“Jollof Rice Was A Prison Meal” — Lai Mohammed Sparks Fresh West African Food War

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Former Nigerian Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has reignited the long-standing and emotional West African jollof rice debate, following controversial remarks in which he claimed that the globally celebrated dish did not originate from Nigeria or Ghana, but from Senegal.

Speaking during a recent interview, Mohammed traced the word “jollof” to “Wollof,” the name of an ethnic group in Senegal, arguing that the popular rice dish has historical roots far removed from the modern culinary pride attached to it today. According to him, many people across West Africa are unaware of the dish’s true origin.

He stated, “Jollof rice was originally the meal prepared for prisoners, because it was served on a single plate with oil, salt, and other ingredients. So, the essence of jollof really comes from Wollof.”

Mohammed further claimed that his position was later backed by tourism officials and even supported by a UN-affiliated source, noting that the Senegalese origin of jollof rice was eventually documented on Wikipedia. His remarks immediately sparked heated reactions online, especially in Nigeria, where jollof rice is widely regarded as a national cultural symbol.

The comments have once again revived conversations around cultural heritage, food history, and national pride, particularly in West Africa where jollof rice rivalry—most notably between Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal—has remained a playful yet deeply emotional topic for years.

However, many Nigerians were unimpressed by the former minister’s remarks, accusing him of misplaced priorities and hypocrisy. Social media users quickly flooded comment sections with criticism and sarcasm.

One user, @gent2s, wrote, “Let’s focus on the origin of Nigeria’s corruption and propaganda-style of democracy.”

Another commenter, @ellwahabb, mocked, “Hahaha thief Linus no dey tire o.”

Similarly, @Angel150kafor added, “And they no know the origin of Nigeria backwards.”

Others were more direct, with @Korayde5 stating, “Liar Mohammed,” 

while @zilchanonymous described the interview as misplaced, saying, “This is what a stupid adult is discussing on live TV after looting monies with his principal.”

As debates rage on, Lai Mohammed’s comments have once again proven that jollof rice is more than food—it is identity, history, and pride wrapped in one steaming plate.

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“Jollof rice was actually food that was prepared for prisoners.”. -Lai Mohammed.

By the way, this claim is an absolute lie.
There is no historical accuracy to it.

Tomorrow this lying animal will accuse random helpless Nigerians of de-marketing Nigeria.
pic.twitter.com/e0zeHMivQR

— OurFaveOnlineDoc 🇬🇧 🇳🇬 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) December 24, 2025

 

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