Tag: Family

  • Jérémy Doku Faces Backlash After Choosing Child’s Birth Over Possible World Cup Match

    Belgium winger Jérémy Doku has found himself at the centre of a global debate after revealing that he would prioritise the birth of his first child over a potential 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final appearance.

    The 24-year-old Manchester City star made the comments during Belgium’s World Cup campaign, saying he intends to be present when his wife, Shireen, gives birth, even if it coincides with a crucial stage of the tournament.

    Doku Prioritises Family Over Football

    Speaking to reporters, Doku said his wife’s expected delivery date falls during the second week of July, a period that could overlap with the World Cup quarter-finals if Belgium progresses.

    “It’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there. No father would want to miss that,” Doku said.

    The winger acknowledged the challenge of balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities but insisted that witnessing the birth of his first child remains a priority.

    Belgian Federation Backs Star Player

    Reports indicate that the Belgian Football Federation is supportive of Doku’s position and has begun considering travel arrangements that could allow him to attend the birth and return to the squad quickly if necessary.

    Doku has also stated that he intends to rejoin the national team as soon as possible after the family event.

    Comments Trigger Public Debate

    The issue gained wider attention after a French television commentator criticised Doku’s stance, arguing that a World Cup appearance should take precedence over personal commitments.

    The remarks generated significant backlash online, with many football fans and public figures defending Doku’s decision.

    The broadcaster later distanced itself from the comments and reportedly apologised, while the journalist involved was suspended.

    Football Figures Defend Doku

    Several players and commentators have voiced support for the Belgian international.

    England striker Ollie Watkins described the birth of a first child as a special life event and backed Doku’s decision to be present.

    Supporters have argued that family milestones should not be sacrificed for professional obligations, regardless of the importance of the tournament.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    While many social media users praised Doku for putting family first, others questioned whether a player should leave a World Cup camp during a crucial stage of the competition.

    Some critics argued that representing one’s country at the World Cup is a rare opportunity, while supporters countered that the birth of a first child is an irreplaceable moment.

    The discussion has reignited broader conversations about work-life balance, fatherhood and player welfare in professional sports.

    Belgium’s Campaign Continues

    The controversy comes as Belgium continues its World Cup campaign under coach Rudi Garcia.

    Doku has already faced challenges during the tournament after missing one group-stage match because of illness.

    No official confirmation has been issued regarding whether he will leave the squad, but the situation is expected to remain a major talking point as Belgium progresses through the competition.

  • Baba Ijesha Welcomes Baby Boy with Partner Abiodun Tokunbo

    Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, and his partner, celebrity fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, have announced the birth of their baby boy, King Kagar Omiyinka.

    The couple shared the news on social media on Monday, celebrating the arrival of their first child together. The announcement has attracted congratulatory messages from supporters while also generating debate online due to the actor’s past legal troubles.

    Couple celebrates arrival of baby boy

    Baba Ijesha announced the birth through his Instagram page, expressing gratitude to God and praising Abiodun Tokunbo, the Chief Executive Officer of Luminee Couture.

    “In quiet ways, in unseen ways, God has been writing a story only He could tell. We thank the Almighty for blessing us with a healthy baby boy,” he wrote.

    The actor described his partner as “my ever beautiful wife, strong Jagaban” and introduced their son as King Kagar Omiyinka.

    Abiodun shares emotional message

    Abiodun Tokunbo also celebrated the birth on her Instagram page, sharing maternity photographs and a heartfelt message.

    She described the newborn as a miracle and expressed gratitude for the journey that led to his arrival.

    “Our little miracle is finally here,” she wrote while offering prayers for the child’s future and wellbeing.

    She also praised Baba Ijesha, describing him as a special partner and expressing appreciation for their growing family.

    Birth comes months after prison release

    The birth comes about seven months after Baba Ijesha regained his freedom in November 2025.

    The actor was convicted in a high-profile sexual assault case and served a prison term before his release. During his incarceration, he maintained his innocence and publicly claimed he had been set up.

    His return to public life has continued to attract attention, with many Nigerians closely following developments around him.

    Mixed reactions trail announcement

    The couple’s announcement quickly gained attention across social media platforms, where reactions were divided.

    While many fans and colleagues congratulated them on the birth of their son and wished the family well, others questioned the circumstances surrounding the relationship and revisited the actor’s past conviction.

    Despite the criticism, neither Baba Ijesha nor Abiodun Tokunbo has publicly addressed the backlash, choosing instead to focus on celebrating the birth of their child.

