Chude Jideonwo Breaks Silence on Secret Battle With Tourette’s Syndrome

Nigerian media entrepreneur and talk show host Chude Jideonwo has opened up about his long-standing battle with Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological disorder he kept hidden for years following strict medical advice.

In a deeply personal interview with BBC News Africa, the host of the With Chude podcast revealed he was diagnosed in his late twenties. At the time, his doctor strongly warned him against taking the diagnosis public, fearing severe societal judgment and stigma that could derail his booming career. Consequently, Jideonwo commanded public stages for years while silently enduring the condition’s signature involuntary physical tics.

Describing the daily reality of living with Tourette’s, Jideonwo used poignant language, stating it often feels like his body is completely “out of control.” He explained that the condition causes unexpected physical movements, describing it as a feeling that “your body misfires.” To maintain professionalism during public outings and recordings, he admitted to relying on extreme mental pressure to suppress the tics, a physically and emotionally draining process.

He also manages immediate public situations by acknowledging tics aloud to those around him, a tactic he finds rapidly reduces any associated embarrassment. Beyond his personal struggle, the media personality heavily criticised Nollywood’s frequent and harmful depiction of characters with Tourette’s syndrome as being demon-possessed. Jideonwo argued that this dangerous misrepresentation actively fuels the very social stigma his doctor warned him about.

Jideonwo cited seeing international star Billie Eilish discuss her own experience with Tourette’s as a turning point that gave him the comfort to speak out. He now intends to use his books, articles, and public visibility to normalise the widely misunderstood disorder, hoping his transparency will effectively help young people everywhere facing similar challenges.