The Social Media Backlash Over Ruby’s Prayer for Her Husband: A Deep Dive Into the Controversy and Why It Shouldn’t Matter
In today’s world, social media has become both a blessing and a curse. While it offers unprecedented connectivity, the ease of sharing our lives, and a platform for expression, it also brings out the harshest critiques, fueled by anonymity and unfounded judgment. This is precisely the challenge Ruby has faced after a simple act of prayer for her husband, an act that has spiraled into a storm of backlash from an unexpected source. Ruby, a woman whose only “crime” appears to be emulating a common tradition of praying for her partner, is now being publicly scorned and criticized by a group of online users who seem to have taken issue with her actions. So what happened? Let’s delve into the details of Ruby’s journey, why her prayer has stirred such strong reactions, and why the whole thing should be left in the past.
It all started with a simple act of love and care. Ruby, like any devoted wife, decided to pray for her husband before he left for a flight to Lagos. She asked God to grant him journey mercies and favor. For most people, this would be seen as a sweet, touching gesture—a wife wishing her husband a safe trip. Yet, for Ruby, this harmless act became the epicenter of a media storm that has led to widespread controversy.
The backlash began because Ruby’s act of prayer was perceived by some as an act of imitation. It’s important to note that Ruby wasn’t doing anything radically different from what others in similar public positions do. One of the most prominent examples is Judy Austin Yul Edochie, who is known for consistently praying for her husband, Yul Edochie, in public and on camera. Judy, regarded as a spiritual matriarch by some, is praised for openly sharing her prayers with the world. From famous personalities such as pastors like David Oyedepo, Kumuyi, Benny Hinn, and even media moguls like Ebuka Obi, the trend of publicly praying for spouses is not new or out of the ordinary. In fact, it’s a common practice that is recognized as an expression of love and care in many relationships—so why, then, has Ruby’s similar act become a subject of ridicule?
The criticism that Ruby has faced seems to be rooted in the fact that she prayed for her husband in a similar way to Judy, which somehow didn’t sit well with certain social media users. But let’s take a moment to pause and reflect. What exactly is wrong with Ruby following a positive example? Is it really such a crime for Ruby to emulate a loving gesture by another woman—especially when that gesture involves praying for the safety and well-being of her partner? In a world where imitation is often hailed as the sincerest form of flattery, it’s odd to see Ruby’s actions being turned into an issue. After all, Ruby was simply doing what many others do: offering a prayer of love for her partner’s safety.
Moreover, this criticism seems to be rooted in personal biases and unwarranted judgment from people who seem to have forgotten that each relationship is unique. Judy Austin is an individual with her own practices and methods of expressing affection for her husband, Yul Edochie. In the same vein, Ruby is an individual who chose to pray for her husband in her own way. Shouldn’t we be encouraging women to express love, devotion, and care for their spouses in whatever way feels right for them? There is no rule that says one woman’s act of affection is superior to another’s.
Another point that has been raised is the idea that Ruby’s public display of affection may be seen as “mimicking” Judy’s role as a spiritual guide or matriarch. The criticism implies that Ruby’s public prayer is somehow undermining Judy’s position or mimicking her “crown,” a term used by some to refer to Judy’s influence in the public eye. But let’s be real here: Why should Ruby’s decision to pray for her husband on social media be seen as a threat to Judy’s position? Why does one woman’s love for her husband have to diminish another’s?
The reality is that both Ruby and Judy, like countless other wives, are simply living out their love stories in public. There’s no reason why their individual expressions of love for their spouses should be subject to such public scrutiny. And it’s particularly confusing why Ruby’s prayer is considered problematic, while other public figures, including celebrities, pastors, and media personalities, continue to engage in similar behavior without controversy.
At the heart of the issue is something much deeper—the societal tendency to overanalyze and criticize acts of love and affection. In a world where we are constantly exposed to social media content, it’s easy for people to scrutinize every post and find fault where none exists. Ruby’s prayer, though innocent and loving, has been subjected to harsh judgment by individuals who seem to think that social media content is a “competition” to prove who is the better partner, spouse, or matriarch.
The fact that people feel the need to critique Ruby for simply sharing a prayer for her husband speaks volumes about the state of our society’s approach to relationships and love. There’s an overwhelming need to place individuals into boxes—especially women—and when someone like Ruby steps out of the expected norms and does something as simple as praying for her partner, she’s immediately judged.
Instead of focusing on the positive, we often find ourselves fixating on the trivial details. Shouldn’t we be more concerned about fostering a culture of love, support, and encouragement—especially when it comes to relationships that are publicly shared on social media? Ruby’s prayer for her husband was an expression of care, not an attempt to “copy” anyone. So why should it be turned into a negative issue?
Some of Ruby’s critics have advised her to take her marriage off social media, arguing that public displays of affection could eventually harm her relationship. But this line of thinking is rooted in misinformation and misplaced assumptions. Social media, in itself, is not the culprit behind relationship struggles—poor communication, lack of trust, and neglect are. Ruby’s decision to share her relationship online is not an invitation for judgment but a personal choice that reflects how she wants to engage with her audience.
If we consider other public figures, many of whom maintain thriving relationships despite their social media presence, we see that social media doesn’t inherently cause problems. Take the examples of powerful couples like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, or even Barack and Michelle Obama, who continue to use social media as a platform to share moments of their love and family life. Their relationships have not crumbled under the weight of public scrutiny; instead, they have flourished. Ruby’s social media presence should be viewed in the same light—not as a threat to her marriage, but as an extension of her public life, which many people choose to embrace.
In addition, Ruby’s social media is likely monetized, meaning that her posts are not just for personal enjoyment—they are part of a broader business strategy. Fans and followers engage with her content because they are invested in her and her family’s journey. So, Ruby isn’t going to stop posting because of a few negative comments; she will continue to share the moments that matter most to her because it’s her right and her prerogative.
Ruby’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and understanding. The people criticizing her for praying for her husband simply don’t see the full picture. They don’t know the depth of her relationship with her partner or the values that drive her actions. As someone who has chosen to publicly express her love and care for her husband, Ruby should be met with understanding, not criticism. After all, it is a woman’s right to choose how she expresses affection, just as it is Judy Austin’s right to pray for her husband on camera. There’s no competition between the two women, and there shouldn’t be.
Instead of focusing on petty judgments, we should embrace the positive aspects of Ruby’s public expression of love. She is simply showing us that love can be shared openly and freely, regardless of public opinion. The world needs more women like Ruby—who boldly express their love for their partners, no matter the judgment they may face.
Ruby has every right to express her love for her husband, whether it’s through a public prayer or a simple gesture. The criticism she has faced is unwarranted and based on a misunderstanding of what it means to love and support someone in the public eye. Social media should be a platform for connection, not a breeding ground for harsh criticism. Ruby and her husband’s journey is theirs to share, and no one should undermine that.
To Ruby: Keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t let the “ogbanjes” or the critics get to you. Your love for your husband is genuine, and that’s all that matters. Congratulations on your upcoming white wedding! God is in control, and your marriage will be blessed with peace, love, and success. ✨
