Media personality and filmmaker Chude Jideonwo has revealed that he has been living with Tourette Syndrome, disclosing for the first time a condition he says he was diagnosed with in his 20s and kept private for years due to concerns about public perception.
Tourette Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by involuntary movements and vocalisations, often referred to as tics, which occur without conscious control. While the condition varies in severity, it can affect individuals socially and emotionally, particularly in environments where awareness is limited.
Jideonwo shared details of his experience during an interview with BBC News Africa, where he explained that his diagnosis came with caution from medical professionals who advised him to keep it undisclosed, citing fears of stigma and misunderstanding, especially within African societies.
According to him, the early stages of awareness were gradual, becoming more noticeable in his late 20s as he began to better understand the neurological nature of the condition. He described it as a sensation in which the body “misfires,” leading to involuntary actions that are difficult to suppress.
He noted that the decision to remain silent at the time was influenced by the expectation that public disclosure could lead to judgment or misinterpretation of his behaviour, particularly in a region where neurological and mental health conditions are often less discussed.
Over time, however, his perspective appears to have shifted, with the media figure now choosing to speak openly about his experience, a move that contributes to broader conversations around neurological diversity, mental health awareness, and stigma reduction.
His revelation adds to ongoing discussions about the importance of openness among public figures, particularly in challenging misconceptions and encouraging greater understanding of conditions that remain underrepresented in public discourse.