Laide Bakare’s paternity mess: Another shame to Nollywood

My attention has been drawn to the recent paternity mess brewing in the entertainment industry over Nollywood actress, Laide Bakare’s new born baby boy, and I felt the need to say a word or two. Although Paternity issues and marriage scandals are not new to Yoruba actresses, the recent build up of things – from her messy divorce till present – remains a great shocker.
To fully understand my grouse in this whole matter, it is important to point out that Laide Bakare used to be one of the “supposed” easy going Yoruba actresses who remained scandal free. She rode to fame and constantly gave her fans much to admire. From her stellar movies to her soft spoken, yet articulate nature, Laide Bakare, seemed to be an actress in a class of her own.
Laide was able to amass great resource from her exploits in the movie industry, some of which the she diverted into diverse businesses; a vivid example being her sojourn into the music business where she’s now a record label owner.
The thespian that now doubles as the CEO of Simline Records (her record label), has also joined the list of Nollywood acts to shoot a reality TV Show, following the footsteps of her counterparts including Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Jim Iyke. Not only was episode I watched a fake production, I wondered if the word ‘reality’ in the title was just pun. One can only conclude that Laide was just trying to seek attention and be the first to venture into the reality showbiz among her Yoruba movie colleagues. Let me not over digress.
The unholy gist about Laide Bakare started when media houses alleged that the Range Rover jeep, which she now drives with a customized plate number, used to be the same one Bisi Ibidapo-Obe rode some months back before she was thrown out by her ex-hubby who has now pitched his love tent with Laide. It was also alleged that Laide moved into the Lekki home after Bisi Ibidapo-obe was ejected.
The basic similarity between Laide and Bisi now boils down to the fact that both thespians have become celebrities with paternity issues. Need I remind you about how Otunba Dino Melaye denied Bisi’s baby and till date refused to accept paternity?
Laide and Ex-Husband
Let’s fast forward to present. Just about a month ago, Laide released a press publication informing anyone who cares to read that she’s broken up with her former husband Mr. Okunfulire and was now in a new relationship with a lagos business man, Tunde Oriowo. The union between Laide and Okunfulire while it lasted produced a beautiful daughter named Simisola.
Laide’s Daughter, Simisola

Exactly on the 1st of June, 2013, Laide Bakare delivered her first baby boy in New York, USA at about 7:45am. While many congratulated her over her new bundle of joy, little did anyone know that a major shocker was lurking around the corner.
Few days after the delivery, her ex-husband Mr. Okunfulire laid claims to the paternity of the baby boy, who Laide claims is for her new husband Mr. Tunde Oriowo.
Okunfulire said “I heard that my wife delivered a baby boy barely two months after she made a release that we were divorced, and she’s saying that the baby belongs to one Mr. Tunde Oriowo.
“That’s a lie, wicked lie. I’m the biological father. I have pictures to show that we were always together, but she deliberately kept the pregnancy out of my knowledge.” He further stated that he is ready to prove his case through a DNA test. Olumide also challenged Laide to submit herself for the DNA test in order to determine the paternity of the new child.
With this recent twist, I couldn’t help but write the despicable and shameless manner many of our actresses now portray themselves in the Nollywood. The sudden wave of moral decadence, including prostitution, husband snatching, drug abuse etc, sweeping through the Yoruba movie industry, is nothing short of appalling. One is left to ponder why the younger generation actresses REFUSE to emulate the success and carriage of the older; Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajai Lycett and the likes.
I think it is high time people speak up, and condemn the lifestyle of some of these thespians. Some would say their actions no one’s business, but I beg to differ. Although this write-up was triggered by Laide and her relationship drama, it is hard not to notice the wayward nature of others as well. They are supposed to be role models to their fans, peers and young girls.
As public figures, it is their moral duty to carry themselves respectfully, and understand the implication of carrying the title of role models. Celebrities need to realize that fame isn’t just about showing off, appearing larger than life or being in the news for all the wrong reasons. It comes with a lot of responsibility too.
As for Laide, peradventure the obvious eventually becomes a confirmed reality; one can’t help but wonder how she will deal with the situation. What morals will she eventually inculcate into her kids? Which child will grow up and be happy that her mother couldn’t determine her father at birth? So many unanswered questions!
While we congratulate Laide on the delivery and christening of her baby boy “Abolore,” we hope that the ‘Alhaja ti o common’ (uncommon Alhaja) – as she is fondly called – will address the paternity issue soon and put her fans out of their mystery. All the best to her.