Toke Makinwa Claps Back at ‘Performative Privacy’ Criticism Over Daughter’s Social Media Posts

Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has responded to criticism from a social media user who accused her of “performative privacy” over how she shares content featuring her daughter online.

Toke, who welcomed her child in 2025, has consistently posted photos and videos of her daughter, Yaya, while deliberately concealing the child’s face. In a recent video shared on her page, the baby’s face was again omitted, prompting mixed reactions from followers.

One user, while acknowledging her right to privacy, argued that showing parts of the child while hiding her face appeared contradictory, describing it as “attention seeking” disguised as privacy.

The comment did not go unanswered. Toke swiftly responded, defending her approach and asserting her right as a mother to decide how much of her child’s life is shared publicly.

Her response has since sparked wider conversations online, with opinions divided between those supporting her protective stance and others questioning the consistency of such selective exposure.

Opinion: Privacy in the Age of Social Media Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Toke Makinwa’s situation reflects a growing dilemma faced by modern parents—especially public figures—trying to balance visibility with privacy in a digital world.

The criticism of “performative privacy” assumes there is a clear rulebook for how privacy should look online. But in reality, there isn’t. For many parents, especially celebrities, hiding a child’s face while sharing moments of their life is a middle ground—allowing connection with fans while protecting identity.

It’s also important to recognise that privacy is not always absolute; it can be selective. A parent may be comfortable sharing certain aspects of their child’s life while keeping more sensitive details, like their face or identity, away from the public eye.

At its core, this debate says more about social media culture than it does about Toke herself. In a space where audiences often feel entitled to full access, any boundary can be misinterpreted as inconsistency.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the parent. And in a world where online exposure can have lasting consequences, choosing caution—even if imperfect—may be the wiser path.