‘I lost my dad weeks before I gave birth,’ Lala Akindoju breaks silence

Nigerian actress and filmmaker Kemi “Lala” Akindoju has shared an emotional reflection on her journey through grief and motherhood, revealing that she welcomed her second child just weeks after losing her father.

In a post on Instagram, the award-winning actress described the period as a “bittersweet season” that tested her emotional and physical strength.

“Having a child and losing my daddy weeks apart was not something I hoped for, neither was I ready for it. But having a child is such a divine, selfless, high calling because another human being literally depends on you for their survival,” she wrote.

Akindoju expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and colleagues who supported her through the challenging phase, describing how they formed her “village” and helped her stay grounded amid grief, career demands, and motherhood.

“Navigating building a career, grief, and being a new mum, breastfeeding, travelling, and raising a 4-year-old is no joke. It has taken a village. For every member of my village who showed up, visited, helped me rest, carried him so I could work or pump milk — THIS 1st BIRTHDAY IS FOR ALL OF YOU TOO!” she added.

The actress celebrated her son, Adéiyèolú Monoyooritse Chioke Ayanfe, on his first birthday, expressing joy and gratitude for the gift of motherhood.

She also penned a loving note to her husband, celebrity chef OritseGbubemi Fregene (Chef Fregz), describing him as her “pillar of support” and “most understanding partner” who stood by her throughout her journey.

“I’m also grateful for the most understanding baby — from being on set with me during pregnancy to hopping on planes at just four weeks old. Such a trooper,” she wrote.

Akindoju and her husband, who got married in September 2018, welcomed their first child in 2021 and their second in 2024.