Woli Arole slams Imbe Challenge, calling it distasteful and wrong as it mocks children with Down Syndrome. He urges creators to show love, not mockery
Woli Arole slams Imbe Challenge in a passionate post on social media, condemning content creators who mock children living with Down Syndrome.
The former Nollywood actor and preacher expressed his disapproval of the trending online challenge that mimics vulnerable children, describing it as “wrong, appalling, and very distasteful.”
In a strongly worded statement posted to his Instagram page, Arole wrote, “It’s totally wrong and appalling that some content creators are doing a challenge called ‘Imbe Challenge’ using it to mimic children with Down Syndrome.
This is so appalling and very distasteful. People have kids living with this syndrome; all they need is love and hope from us, not mockery.”
His words have resonated with many Nigerians who are equally disturbed by the trend. Parents and advocates have joined in denouncing the viral challenge, which critics say reinforces dangerous stereotypes and inflicts emotional harm on affected families.
“This is not humour. It’s cruelty. Some of us have children with Down Syndrome. What they need is inclusion, not ridicule,” said a concerned mother who shared Arole’s post.
The preacher is no stranger to speaking out on social issues. Just last week, he criticised certain modern ideologies, specifically calling out women who opt for surrogacy despite being medically fit to carry children.
Arole described it as misplaced wokeness and called on women to appreciate the blessing of natural conception.
“It is a blessing for a woman to carry her baby in her womb,” he said in a video post. “Let’s not let wokeness derail us from the values that uphold womanhood and motherhood.”
In another post that stirred debate, he addressed what he called a misogynistic idea that women should have no voice in marriage. Arole challenged that narrative, urging couples to embrace partnership.
“Submission does not mean dumbness,” he said. “Your wife is your helpmate. She is meant to speak, advise, and contribute.”
Beyond family and cultural issues, Arole has been vocal about the direction of modern churches. In a warning to Christians, he said that mammon — the biblical representation of money — has crept into many pulpits. According to him, the obsession with wealth and financial gain in today’s churches contradicts the spiritual mission of Christ.
“Christ didn’t come so we could become rich,” Arole said. “He came so we could gain eternal life. Sadly, money has now become the new gospel in many churches.”
His moral and faith-based interventions have made him a significant voice in the Christian community, especially among young Nigerians. He continues to use his platform to highlight societal concerns and call for values rooted in love, respect, and spirituality.
In another moment of reflection, Arole addressed Nigerians living abroad. He cautioned them against adopting superiority complexes simply because they reside outside the country.
Recalling a recent encounter, he said, “Someone said to me proudly, ‘I just got back from America.’ I told him, ‘I live in Nigeria, and I am doing well.’”
His message was clear — living abroad does not automatically make one superior. Dignity and success, he stressed, are not defined by geography but by values and purpose.
From mocking challenges to faith erosion, Woli Arole remains a firm advocate for respect, morality, and humility. As he slams the Imbe Challenge, his voice joins a growing call for empathy and protection of the vulnerable in Nigerian society.
