In a heartfelt post on X, formerly known as Twitter, former Nigerian Senator has expressed his concerns about cosmetic surgery, advising women to appreciate their natural beauty instead of undergoing potentially dangerous procedures.
His remarks come in the wake of a recent high-profile court case involving a Nigerian cosmetic doctor.
The Senator’s cautionary message follows the sentencing of Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, the founder of MedContour Services Ltd., who was convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos State. Dr. Adepoju was found guilty in connection with a botched plastic surgery that led to the death of her patient, Nneka Onwuzuligbo, in 2020.
In his post, the Senator wrote, “I have followed the case of a Nigerian cosmetic doctor who was sentenced over the death of a client. I wish to advise women who want to flatten their tummy or adjust their nose or lips to please shelve such ideas and appreciate the architectural masterpiece of God in them. What is the use of tampering with your nose and later you have to be opening your mouth to breathe or shrinking your tummy and being instructed not to eat swallow for life?”
This case has sparked widespread debate on the safety and ethics of cosmetic surgery in Nigeria. Babatunde Irukera, former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), also commented on the case via Twitter. Tweeting as #TundeIrukera, he expressed pride in having prosecuted Dr. Adepoju and her medical practice.
“Today is a day of pride for me that I prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Though I’ve left, the case has ended in a conviction strengthening the accountability framework for all in society, professionals or otherwise. This is how society should work and grow,” Irukera tweeted.
He added, “Dr. Anu Adepoju and her medical practice convicted in all 5 counts charged by FCCPC. The wheel of justice may grind slowly, but we must see it through. What we need are enforced with audacity and the will to prosecute competently and diligently. Good day for consumers of professional services.”
Recall that in his ruling, Justice Mohammed Liman found Dr. Adepoju guilty on all five counts brought against her by the FCCPC. She was given the option of paying a fine of N100,000 in lieu of a jail term. The charges included her failure to appear before the commission regarding the investigation into the failed surgery and non-compliance with a commission summons dated April 15, 2020.
