In the vivacious and frequently uncertain world of Nollywood, in which stories of tragedy and triumph unfold both on- and off-screen, actor Ibrahim Chatta has shared devastating news that has left his fans and other entertainers grieving. On a sad day on Saturday, Chatta posted on social media platforms to reveal the passing of his son. The announcement was not accompanied by specifics about what happened, the reasons for it, or even a name, but it carried the weight of a deep personal grief.
The blog post included a moving photo of his son who died with words that expressed the deepest of faith and sadness: “Inna lillahi wa inna Ilayhi Raji’un. Ya Allah, You are the One who knows everything. Rest in peace, my dear son; you’re a champion.” The simple but sincere tribute quickly attracted many messages of support from friends and admirers who filled the comments with condolence messages, demonstrating the close-knit relationships in the business.
Chatta’s experience of losing a child isn’t new. A few too many years ago, he experienced the grief-inducing loss of his very first baby and daughter due to the financial strains that prevented access to quality medical care. In an honest recollection he shared only a few months ago, in June, Chatta described the inconceivable agony of burying his daughter inside an old wood Coca-Cola crate, a temporary solution that was born out of necessity when even a basic coffin seemed beyond reach. These experiences from the past provide a layer of strength to Chatta’s tale and highlight the human aspect of a well-known actor who is known for his enthralling performances in Yoruba film.
The tragedy comes on the heels of another devastating loss in Nollywood, the country where the veteran actress Peju Ogunmola last week said farewell to her son Ayomikun, who died in his early 30s in Ibadan earlier in the week. The two deaths caused shock waves throughout the Nollywood community, highlighting life’s fragility as well as the shared vulnerability that binds the artists. As Chatta faces this new grief, the collective support of the industry is a symbol of unity in the face of unimaginable trials and provides peace and strength to an unchanging father.
