A luxury handbag reportedly carried by Margaret Obi, wife of 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi, has sparked debate on social media.
The controversy began after a video from an event showed Margaret carrying a handbag that social media users identified as a Hermès Kelly 35 in Malachite.
According to online commentators, the handbag is listed on the Hermès website for about £131,938.81. Some users estimated the value at more than N200 million, depending on the exchange rate used.
The reported price quickly became a talking point among Nigerians.
While some critics questioned the decision to carry a handbag said to be worth hundreds of millions of naira, others argued that Margaret has the right to spend her money as she chooses.
Lere Olayinka Criticises Peter Obi
Lere Olayinka, a media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, joined the discussion and directed his criticism at Peter Obi.
Olayinka argued that Obi should not continue presenting himself as a highly frugal politician if his family is associated with such expensive luxury items.
He also questioned the contrast between Obi’s campaign fundraising appeals and the reported value of the handbag.
According to Olayinka, Nigerians should consider the possible implications if a person known for promoting financial prudence eventually gains access to public resources.
His comments added a political dimension to what initially began as a social media discussion about fashion and luxury.
Daddy Freeze Defends Margaret Obi
Media personality Daddy Freeze took a different position.
He said he had no problem with Margaret carrying an expensive handbag, noting that Peter Obi was already wealthy before holding public office.
However, Daddy Freeze questioned the consistency between Obi’s public image of extreme personal modesty and the lifestyle associated with his family.
“I have no problem with Peter Obi’s wife carrying a luxury bag; her husband is a billionaire. He was rich before he came into government,” he said in a viral video.
Daddy Freeze added that Obi’s claims about owning only one pair of shoes and one wristwatch could create questions when people see items or lifestyles that appear inconsistent with that image.
Adeyanju Says Criticism Is Unnecessary
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju also weighed in on the controversy.
Adeyanju said there was nothing inherently wrong with Margaret carrying a luxury handbag, arguing that her husband is a wealthy man.
However, he said some Nigerians were unhappy because of what he described as previous claims about the couple’s modest lifestyle.
Adeyanju also criticised what he described as Obi’s contrasting public appearances, including references to his use of private travel and public transportation.
“Be yourself Mr. Obi and stop the drama and acting,” Adeyanju said in an X post.
Luxury Handbag Debate Continues
The controversy has therefore moved beyond the handbag itself and into a wider discussion about wealth, political messaging and public perception.
Supporters of Margaret Obi argue that the reported cost of the handbag is a private matter and should not determine how Nigerians judge her husband.
Critics, however, believe the issue raises questions about whether Peter Obi’s public image of frugality matches the lifestyle associated with his family.
For now, the debate remains largely driven by reactions on social media, with Lere Olayinka, Daddy Freeze and Deji Adeyanju offering different perspectives on the controversy.
