Yoruba actors Biodun Okeowo and Jigan Babaoja have shared their thoughts on the imminent shutdown of TikTok in the United States.
TikTok, the popular social media app, faces a ban after a US Supreme Court ruling upheld a law requiring it to be sold to a US-based or allied buyer due to national security concerns regarding its Chinese ownership. The ban, signed into law by outgoing President Joe Biden in April, went into effect on Saturday, leaving over 170 million American users without access to the app.
Jigan Babaoja, who has been in the US for weeks, humorously reacted to the news, referring to himself as the “king of TikTok” and jokingly lamenting his newfound boredom. He playfully expressed his dismay, saying,
How a king of TikTok has been dethroned! Now, let the boredom begin,” and followed with his signature TikTok catchphrases, acknowledging the fun and entertainment the app provided him.
Biodun Okeowo, on the other hand, expressed a more emotional reaction, revealing how much the app meant to her. She admitted that although she doesn’t earn money from TikTok, the platform was a major source of comfort for her during a tough period in 2021, helping her heal from heartbreak. Biodun shared her genuine sadness over the shutdown, saying,
I can’t believe I’m literally emotional about the TikTok ban in the US. This is no exaggeration. I’m genuinely close to tears right now. I don’t know if anyone else feels the same, but I’m really going to miss TikTok.”
Biodun’s emotional tribute to TikTok comes on the heels of her political praise for Vice President Kamala Harris following the US presidential election. The actress had previously commended Harris for her remarkable impact on the country and the inspiring strength, resilience, and drive she displayed.
In contrast, Jigan Babaoja has also shared his positive experiences while in the US, including praising the living conditions, especially the treatment of disabled people. He has expressed his enjoyment of the privileges available in America, such as using an electric shopping cart, and reflected on how different life is from Nigeria, where he bid farewell to some of the challenges he faced.
Also Read:Biodun Okeowo and Celebrities Share Parenting Advice