  • Baba Elesho Says Wife Leads His Home, Shares Emotional Story About His Mother

    Veteran Nollywood actor Adewale Elesho Adeoye, popularly known as Baba Elesho, has opened up about his family life, revealing that he considers his wife the head of his household.

    The actor made the remark during an interview on the African A-List show, where he spoke about marriage, family responsibilities, and the importance of mutual respect between spouses.

    Why He Consulted His Wife First

    Baba Elesho recounted how his elderly mother, who had been living with one of his younger siblings while battling a long-term eye condition, expressed deep unhappiness with her living situation.

    According to him, during a visit, his mother told him she would rather be thrown into the sea than continue living where she was because she felt uncomfortable.

    The actor said he immediately decided to bring her to Lagos but chose to speak with his wife before bringing his mother into the house.

    “My Wife Is the Head of My Family”

    Narrating the experience, Baba Elesho explained that he left his mother in the car while he went upstairs to discuss the situation with his wife.

    “The day I brought her, I left her in the car and went upstairs to meet my wife. I prostrated and told her I had a visitor. She asked who it was, and I said Alhaja. I explained everything to her and why I brought my mother,” he said.

    He added that he felt it was necessary to inform his wife first because she plays a central role in the home.

    “You own the home and your reactions matter. My wife is the head of my family,” he stated.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    The actor’s comments have generated widespread reactions on social media.

    While many Nigerians praised him for showing respect to his wife and recognising her role in managing the home, others disagreed with his description of his wife as the head of the family.

    Some supporters argued that consulting his wife was the right thing to do since she would be directly involved in caring for his mother on a daily basis.

    The interview has since reignited conversations about marriage, family leadership, respect between spouses, and the responsibilities that come with caring for ageing parents.

  • Phyna Reveals Plan to Welcome First Child Through Surrogacy

    Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, has revealed that becoming a mother is one of her top priorities for the remainder of the year and early next year.

    The reality TV star made the disclosure during a recent livestream session with fans, where she spoke about her personal goals and future plans.

    Phyna Opens Up on Motherhood Plans

    According to Phyna, her current focus is on increasing her earnings and making the necessary financial preparations before starting a family.

    She explained that achieving financial stability is important to her before taking the next step into motherhood.

    “My goal for the rest of the year and early next year is to focus on making money to have my first child,” she said.

    Reality Star Chooses Surrogacy

    The former BBNaija housemate also clarified that she does not intend to carry the pregnancy herself.

    Speaking during the livestream, Phyna disclosed that she plans to have her first child through surrogacy.

    “When I say I’m having my first child, I’m not getting pregnant myself o. No way. I’m going to have my first child through surrogate,” she stated.

    Fans React to Revelation

    Her comments quickly generated reactions across social media, with many fans expressing surprise at her decision while others applauded her openness about her plans.

    Phyna did not provide further details about the reasons behind her choice of surrogacy, but her remarks have continued to spark conversations online.

    The reality star remains one of the most talked-about personalities from the BBNaija franchise, often drawing attention for her candid opinions and lifestyle updates.

  • “Money Don Finish” — BBNaija Star Phyna Speaks on Losing Wealth, Family Pressure After Show

    Phyna has emotionally opened up about the financial and personal struggles she faced after winning the ₦100 million grand prize at Big Brother Naija Season 7.

    The reality TV star revealed that she lacked proper financial guidance after leaving the show and ended up spending heavily on family members and relatives.

    “That Was the Beginning of My Problem”

    Speaking during a recent emotional session online, Phyna admitted that she freely shared money with relatives shortly after becoming famous.

    According to her, things later became difficult when she started refusing constant financial demands from family members.

    “When I came out of Big Brother house, nobody told me how to invest the money. I was sharing it, helping family. That was the beginning of my problem,” she said.

    The reality star also added emotionally, “Money don finish.”

    Her statement quickly triggered reactions online, with many Nigerians discussing the pressure celebrities often face from extended family members after sudden wealth.

    Phyna Addresses Waitress Rumours

    Phyna also reacted to rumours claiming she was recently spotted working as a waitress in Lagos.

    Although she denied being the lady in the viral video, she questioned why Nigerians often mock people doing honest jobs to survive.

    Her comments sparked conversations online about social class stigma and public expectations placed on celebrities after fame.

    Pain Over Sister’s Death

    The BBNaija winner also reflected on the painful loss of her sister, Ruth, who reportedly died last year following complications from a truck accident.

    Phyna expressed grief over the tragedy while insisting she remains determined to rebuild her life and remain focused on her entertainment career.

