Nigerian media personality Chude Jideonwo has publicly disclosed that he is living with Tourette Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition he was diagnosed with in his late 20s.
Speaking in an interview with BBC News Africa, Jideonwo revealed that he kept his diagnosis private for several years following medical advice. According to him, his doctor warned against going public due to the potential stigma associated with the condition, particularly within African societies.
Tourette Syndrome is characterised by involuntary movements or sounds, known as tics. Jideonwo described his experience as a neurological condition that causes unexpected bodily responses, likening it to moments when “the body misfires.”
Reflecting on his journey, he explained that he only became fully conscious of the condition in his late 20s, a realization that shaped his understanding of his health and behavior.
“When I was diagnosed, my doctor warned me not to talk about it in public—that people were going to judge me, especially in Africa,” he said. “I began to consciously notice Tourette’s syndrome in my late 20s. It is a neurological condition where it feels like your body misfires.”
Jideonwo noted that this caution significantly influenced his decision to remain silent for years, until now, when he has chosen to speak openly about his condition.
