How I was criticised for having a yoruba name – Regina Chukwu

regina

Regina Chukwu
Published By: Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

12th December, 2023

By Victoria Oluwayemi

Nollywood actress Regina Chukwu, has explained the reason behind facing criticism for embracing a Yoruba name despite being Igbo.

It all began when she shared a video from Funke Akindele’s movie premiere on TikTok, captioning it ‘Arike Ni Mi’, a choice that drew disapproval from some of her Igbo followers.

Addressing this on her Instagram page, Regina emphasized her connection with Yoruba culture through loved ones who have wholeheartedly accepted her, leading her to adopt a Yoruba name given by her partner, a name she deeply values.

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She also recounted a childhood memory where an elderly landlord in her neighbourhood bestowed a Yoruba name, ‘Abosede’, upon her due to her birth on a Sunday.

Her post reflected her sentiment:

“So I posted this video on TikTok with that ARIKE NI MI’ caption and some people have been on my neck reminding me that I am Igbo (which I obviously can’t forget) but I have loved ones who are Yorubas and they have accepted me wholeheartedly so it’s proper I have a Yoruba name but in this case, it’s name.
 
“Storytime. I was born in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos, i grew up to be called ABOSEDE by an eldërly landlord on my street, one day I asked my mum why does that man call me Abosede and my mum told me cos I was born on a Sunday and that man (baba Sunday) personally gave me that name on my naming and ever since, he addressed me as such
 
“Now to the ARIKE. My Man gave me that name and I cherish it so much
 
So ARIKE NI MI, gbogbo eni to ba ri mi ko ma kemi”, she wrote.

 
Tags:   Regina Chukwu
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