“If You Don’t Have an American Passport, Stay Back”: Oyemyke’s Detty December Warning Sparks Heated Debate Amid Travel Ban Fears

Popular media personality and social commentator Oyemyke has ignited a storm of reactions online after issuing a blunt warning to Nigerians planning to return home for Detty December, advising those without an American passport to reconsider their travel plans amid growing concerns over potential travel restrictions and immigration crackdowns. The statement, which quickly went viral across X, Instagram, and TikTok, struck a nerve at a time when Detty December preparations are already in full swing and diaspora Nigerians are booking flights, planning events, and anticipating the annual homecoming that has become both a cultural and economic phenomenon.

“If you don’t have an American passport, don’t come for Detty December. Please stay back,” Oyemyke said in a video that circulated widely, his tone serious and cautionary rather than playful. While some initially dismissed the comment as exaggerated or alarmist, others interpreted it as a reflection of real anxieties currently gripping many Nigerians living abroad, particularly those on temporary visas or with unresolved immigration statuses. In recent weeks, social media has been awash with conversations about stricter border controls, visa overstays, and fears that traveling home for the holidays could jeopardize the chance of re-entry into countries like the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

Detty December, once a casual term for end-of-year festivities, has evolved into a full-blown global brand. Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities transform into entertainment hubs, hosting concerts, weddings, festivals, club nights, and high-profile social events that attract thousands of Nigerians from the diaspora. For many, it is more than just partying; it is a reconnection with home, family, and identity. Over the years, the influx of visitors has boosted tourism, hospitality, fashion, and the creative economy, making the season a critical period for businesses and artistes alike.

Oyemyke’s warning, however, introduces a sobering counter-narrative to the excitement. According to him and others who share similar views, the risks associated with international travel have become more complex, particularly for Nigerians whose residency abroad depends on visas that require strict compliance. The fear is that leaving and attempting to re-enter could expose individuals to increased scrutiny by immigration officials, especially amid reports of heightened enforcement and policy shifts in Western countries. While no official blanket ban has been announced, the uncertainty alone is enough to make some people nervous.

Reactions to Oyemyke’s comment have been sharply divided. Supporters argue that he is simply saying what many are thinking but are afraid to voice publicly. They describe the warning as practical advice rooted in the realities of global migration politics, where Nigerian travelers often face disproportionate scrutiny. Some shared personal stories of friends and relatives who traveled home for holidays only to encounter problems at foreign borders upon return, including secondary inspections, visa cancellations, or prolonged questioning.

Critics, on the other hand, accused Oyemyke of fearmongering and elitism, particularly with the emphasis on American passports. They argue that Detty December should not be framed as an exclusive event reserved for citizens of powerful countries, and that such statements reinforce harmful hierarchies within the Nigerian diaspora. For many, the idea that one’s ability to enjoy Christmas at home depends on the color of a passport feels deeply unfair and contrary to the inclusive spirit that Detty December represents.

The controversy also highlights a broader issue facing Nigerians abroad: the psychological toll of living with immigration uncertainty. Even those who have lived legally in foreign countries for years often describe a lingering sense of vulnerability, where one wrong move or policy change could upend their lives. In this context, the decision to travel home for the holidays becomes a calculated risk rather than a simple personal choice. Oyemyke’s warning taps directly into this anxiety, forcing people to confront uncomfortable questions about safety, belonging, and freedom of movement.

Adding another layer to the debate is Nigeria’s own image on the global stage. Many commenters pointed out that the fear surrounding re-entry is not just about foreign policies but also about how Nigerians are perceived internationally. Issues such as visa overstays, document fraud, and high-profile crime cases involving a few individuals often cast a long shadow over millions of law-abiding citizens. As a result, even legitimate travelers sometimes feel they are treated with suspicion, a reality that fuels cautionary advice like Oyemyke’s.

Despite the backlash, some observers note that Oyemyke’s message reflects a shift in how Detty December is being approached this year. Unlike previous seasons where enthusiasm overshadowed concerns, there is now a noticeable undercurrent of hesitation among certain segments of the diaspora. Group chats and online forums are filled with discussions weighing the joy of coming home against the potential consequences of traveling. For some, the decision has already been made to sit this year out, opting instead for smaller celebrations abroad.

At the same time, others insist they will not allow fear to dictate their lives. They argue that no official directive has been issued banning Nigerians from returning to their countries of residence after visiting home, and that life must go on despite uncertainty. To them, Detty December remains a cherished tradition worth the risk, a chance to reconnect with roots in a way that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

What is clear is that Oyemyke’s statement has succeeded in sparking a necessary conversation, even if many disagree with his delivery. It has exposed the fragile balance between celebration and caution that defines the immigrant experience for many Nigerians. As December approaches, the debate is likely to intensify, with more voices weighing in and more stories emerging from those who choose to travel and those who do not.

In the end, Detty December may still be loud, colorful, and unforgettable, but this year it comes with an added layer of reflection. Oyemyke’s warning, controversial as it is, serves as a reminder that behind the glitz of concerts and the glamour of homecoming photos are real people making difficult decisions about their futures. Whether one agrees with him or not, his words have ensured that this Detty December will be discussed not just in terms of fun and festivities, but also in terms of freedom, risk, and the realities of being Nigerian in a world of borders.