    According to her, she is now concentrating on content creation, streaming and other business opportunities as she works toward stability again.

    Reactions Pour In

    Her emotional revelation has continued to generate sympathy online, with many Nigerians praising her honesty and vulnerability.

    Others also argued that reality show winners in Nigeria often lack proper financial mentorship after sudden fame and wealth.

  • Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Michael Oyedokun Breaks Silence, Reveals He Died Without a Child After Abduction

    The family of Michael Oyedokun, one of the schoolteachers abducted during the recent attacks in Oyo State, has described his killing as a devastating and irreplaceable loss, revealing that he died without a child after over a decade of marriage.

    Oyedokun was among several teachers seized by armed bandits during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, which left multiple communities in shock and fear.

    He was later killed after being held captive, in an incident that has continued to generate outrage across the country.

    Abduction during school attacks

    The late teacher was reportedly abducted alongside his colleagues from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, during the attack on Friday.

    Other affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso.

    The attacks also claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist, deepening the tragedy.

    Following the incident, the Oyo State Government ordered the closure of schools across four local government areas while security agencies intensified rescue efforts for other victims.

    Disturbing video intensified fears

    A disturbing video allegedly released by the attackers later surfaced online, showing Oyedokun tied up and forced to speak before he was killed, sparking widespread condemnation and fear over the safety of remaining abductees.

    The circulation of the footage has also renewed calls for tighter control of graphic content on social media.

    “A calm and peaceful man” — Family speaks

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Ebeni Adediran described the late teacher as a calm, humble and dedicated educator who spent over two decades in the teaching profession.

    “He was a calm person and he did not like violence,” he said.

    Adediran explained that Oyedokun had worked in different parts of Oyo State before being transferred back to his community last year, where he remained closely connected with his family.

    “He was very accommodating and since he came back to our community, he always visited his parents regularly,” he added.

    Pain over childlessness

    The family also revealed the most painful part of the tragedy was that Oyedokun died without leaving behind a child after more than 10 years of marriage.

    “And the most painful part is that he did not leave any child behind,” Adediran said.

    “He had a wife but they did not have any child after more than 10 years of marriage.”

    The family said his death has created a deep void, describing the loss as one that cannot be replaced.

  • Family Of Killed Oyo Teacher Begs Nigerians To Stop Sharing Graphic Videos

    The family of murdered Oyo school teacher, Michael Oyedokun, has appealed to Nigerians and media platforms to stop circulating graphic videos and photos of his killing online.

    The appeal followed the tragic attack carried out by bandits in Aholo-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where pupils, students, and school staff were abducted from multiple schools last Friday.

    Family Speaks Out

    A family member, Adesewa Oladosu, made the emotional appeal in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying the repeated circulation of the disturbing content has worsened the pain of the family.

    “Hello everyone, please we sincerely appeal to the public and media platforms to kindly reduce or stop sharing the graphic videos and pictures of our beloved uncle,” she wrote.

    She explained that the videos and images have continued to traumatise the family, especially the late teacher’s children who are currently sitting for their WAEC examinations.

    “We truly appreciate the love, concern, and sympathy shown towards our family during this painful time,” she added.

    “However, the continuous circulation of those videos and images is deeply traumatizing for us as a family.”

    Children Writing WAEC Exams

    According to her, the emotional toll has been overwhelming for the deceased’s children, elderly relatives, and extended family members.

    “His children are currently writing their WAEC exams, and it has been extremely difficult emotionally for them, his elderly loved ones, and all of us his nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives especially as these contents keep appearing on social media,” she stated.

    The family urged Nigerians to use blurred images or officially released family photos whenever discussing the incident online.

    “For the sake of our mental and emotional wellbeing, we humbly ask that if it is necessary to post about the incident, please kindly blur the videos/images or make use of the pictures officially released by the family instead,” she appealed.

    “We sincerely appreciate your understanding, prayers, love, and support during this difficult period. Thank you.”

    Attack Sparks Outrage

    Mr Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded in a video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday, May 17, a development that has triggered outrage and grief across Nigeria.

    The attack in Oyo State has also intensified concerns over insecurity affecting schools and rural communities, with teachers and residents demanding urgent government intervention.

  • Solomon Buchi Questions Married Men on Snapchat, Ignites Fresh Relationship Debate Online

    Nigerian relationship commentator Solomon Buchi has sparked widespread reactions online after questioning why married men remain active on Snapchat, raising fresh debates about trust and boundaries in modern relationships.

    His comments, made on Sunday, May 18, 2026, quickly spread across social media, drawing both support and criticism from users who interpreted his views as either cautionary or overly generalised.

