- Oheneni Adazoa is under fire for claiming that some plantain chips sellers use melted rubber in their frying oil.
- The vendors have vehemently denied the claims, stating that the reports are ruining their businesses and reputations.
- Adazoa has defended herself through tears, lamenting that critics are using her childlessness to attack her for speaking the “truth.”
Plantain chips sellers across the country have expressed immense anger toward Sompa FM presenter Oheneni Adazoa, accusing her of attempting to destroy their livelihoods with “baseless” health claims.
The controversy started after Adazoa, during a lifestyle show, highlighted reports that some vendors were allegedly adding melted rubber to frying oil to make their chips crispier and last longer.
The allegations have triggered a massive backlash from traders, who insist the claims are false and are causing them to lose customers. One seller, who spoke out against the narrative, emphasized that her own family eats the chips she sells and that she even has international clients who trust her brand.
Responding to the heated criticism, a visibly emotional Oheneni Adazoa defended her stance, stating that she was merely creating awareness based on reports brought to her attention.
“I may be childless, but I have a voice, and I will speak out if things are not done the right way. Should we sit down while they hurt us?” she questioned during a follow-up broadcast.
Adazoa broke down in tears as she revealed that some people have resorted to personal attacks, mocking her for being childless because she raised these safety concerns. She noted that instead of colleagues supporting the call for food safety, some are “jabbing” her for allegedly hurting the informal sector.
It will be recalled that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has previously investigated similar “plastic in oil” rumors and found them to be scientifically unfounded, yet the claims continue to resurface periodically on social media.
Indications are that the rift between the media personality and the street food vendors is widening, as the traders demand a retraction to restore public confidence in their products.
