In a spirited online exchange, Prince Ajudua, popularly known as Bobo F. Ajudua and famously recognized as Davido's lawyer, waded into a debate that has gripped social media users.
The controversy centered around the pricing at Hilda Baci's Lagos-based restaurant, My Food by Hilda, after a customer criticized the cost of pepper soup, which was reportedly priced at ₦6,000.
The uproar began when the dissatisfied customer took to Twitter, airing her grievances about what she considered exorbitant pricing for a bowl of pepper soup.
The tweet quickly went viral, sparking heated discussions about the affordability of dining out in Lagos, particularly in the upscale neighborhood of Lekki, where the restaurant is located.
Prince Ajudua responded to the criticism with a sharp and unapologetic tweet, defending the pricing and challenging the customer's perspective.
"Just stumbled on a thread. 6k for pepper soup from a relatively popular restaurant in Lekki and you're shouting? Ask ChatGPT the top 10 most expensive places to live in Nigeria (by local government). Come back with the results, let’s discuss," he wrote.
His response highlighted the reality of high operating costs associated with running a business in Lekki, an area renowned for its affluent residents and expensive lifestyle.
He emphasized that the pricing at such establishments reflects the cost of doing business in one of Nigeria's most expensive regions.
Prince Ajudua didn’t stop there.
He went on to offer unsolicited advice to the disgruntled customer, suggesting they either adjust their expectations or opt for more budget-friendly alternatives.
"Better hold your 6k and stay at home and guide next time if you can't be bothered to find mama put.
When you start doing your own business on the island, you can release your teachings.
Then when you build a reputable brand in that field, release Volume II," he added, implying that critics should reserve judgment until they have firsthand experience managing a business in such a competitive and high-cost environment.
His tweet sparked a flurry of reactions, with many social media users taking sides in the debate.
Some agreed with his position, arguing that businesses in Lekki cater to a clientele that can afford their prices, and customers unwilling to pay premium prices have the option of dining elsewhere.
One Twitter user commented, "People forget that running a business in Lekki isn’t cheap.
Rent, staffing, sourcing quality ingredients—it all adds up.
If you can’t afford it, there’s no shame in eating at home or finding cheaper alternatives."
Others, however, criticized his tone and accused him of being dismissive of the concerns raised about affordability.
A user wrote, "It’s not just about the pepper soup. It’s the principle.
Why should a bowl of soup cost ₦6,000? Are we normalizing exploitation just because it’s Lekki?"
The controversy also reignited broader conversations about the cost of living and eating out in Lagos, particularly on the island.
Lekki, home to some of the most exclusive restaurants and luxury real estate in Nigeria, has become synonymous with high prices that are often inaccessible to the average Nigerian.
Hilda Baci, a popular chef and the record holder for the longest cooking marathon, has also been a focal point of this debate.
Her restaurant, My Food by Hilda, was highly anticipated by fans after her record-breaking achievement.
However, since its opening, the restaurant has faced both praise and criticism, with some customers lauding the quality of the meals and the dining experience, while others have expressed concerns about pricing.
The debate raises questions about the balance between maintaining high standards and ensuring affordability.
Running a business in a high-cost environment like Lekki comes with unique challenges, from expensive rents to sourcing premium ingredients, all of which contribute to higher menu prices.
Yet, customers still grapple with the perception that dining out is becoming increasingly out of reach for the average Nigerian.
Prince Ajudua’s intervention, while divisive, underscores the realities of entrepreneurship in Lagos.
His tweet suggests that critics often underestimate the complexities of running a business in such a competitive and expensive market.
The demands of creating a reputable brand, maintaining quality, and sustaining operations all contribute to the final cost consumers see on a menu.
For some, the debate is not just about pepper soup but a reflection of the growing economic divide in Nigeria.
The cost of dining in places like Lekki highlights the disparity between the affluent minority and the majority who struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Still, others view the backlash as unwarranted, arguing that high-end establishments like Hilda’s restaurant cater to a specific demographic and are not obligated to meet everyone’s financial capacity.
They contend that the existence of such options reflects the diversity of dining experiences available in Lagos, where consumers can choose based on their budget.
Hilda Baci herself has not directly addressed the ongoing debate, but her supporters continue to defend her vision, reminding critics of the hard work and dedication it took to build her brand.
One supporter tweeted, "Hilda Baci is an inspiration to so many young Nigerians.
Building a successful business isn’t easy, especially in a place like Lagos.
If she decides to charge ₦6,000 for pepper soup, it’s because she knows the value she’s offering.
No one is forcing anyone to buy it."
As the conversation continues to gain traction, it serves as a microcosm of larger societal issues, including income inequality, consumer behavior, and the challenges of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
It also highlights the tension between providing premium services and meeting the expectations of a wider audience.
Prince Ajudua’s tweet, though laced with sarcasm, has drawn attention to the need for a broader understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a business in an environment like Lekki.
It’s a reminder that behind the prices that some may consider exorbitant are operational costs, brand reputation, and the pursuit of excellence.
Whether or not the pricing at Hilda Baci’s restaurant is justified remains a matter of personal opinion.
For some, it’s a reflection of the premium experience the establishment aims to provide.
For others, it’s a stark reminder of the growing gap between affordability and aspiration in Nigeria’s dining culture.
In the end, the debate is about more than just pepper soup.
It’s a conversation about value, perception, and the choices we make as consumers.
For those who feel ₦6,000 is too much to spend, there are always alternatives.
For those who see it as a reasonable price for quality, it’s an opportunity to support a growing brand.
As Prince Ajudua put it, perhaps the best approach is to make choices that align with your budget and expectations.
And if you can’t, there’s no harm in staying home and making your own pepper soup.
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