    “What are you doing there?” Buchi questions married men

    Buchi expressed strong concerns about married men using the platform regularly, suggesting that such behaviour often raises suspicion in relationships.

    “I can never understand why a married man is on Snapchat. What are you doing there? Whenever I see a married man who uses Snapchat regularly, I believe you’re cheating,” he said.

    He further argued that the platform is widely associated with private messaging, disappearing chats and explicit content sharing, which he believes creates room for secrecy in relationships.

    Debate over trust and digital boundaries

    The statement immediately triggered mixed reactions online, with some users agreeing with his concerns while others pushed back, insisting that social media use alone cannot be used as proof of infidelity.

    Critics argued that trust in marriage should not be judged based on the platforms a person uses, stressing the need for evidence rather than assumptions.

    Others, however, supported his position, pointing to concerns about disappearing messages and private conversations often linked to relationship secrecy.

    Longstanding conversation resurfaces

    The debate also revived earlier discussions dating back to 2023, where Snapchat was repeatedly mentioned in Nigeria’s online conversations around infidelity and digital secrecy in relationships.

    While Buchi acknowledged that not all users misuse the platform, he maintained that perception and patterns of behaviour continue to influence how people interpret social media activity in relationships.

  • El-Rufai’s Family Accuses ICPC Of Blocking Doctor, Denying Food Access In Custody

    The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of violating his constitutional rights by allegedly denying him access to medical care and restricting food deliveries while in custody.

    In a statement released on Saturday, Mohammed Bello described the actions of the anti-graft agency as a serious attack on his father’s basic rights.

    Family Raises Alarm Over Medical Access

    According to Bello, El-Rufai’s personal doctor visited the ICPC office on Friday to discuss the outcome of medical tests recently conducted on the former governor.

    “Our father, Mallam Nasir @elrufai, is still being held by the ICPC. Today, 15 May 2026, we witnessed two distinct yet equally serious attacks on his basic rights,” the statement read.

    “First, his personal doctor visited the ICPC at about 3pm to discuss the results of medical tests recently conducted on our father.

    “Officials at the agency blocked the doctor from seeing him, claiming that written permission from the ICPC chairman was required.”

    Bello argued that the decision directly violated an existing court order granting El-Rufai unrestricted access to his doctors.

    Wife Allegedly Denied Access To Deliver Food

    The family also alleged that El-Rufai’s second wife, Assab Aichatou Djibril, was prevented from delivering his dinner at the detention facility.

    According to Bello, ICPC operatives reportedly informed her that food deliveries were not allowed after 6:30pm.

    “This arbitrary rule is no less offensive than blocking his right to medical care,” he stated.

    He described the development as an assault on the rule of law and a violation of the former governor’s constitutional and human rights.

    “No lawful detention justifies denying medical access or refusing basic family care based on an arbitrary curfew fixed by the ICPC. Shame on them as an institution,” he added.

    El-Rufai’s Wife Speaks Out

    In a separate post shared on X, Assab Aichatou Djibril also accused the agency of ignoring a court directive.

    “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s doctor was at the ICPC today, to follow up on medical tests recently taken by his patient,” she wrote.

    “The doctor was prevented from seeing him by operatives who insisted that the doctor must present written approval by their chairman. This is a brazen violation of an explicit court order.”

    She added that she was also denied access when she attempted to deliver dinner to her husband later that evening.

    Background To The Case

    El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19 over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

    In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted the former governor over alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering, while calling for investigations by anti-graft agencies.

    On April 13, 2026, the ICPC arraigned him before the Kaduna High Court on an amended nine-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and abuse of office.

  • Alexx Ekubo’s Family Break Silence, Confirms Actor Died After Kidney Cancer Battle

    The family of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has officially announced his passing, confirming that the actor died after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

    The announcement, made on behalf of the family, puts to rest days of speculation and growing concern across social media platforms.

    Family confirms cause of death

    According to the statement, Alexx Ekubo died at Evercare Hospital following complications arising from metastatic kidney cancer.

    The family described his condition as a brief but courageous battle, noting that he fought the illness privately while maintaining strength and hope.

    “He bore his pain with strength,” family says

    In the statement, the family described the late actor as a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend.

    They said he endured his health struggles with “remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope,” adding that he believed his healing testimony would one day be shared publicly.

    Family requests privacy and prayers

    The statement also appealed for privacy during the mourning period, while requesting prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort for those he left behind.

    It added that details regarding funeral arrangements and other family matters would be communicated later.