Popular Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta is in mourning following the tragic death of his son. The 54-year-old actor announced the heartbreaking news via his official Instagram page on Saturday, though he refrained from sharing further details surrounding the boy’s passing.
In a sombre tribute, Chatta posted a photo of his late son alongside an emotional caption written in Arabic and English: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Ya Allah, You are the Knower of all things. Rest on, Dear son, champ.” The Islamic phrase, which translates to “Surely we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” is often used to express grief in times of loss.
Since the announcement, an outpouring of support has flooded the comment section from fans, colleagues, and fellow actors across the Nigerian film industry. Many offered heartfelt condolences and words of comfort during this difficult time.
The news of Chatta’s loss comes shortly after the Nollywood community was rocked by another tragedy – the death of veteran actress Peju Ogunmola’s only son, Ayomikun. The young man, believed to be in his early 30s, reportedly passed away earlier this week in Ibadan. The two bereavements have cast a pall over the industry, leaving many reeling from the double tragedy.
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Both deaths have prompted an outpouring of sorrow and solidarity within Nollywood, as tributes continue to pour in for the bereaved families.
Chatta, known for his roles in Yoruba-language films, had previously opened up about a painful chapter in his life, recounting the loss of his first child, a daughter, many years ago.
Speaking in a past interview, he described the devastating impact of financial hardship on his family, revealing that he was unable to afford proper medical care at the time.
Tragically, following her passing, he had no choice but to bury his daughter in an old wooden Coca-Cola crate, as he could not afford a coffin. His candid revelation had moved many fans, highlighting the harsh realities faced by struggling actors, even within an industry as prominent as Nollywood.
As the community rallies around Ibrahim Chatta during this time of mourning, fans and colleagues alike are calling for more support and mental health awareness within the entertainment industry, particularly in the face of such personal loss.
