"It's insensitive to pray that you won't die under the post of someone grieving a loved one" - Influencer Tomike Adeoye tells Nigerians

Tomike Adeoye has criticised people who post prayers about their own loved ones' longevity under social media posts mourning someone who has died.

In a video shared online, Tomike described the practice as insensitive, explaining that such comments could hurt people who were grieving the loss of a loved one.

Recalling the loss of her mother, she questioned why someone would comment, "May our mothers live long to reap the fruits of their labour," under a post where she was expressing sadness over her mother's passing.

She urged Nigerians to be more considerate when commenting on bereavement posts, adding that people could pray for their loved ones privately or in church rather than under another person's grief.

For someone who is grieving, Tomike explained, such comments can unintentionally shift attention away from their pain and make an already emotional moment about the commenter’s own fears and prayers.

She stressed that there is nothing wrong with praying for the longevity and wellbeing of one's loved ones. Her concern is where and when those prayers are expressed.

According to Tomike, people who want to pray for their parents or family members can do so privately or in church, rather than placing those personal declarations underneath another person's announcement of loss.

Her comments have sparked a wider conversation about how Nigerians respond to grief online. While some people see prayers such as “God forbid” or “it will not be my portion” as a natural religious response to hearing about death, others agree that a bereavement post should first be met with condolences, empathy and support for the person who is mourning.

Not every comment section needs to become a reflection of our own fears. Sometimes, when somebody is grieving, the kindest thing we can do is simply acknowledge their pain.

Do you agree with Tomike Adeoye, or do you think praying for your own loved ones under a bereavement post is harmless?