assault. The controversy comes amid discussions about a young woman who committed suicide after being raped by a popular content creator she had approached for mentorship.
Pharmacist's Controversial Facebook Post
In a now-viral Facebook post, Ogbodo wrote: "As a guy, if you have never forced a girl before, be the first to throw a stone, and as a girl, if a man, be it your boyfriend, has never had sex with you without your full consent, also be the first to throw a stone." He added that many men who are now condemning the content creator, known as Odogwu Asaba, are themselves guilty of similar acts but have not been exposed because their partners chose not to speak out.
Ogbodo further stated: "Some of us have torn our girls' clothes many times, made love, and still live as if nothing has happened." He advised men to always pray for their "chi" (personal god) to be on their side when dealing with women, claiming that women can enter into a problem with clear eyes and still use it against the man. He also blamed the victim's greed for entering the hotel room with the content creator in the name of seeking help.
Backlash and Calls for Action
The post quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from social media users who condemned his victim-blaming rhetoric. Many called for the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to penalise Ogbodo and revoke his professional license. Critics argued that as a healthcare professional, he should be promoting respect and consent, not excusing sexual violence.
In response to the backlash, Ogbodo issued a public apology, writing: "I'm very sorry for that post." However, many social media users have rejected the apology, calling it insincere and demanding further accountability. The incident has reignited conversations about rape culture, victim blaming, and the responsibility of public figures in shaping societal attitudes toward sexual consent.
Context of the Suicide Case
The remarks were made in the context of a tragic case where a young woman took her own life after being raped by a popular content creator she had approached to learn how to create viral content. The case has drawn national attention, with many condemning the perpetrator and calling for justice. Ogbodo's comments have been widely seen as undermining these efforts by shifting blame onto the victim.
As of now, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria has not issued an official statement regarding Ogbodo's comments. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against sexual violence and the need for education on consent in Nigeria.
