Opeyemi Aiyeola Clarifies Ibrahim Chatta’s Bereavement: Godson, Not Biological Son, Mourned
By Elena Vasquez, Entertainment Correspondent
September 8, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria – Nollywood actress Opeyemi Aiyeola has stepped forward to dispel widespread confusion surrounding the recent bereavement of her colleague, Ibrahim Chatta, clarifying that the Yoruba film star did not lose his biological son but a cherished godson. The announcement, made via Aiyeola’s verified Instagram account on September 7, 2025, followed a viral post by Chatta that sparked misconceptions about the tragic loss. “It’s been an extremely emotional ride,” Aiyeola shared, urging compassion as the industry and fans rally around Chatta during this difficult time.
Setting the Record Straight
The misunderstanding began on September 6, 2025, when Chatta posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, “Inna liLlahi wa inna ileyhi rajiun. Ya Allah, You are the Knower of all things. Rest on, Dear Son. Champ.” The post, reported by Vanguard News, led many to assume Chatta had lost his biological child, prompting an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues across social media. Aiyeola, who initially offered sympathies, clarified the situation in a follow-up post: “Ibrahim Chatta didn’t lose his biological son but a godson, who is also like a son to him. May his pure soul continue to rest peacefully… It’s been an extremely emotional ride so far. God have mercy.”
A check on Chatta’s Instagram revealed that he edited his original post to reflect the clarification, confirming the deceased was his godson, a young boy he loved deeply and regarded as family. The edit, noted by Daily Post, helped stem the tide of misinformation but underscored the challenges of navigating grief in the digital age.
A Heartfelt Connection
Chatta, a prominent figure in Yoruba cinema known for films like Aje and Omo Oba, has often spoken about his close relationships with children he mentors, making the loss of his godson particularly poignant. Aiyeola’s statement emphasized this bond, noting the boy was “like a son” to Chatta. “The clarification doesn’t diminish the pain,” said Nollywood producer Tunde Olaoye, speaking to Naija News. “Ibrahim’s grief is real, and we must respect that.”
The emotional weight of the loss resonated across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with colleagues like Funke Akindele and Muyiwa Ademola offering prayers for strength. Fans on X echoed this, with one user posting, “Godson or son, the pain is the same. Ibrahim Chatta needs our prayers.” Another wrote, “Thanks to Opeyemi for clearing this up, but let’s focus on supporting him.” The response highlights the tight-knit Nollywood community, often compared to Hollywood’s support networks, as seen in Pamela Anderson’s recent defense against PR stunt rumors.
Context: A Wave of Losses in Nollywood
The incident comes amid a series of bereavements in Nollywood. Last week, veteran actress Peju Ogunmola and her husband lost their son, Ayomikun, to a brief illness, per Kemi Filani. In 2024, actor Francis Duru mourned his son Ifeanyi, and comedian Aphrican Ace lost a newborn, underscoring a somber period for the industry. Aiyeola’s clarification, while correcting misinformation, also draws attention to the emotional toll such losses take, amplified by social media’s rapid spread of news.
Film analyst Adebayo Thomas told Legit.ng, “Chatta’s grief shows how deeply personal losses resonate in Nollywood, where family extends beyond blood.” He noted that the initial confusion reflects the industry’s vulnerability to misinterpretation in the digital era, a challenge echoed in global entertainment narratives.
Impact and Next Steps
Aiyeola’s intervention has curbed misinformation, but the incident highlights the need for clearer communication in times of grief. Chatta has yet to share further details, focusing on mourning privately, per New Telegraph. Industry insiders suggest he may address the loss in a future statement or project, given his history of channeling personal experiences into his work. Aiyeola’s call for compassion has spurred fans to organize online prayer sessions, with hashtags like #PrayForIbrahim trending on X.
The broader impact may prompt Nollywood stars to adopt more precise language in public posts to avoid similar misunderstandings. This mirrors global calls for transparency, as seen in Nigerian banking customers’ demands for accountability from the CBN, reported by Punch Newspapers. For now, Chatta’s supporters are urged to focus on empathy rather than speculation.
Conclusion
Opeyemi Aiyeola’s clarification that Ibrahim Chatta mourned his godson, not his biological son, has brought clarity to a wave of misinformation, while underscoring the profound grief of a Nollywood icon. As the industry rallies around Chatta, the incident serves as a reminder of the power and pitfalls of social media in times of loss. For fans and observers, the takeaway is simple: honor the pain, respect the truth, and extend compassion to those navigating sorrow in the public eye.
Sources: Vanguard News, Naija News, Daily Post, Legit.ng, Kemi Filani, New Telegraph, X posts