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Stars Turn Up for Ini Edo’s Dad’s Burial

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If there’s one thing Nollywood knows how to do, it’s supporting themselves, whether for a blockbuster premiere, a glamorous wedding, or a moment of deep sorrow. Over the weekend, the industry’s biggest stars came together in Akwa Ibom for the burial of veteran actress father Ini Edo, Jonathan Ekim. What should have been a solemn affair turned into a blend of emotions, tears, heartfelt tributes, and, of course, the unmistakable glamour that follows the entertainment elite.

But honestly, If you were expecting a normal, somber funeral, you clearly don’t know how Nollywood rolls. From A-list celebrities in their best traditional attire to a grand procession fit for a king, Ini Edo’s father’s final farewell was nothing short of a spectacle.

 

Friends and Supporters

Friends and Supporters

A Star-Filled Send-Off

Ini Edo is not just a Nollywood queen; she’s family to many in the industry. So, when it was time to lay her father to rest, her colleagues pulled up in full force. The guest list read like a who’s who of Nollywood royalty, with the likes of Rita Dominic, Uche Jombo, Kate, Mary Remi Njoku and Toke Makinwa  making grand entrances.

Desmond Elliot, who has perfectly blended politics with entertainment, was present, offering words of encouragement to Ini Edo. And of course IK Ogbonna, Ini best friend known for his flawless style, also attended, embodying the fusion of mourning and elegance that characterized the event.

The ceremony was a testament to the unity and friendship within the Nollywood community, with stars turning up in style to honor Ini Edo’s late father. And if  there was ever a way to combine mourning and style, the stars at this event certainly cracked the code.

Fashion Meets Tradition

Now, let’s talk about the outfits! Because, come on, did you think Nollywood celebrities would attend a high-profile event without making a fashion statement?

Ini Edo herself dazzled in a pure white attire, a perfect representation of grace and mourning. Her attire featured elaborate beadwork and designs, complemented by a well-styled gele (headwrap) and coral bead accessories, giving her a regal presence.

Guests for Ini Edo burial wore an aso-ebi in green and orange. And everyone showed up at their best, different styles and designs graced the occasion. It was another opportunity for Nigerian fashion designers to showcase their talent.

From the glamorous outfits to the heartfelt tributes, the event was a perfect blend of tradition, style, and deep emotion.

 

Toke Makinwa Style

Toke Makinwa Graced The Event in Style

Tears, Tributes, and Fond Memories

As much as the event was a glamorous view, it was also deeply emotional. Ini Edo, known for her strong on-screen presence, broke down in tears multiple times during the ceremony. Her colleagues surrounded her, offering their support and warm embraces.

The funeral service was filled with heartfelt tributes, as friends and family members shared touching stories about her late father. He was described as a man of wisdom, a pillar of his community, and a loving father who always believed in his daughter’s dreams.

Uche Jombo, visibly moved by the eulogies, spoke about how Ini Edo’s father had always been a father figure to many of them in the industry. “He was our biggest cheerleader. He celebrated Ini’s wins as if they were his own, and today, we celebrate him,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

 

Medlin Boss

Merlin Boss Standing Out

A Celebration of Life

In Nigeria the reception after the wake and burial is a different ball game. The atmosphere moved from sorrow to celebration as the guest moved to an open air reception. Filled with decoration and traditional music in the air.

A live band kept the mood alive, performing a mix of highlife, gospel, and Afrobeat tunes. Even in grief, the Edo family ensured that their father was given a grand send-off.

Guests enjoyed meals in local delicacies, from afang soup to jollof rice that had people going for second and third plates. Let’s be honest, no Nigerian gathering is complete without food that leaves guests licking their fingers.

 

Ini Edo

Ini Edo

The Internet Reactions

With social media being the ever-watchful eye that it is, videos and pictures from the event flooded timelines. Nigerians praised the Nollywood family for standing by one of their own, while others debated the extravagant nature of celebrity burials.

One Twitter user wrote, “Nollywood burials be looking like AMVCA afterparties. Rest in peace to Ini Edo’s dad, though.”

On TikTok page, someone made a content picking on Ini Edo’s dance steps. “Why would Ini Edo be dancing like this on her father’s burial”

Another added, “Ini Edo’s dad must have been a great man to have so many stars turn up for him. May his soul rest in peace.”

However, not everyone was delighted. Some criticized her for attending a birthday party in Ghana shortly after the burial, calling it “insensitive.” But hey, grief is personal, and people cope with it in different ways.

 

Ini Edo’s Father

Ini Edo’s Father

Final Thoughts

Losing a loved one is never easy for anyone, it was warming to see Nollywood celebrities give their support to Ini Edo in this difficult time. The ceremony was a perfect blend of tradition, love,fashion and star power.

Proving once again that in the Nigerian entertainment industry, family extends beyond blood ties.

To Ini Edo and her family, we send our deepest condolences. May Papa Jonathan Ekim’s soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to shine through those he left behind.

Also read : Vivien Chidera Okafor: The Fabulous Lawyer Redefining Entertainment

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Simi and Adekunle Gold Announce Baby Number Two in a Denim-on-Denim Shoot

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Photo Credit: Simi

Adekunle Gold and Simi shared photos on Instagram to announce that they are expecting their second child, with the caption”3.10.26, God bless my little family”. The couple moved away from typical maternity photography and chose a coordinated, all-denim look.

