Ojude Oba: Alibaba Raises Cultural Questions as Woman in Viral Smoking Video Responds

What started as a brief moment at the 2026 Ojude Oba festival has turned into a hot topic after the event.

The focus is on a woman who became famous after a video showed her holding and smoking what many thought was a cigar during the lively cultural event in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The video quickly went viral, gathering thousands of comments and sparking talks about culture, modern lifestyles, and the expectations of women in public.

As discussions grew stronger, veteran comedian and actor Alibaba shared his thoughts on the matter. He questioned if such moments show changing social values and where society is heading.

His comments sparked more debate, with social media users divided. Some saw the moment as harmless self-expression, while others viewed it as a sign of changing cultural norms.

Known for his commentary on social issues, Alibaba said that the viral clip left him with more questions than answers.

In a detailed post on Instagram, the comedian thought about whether changing social attitudes were reshaping long-held cultural expectations and norms.

He asked, "Is there a watering down of acceptable norms as cultures evolve? Anything a man can do, a woman can do as well? Is this about Feminism or rebellious positioning?"

Alibaba also pondered if there would be a time when women would start paying the groom price.

He questioned if a woman smoking a cigar hints at a future where, as the MC of an event, he would introduce an Otunba Mrs Kemi Adegbola and her four husbands.

“Does this mean, one day, a guy would be at home, and a girl and her mum will come knock on the door to ask for his hand in marriage?

“Would guys start carrying their wives' surnames soon? Are we going to see a time when a woman says she wants a man’s hand in marriage, and the parents will ask her, what do you do for a living to take care of our son?” he asked.

The comedian also expressed concern that one day, couples would be introduced as Mrs and Mr at events, and young women would kneel down with a ring while cheering men would urge them to “say yes.”

But he admitted that culture and values are always changing.

Before Alibaba joined the conversation, the woman at the center of the debate had already tried to clarify things.

Responding to the online backlash, the woman, Oluwatoyin Olushile, said she lives in New York City and works for the US government as a post office manager.

“Honestly, I’ve never smoked in my life. What I held that day is called an electric cigar. And what is inside is vapour. No smell. No nothing. So people don’t understand what it is. That electric cigar is made in the USA by my friend.

I’m not a smoker. I know people are criticizing me. They are judging a book by its cover. I’m a very good person. I’m very intelligent, and I’m a very educated woman,” she stated.

Now known as the ‘Queen of Steeze’ online, she shared that her original aim was to do something unique.

This issue has also brought back memories of the 2024 Ojude Oba festival when finance executive Farooq Oreagba became an internet star after pictures of him riding a horse with a cigar went viral.

The images made him one of the festival’s biggest draws and earned him the title “King of Steeze” on social media.

As reactions to the latest viral video grew, some users compared the two moments. They argued that while Mr Oreagba’s cigar brought admiration, the woman in this case faced criticism.

Others disagreed, saying the debate isn’t about gender but about the meaning of the act and the cultural values linked to Ojude Oba.