Nigerian actress Laide Bakare has publicly expressed concerns over the safety and well-being of her two sons, alleging they are being maltreated while in the custody of their father, Mutairu Atanda Orilowo. In a video shared on Instagram, Bakare appealed for help in resolving the ongoing custody dispute with her former husband. She claimed the situation had become frightening and was affecting her children's welfare. Bakare and Orilowo have been separated for some time, and their disagreement over custody has been ongoing.
According to Bakare, her main concern is not just the custody arrangement but what she alleges is happening to the children while they stay with their father and his new wife. She claims the wife is not treating the boys well and has provided evidence of a conversation that supports her allegations. Bakare said she once overheard a conversation between her former husband's wife and some of the children, which she recorded, and raised her concerns with Orilowo several times. However, she claims he has refused to act on it.
Bakare further accused her former husband of using the custody arrangement to punish her. She alleged that Orilowo had refused to allow her to renew the children's passports, preventing her from taking them to the United States or having them live with her. The actress appealed to members of the public to intervene and help persuade Orilowo to grant her custody of the boys. Bakare and Orilowo married in 2013 and have two sons together.
The actress was previously married to American-based businessman Olumide Okunfulure, with whom she has a daughter, Simi. Bakare has continued to maintain a public presence through her acting career and social media platforms. Her latest appeal has drawn attention online, generating discussions about children caught between separated parents and the importance of prioritizing their welfare during custody disputes.
However, the allegations remain claims made by the actress, and there has been no independent confirmation of the alleged maltreatment. As of the time of reporting, Orilowo had not publicly responded to Bakare's allegations. The issue of children and separated parents has previously generated public attention, particularly where disagreements over access and custody become public.
Nigerian law generally places the welfare and best interests of children at the centre of decisions involving custody, guardianship, and access. Family disputes involving children have also featured prominently in Nigerian entertainment news. The public's reaction to Bakare's allegations highlights the challenges faced by separated parents and the need for prioritizing children's welfare.
The custody dispute between Bakare and Orilowo remains unresolved, with the safety and welfare of their sons at the centre of the concerns. Bakare's appeal comes as she continues to seek a resolution to the dispute, and the public's attention to the issue may help bring attention to the importance of prioritizing children's welfare during such disputes.
Key points
- Laide Bakare alleges her sons are being maltreated by her former husband's new wife.
- Bakare's allegations have sparked a custody dispute with her former husband, Mutairu Atanda Orilowo.
- Nigerian law prioritizes the welfare and best interests of children in custody disputes.
