Why I don’t want to end up like my mother – Osas Ighodaro

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Award-winning Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro, has revealed that her mum’s death changed her perspectives on life.

The thespian said she used to be introverted but when she lost her mother in 2020, she realised that her mother neglected her while catering to others.

The mother of one said she decided to live her life to the fullest because she didn’t want to end up like her mother.

Speaking in a recent interview with Arise TV, Ighodaro said, “I used to be in my head a lot. I used to worry about what people thought about me.

“But when I went through the experience of losing my mum in 2020, I realised how much she gave to so many people and she didn’t take care of herself.

“I said, wait a minute, I’m not going to end up like that. I’m going to live my life, I’m going to be the best that I can be and I want to represent her legacy to the best of my ability. So I’ve been free and living life, be happy and enjoying every moment. Whether it’s good or bad, you either learn from it or you enjoy it. And that’s how I live my life.

“A lot of people come up to me to say they love the dance videos I post online. And that’s part of the freedom for me. I love to do that but before, I would be so subconscious, like, ‘No, I’m a theatre-trained actor, I don’t want people to be thinking…’ But who cares at this point? I’m a thespian but I’m also someone who loves life, who loves to travel, who loves pampering herself and dancing. And I can do all things through Chris, who strengthens me.”

Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro, also known as Osas Ighodaro, lost her mother, on Wednesday, November 4 2020 at age 65.

Ighodaro is a Nigerian actress and brand influencer who obtained her first degree in broadcast journalism with dual minors in entrepreneurship and theater from Pennsylvania State University.

She later bagged a master’s degree in Fine Arts from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, and moved to Nigeria in 2012.

Osas who was formerly married to Gbenro Ajibade, was born in Bronx, New York, United States, to Nigerian parents from Edo State. The union produced a daughter, Azariah.