Connect with us

Celebrity News

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

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

69 − sixty one =

Celebrity News

Tems Opens the Football Match for Her USA MLS Team San Diego FC

Published

on

Tems’ appearance on match night for San Diego FC felt like the natural extension of a partnership that has been gaining momentum since she joined the club’s ownership group earlier this year. Her presence inside Snapdragon Stadium wasn’t a symbolic cameo; it marked a deeper involvement in a project that blends sport, culture, and long-term vision. Through The Leading Vibe, she became part of the select group shaping the direction of the MLS expansion club, aligning with San Diego FC’s ambition to build a team defined not only by football but by community and creative influence.

Tems- Instagram

The club has described her partnership as a cultural pillar within its broader mission, strengthening its connection to diverse audiences while reinforcing a commitment to talent development. Tems expressed similar sentiments when the partnership was first announced, emphasising shared values around community, creativity, and the power of meaningful investment. Her role also connects with the club’s affiliation with the Right to Dream initiative, an academy widely respected for nurturing young players and expanding opportunities across continents. That context explains why her match-night appearance drew significant attention; it wasn’t just about opening the game, it was a visible affirmation of her growing stake in the project.

Images and fan-captured clips from the match placed her at the heart of pre-game activity, engaging with supporters and club executives and contributing to the atmosphere surrounding San Diego FC’s inaugural season. With the club already drawing large crowds, delivering early surprises on the pitch, and attracting intense media interest, her presence elevated the moment. It made clear that her involvement goes beyond name recognition and sits within the club’s broader strategy to integrate culture into its identity.

Tems- Instagram

This move into football ownership adds another chapter to a career defined by intentional expansion. Tems stands alongside a rising wave of global creatives investing in sport, yet her role carries a particular resonance. She brings a creative voice with global reach into a space where community identity is shaped weekly, offering room for new intersections between music, storytelling, youth development, and sport. For San Diego FC, the partnership strengthens its positioning as a club that understands the cultural landscape it hopes to shape.

What unfolds next will define the legacy of this collaboration. Should her role extend into programs, youth initiatives, or cross-continental exchanges linked to Right to Dream, it could become a standout example of how culture and sport can work together to create real pathways. For now, her match-opening appearance stands as an early marker of intent, signalling a partnership built on more than visuals and setting the stage for what could become one of the season’s most interesting off-pitch narratives.

Continue Reading

Celebrity News

Wizkid’s Path to International Stardom Captured in HBO’s “Long Live Lagos”

Published

on

When Wizkid: Long Live Lagos premieres on HBO on 12 December 2025, viewers will see more than just performances and red carpets. Directed by Karam Gill, the documentary traces Wizkid’s journey from his early days in Surulere, Lagos, to becoming one of Africa’s most recognized musical exports on the international stage.

Wizkid – Instagram

The film highlights Wizkid’s beginnings in Surulere, where he developed his sound amid the daily challenges of Lagos life. From recording early tracks like Holla at Your Boy to collaborating with top international artists, the documentary shows how he steadily built a global audience. It also explores the practical and personal hurdles he faced along the way, including balancing local relevance with international appeal.

A major highlight is Wizkid’s 29 July 2023 concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where he became the first African artist to headline the 60,000-capacity venue. The documentary captures not just the performance but also the preparation, backstage pressures, and the personal significance of the milestone for both the artist and his fans.

Wizkid – Instagram

The film includes insights from collaborators, cultural commentators, and management figures, such as Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, UK media personality Julie Adenuga, longtime manager Sunday Are, and partner-manager Jada Pollock. These voices provide context for Wizkid’s career and the broader rise of Afrobeats on the global stage.

Beyond individual achievements, Long Live Lagos examines how African artists navigate international markets and digital platforms. By showcasing Wizkid’s work ethic, collaborations, and strategic decisions, the documentary demonstrates the growing influence of African music worldwide.

Wizkid – Instagram

For fans and emerging artists, the film offers a detailed view of the milestones behind Wizkid’s success, from early Lagos recordings to sold-out international performances. It emphasizes the planning, persistence, and creativity needed to achieve global recognition without losing local roots.

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos will be available on HBO and Max for streaming, providing 85+ minutes of insight into the life and career of one of Nigeria’s biggest musical stars.

Continue Reading

Celebrity News

Chioma Surprised Davido with a Hermès Haut à Courroies Bag for His Birthday

Published

on

On November 21, internationally recognized Afrobeats star Davido celebrated his 33rd birthday, but this year, the attention extended beyond him. His wife, Chioma Adeleke, surprised him with a Hermès Haut à Courroies (HAC) bag, a rare luxury item that drew immediate attention on social media.

The moment was captured on video and shared widely. Davido pulled the signature orange Hermès box out of its wrapping in front of family and close friends. He paused, visibly surprised. When he recognized what was inside, he looked at Chioma and said “Iyawo mi” (“my wife”), tagging her in his Instagram post.

Photo – Google

The Hermès Haut à Courroies bag is estimated to cost between $39,000 and $50,000, depending on the model and materials. The version Chioma gave him is considered rare in Hermès’s leather collection, and it is unusual for a man to receive this particular design.

Fans reacted quickly online, praising Chioma’s choice and commenting on the couple’s relationship. Davido also shared his appreciation in his Instagram post, acknowledging the gift and expressing thanks to Chioma for her thoughtfulness.

Photo – Instagram

This is not the first time the couple have exchanged high-end gifts. Previously, Davido has given Chioma multiple Hermès Birkin bags and a Richard Mille watch. Their exchanges often attract public attention, but this birthday gift stood out as an unexpected surprise.

The gift highlights both the rarity of the item and the personal significance it carried. Davido, who usually directs public attention, experienced the moment as the recipient. Chioma’s choice created a memorable occasion for him, and the video of his reaction circulated widely across social media.

Continue Reading

Trending