Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, has issued a public apology to Lagosians and those affected by her viral video criticizing the economic state of the country and alleging a foul smell in Lagos.
Raye’s comments sparked widespread backlash, leading to an attempt to summon her for a disciplinary meeting with the Local Government Inspector (LGI).
In response to the controversy, she took to her Instagram page to clarify her stance and express remorse for how her words may have been perceived.
“I want to first of all state that I AM SORRY to the people who were born and raised in Lagos if you feel offended by what I said,” she wrote.
“As a visitor here, I could tell there was a difference in the atmosphere and quality of air. If the way I put it triggered emotions and your love for your birth state, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to talk down on Lagos,” she added.
She explained that her viral remarks were part of a “30-day rant challenge,” aimed at voicing frustrations about the economic situation in Nigeria. Her intention, she noted, was to reach at least Day 20 before gaining widespread attention, but her statements went viral on just the first day.
Raye defended her concerns about affordability, stating, “I work 45+ hours a week and should be able to afford hanging out with my friends every weekend. However, I can’t. But how many of us can actually afford that?”
She urged Nigerians to continue demanding better living conditions rather than being distracted by fleeting controversies. “If we stay committed to asking for better, we will get better,” she concluded.