Simi wore a cropped, sleeveless denim vest, with thin criss-cross lacing at the front left partially open, to reveal her baby bump. For the bottom, she wore an ultra-wide-leg, high-waisted jeans, that was low-slung beneath her bump, creating a draped, relaxed feel.

Her hair was styled in a textured pineapple updo, keeping the hair off her face and neck. Her makeup stayed within soft, earthy tones, a nude lip gloss.

Accessories were minimal, stud earrings and her wedding ring. She didn’t have any shoes on, she was barefoot.

Photo Credit: Simi

Adekunle matched her in an oversized, boxy short-sleeved denim shirt. With a spread collar, silver-toned buttons, and a large patch pocket on the left chest and wide sleeves reaching towards the elbows. He paired it with relaxed, straight-leg denim jeans in the same shirt wash shade. It had vertical seam detailing running down the center of each leg. He wore a neatly groomed short beard and a faded haircut. Adekunle accessorized his look with silver hoop earrings, and he was also barefoot.

Photo Credit: Simi

The couple got married in January 2019 and share a daughter, Adejare, fondly called Deja. Their shoot leans into a clean, coordinated style choice that focuses on their partnership and the arrival of their second child.

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Anna Ebiere Banner Confirms She’s Expecting in a Three-Part Shoot

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Photo Credit : Peter Stonee

Anna Banner marked her second pregnancy with a three-part photo series. The shoot features multiple themes, from minimal styling to high-fashion looks.

The three looks move from a soft ivory draped gown, to a bridal mermaid with a floral tulle hem, and close out with a graphic black-and-white polka dot statement look.

Photo Credit : Peter Stonee

For her first look, Anna wore a floor-length ivory maternity gown from Nelo Woman. The dress had a high neckline and was crafted from a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric that draped over her figure. Layered over the gown was a cape in a matching ivory shade. The dress had a long train. Her accessories included a gold bracelet on her left wrist and a simple ring on her finger. Anna’s makeup, done by Glowwithlilian was neutral-toned which included arched brows, soft-brown smoky eye and a matte nude-brown lip to finish. Banner’s hair was styled in a smooth, long straight look with a clean middle part to complement her outfit.

Photo Credit : Peter Stonee

For the second look, Anna Banner transitioned into a bridal-inspired style. She wore a strapless white bodycon gown that highlighted her figure, flaring out at the knees into a mermaid-style hem filled with 3D purple, pink, and orange flowers.

A long, sheer cathedral-length veil was tucked into her sleek low bun, which was styled with a clean middle part. Her makeup consisted of a warm eyeshadow blend and a glossy nude lip. She accessorized her outfit with a gold bracelet and a simple ring, while her footwear remained hidden beneath the layers of floral tulle and billowing fabric.

Photo Credit : Peter Stonee

Her final look of the series is centered on a graphic black-and-white polka dot theme. Anna Banner wore a halter-neck mermaid gown from Heiress Couture Nigeria that fit snugly to her shape, flowing into a multi-layered ruffled skirt at the bottom. The ruffles were edged with black-and-white stripes, adding a sharp contrast to the dots above.

She complemented her outfit with an oversized, matching polka dot fascinator from Scarlet Nigeria tilted to one side. Her hair styled by Hairssence was pulled back into a smooth low bun. Anna’s makeup featured a classic bold red lip and winged eyeliner. She accessorized the look with chunky white statement earrings and a gold bracelet.

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Tems Says ‘It’s White O’ Clock’ at the 2026 BRITS Awards

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Photo credit: Instagram

Tems attended the 2026 BRITS Awards in a head-to-toe white look on 28 February. She didn’t just light up the red carpet; she also presented the International Artist of the Year award to Spanish pop star Rosalía.

The outfit balanced simplicity with dramatic detailing on the corset, with delicate lace trims and visible textural details, and a bandeau neckline. Off-shoulder sleeves added volume and extended outward, contrasting the fitted bodice, while the lower half flowed into layered lace with a front split, giving the dress a soft, graceful shape.

Photo credit: Instagram

The all-white choice seemed deliberate. White often represents purity and virtue. For Tems, who has risen from a Nigerian star to a world music force, the colour felt symbolic. It reflected a new beginning and maturity. She did not rely on heavy colours or vibrant outfits. Instead, she allowed defined fabric and tailoring to speak.

Her hairstyle gave cultural weight to her look. It was styled by Dunsin Wright, where she wore three pigtail-thick braided woven loops, styled neatly to elevate her outfit. This hairstyle draws from distant African braiding traditions. The braids are seen as minimalist and protective, but for this look, they are expressive. On a global stage like the BRIT Awards, this choice subtly affirmed her Nigerian identity. It was a sight of her roots even in equipped fashion spaces.

James Kelly

Her makeup balanced it all with her dress. Deep ombre red glossy lips and defined smokey wing eyes added richness, preventing the white ensemble from feeling washed out. Statement earrings completed the look, adding sparkle without distraction.

Tems’ all-white look reflects the woman she has grown into. From Lagos to international stages as this one, she is fully aware of her place in the industry and mirrored her journey in a minimalistic all-white dress. It defined her authenticity and quiet power.

 

 

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