Comedian Bovi defends ‘no beating” parenting style amid online backlash

A Nigerian comedian, Bovi Ugboma, has found himself at the centre of a heated debate on social media after making comments about his parenting style.

PUNCH Online reports that in a recent interview on the Honest Bunch Podcast aired on Monday, Bovi shared his perspective on raising children, stating that he does not advocate beating children, even when they misbehave.

The comedian recalled how his son broke three televisions out of anger, asserting that rather than resorting to corporal punishment, parents should address issues with understanding.

Bovi’s remarks, however, have stirred controversy, with many Nigerians taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their differing views.

Chinaza Victoria tweeting as #love_Victoria17 expressed concern about children acting out in public settings.

“Imagine being a teacher and having a student or pupil like Bovi’s son? The kind that thinks he is permitted to act rashly because he is angry, These are attitudes that make teachers fed up, and the parents come to fight,” she wrote.

Mazi Nathan, tweeting as #rukky_nate, criticised Bovi’s approach, arguing that a lack of discipline can have damaging effects on a child’s development.

Nathan wrote, “One of the damaging things you can do as a parent is failing to discipline your child when they deserve it. What do you mean your son throws stuff and breaks your TV when he is angry and you let him walk without reproach?”

Meanwhile, another user tweeting as #softhardguy echoed Bovi’s sentiment against corporal punishment but emphasised the importance of teaching children about consequences.

He wrote, “I don’t advocate for beating children either. But I advocate for teaching children about cause and effect, about how their actions have consequences. Those are moments he would have used to teach the kid that we don’t throw things when angry and help build the child’s character.

“Please don’t say ‘leave him, na him pikin,’ because that child will not just stop at throwing things in his house; he will be unleashed on society.”

A supporter of Bovi’s approach, Mfon Abia tweeting as #PrettyMfon, suggested that Bovi’s son’s behaviour is more likely to be a result of communication challenges.

“The behaviour his child displayed is the behaviour of children with special needs, and hitting them is not the solution. Kids with special needs have temper tantrums and meltdowns. What they need is behavioural therapy, not beating. It is the best approach,” she explained.

In response to the backlash, Bovi also took to X.com on Tuesday to address his critics.

He wrote, “I don go trigger angry people because of the phrase I used, ‘For the fun of it.’ Make una no vex,” he wrote.

“In trying to colour my point, I’ve offended a shallow mob. You don’t have to agree with me. If you have children you want to beat, enjoy. My papa no physically beat me, and I turned out almost ok.”

Bovi further explained that his son had a speech impediment and communication issues, which were only beginning to improve.

“My child had a speech impediment and a communication problem that’s only just starting to improve,” he added, defending his decision to approach parenting with empathy rather than punishment.