Actress Faithia Williams has announced the death of her mother, revealing that the news was withheld from her so she could celebrate her 55th birthday.
Williams made the disclosure on Monday on her Instagram page.
She said her mother died on Saturday, February 7, a day before her birthday party held in Lagos.
Explaining the timing of the celebration, the actress stated that although she turned 55 on Thursday, February 5, she chose to hold the party later.
“Dear friends, it was my 55th birthday on Thursday, February 5. However, I chose to have a party yesterday, Sunday,” she wrote.
Williams said she was unaware of her mother’s death at the time of the celebration, adding that family members deliberately kept the information from her.
“Unbeknownst to me, my beloved mother died on the eve of my party and the news was kept away from me,” she stated.
Addressing the impact of the loss, the actress said the reality of her mother’s death had not fully settled in.
“The reality of her passing has not totally dawned on me because she was my cheerleader, prayer warrior, best friend, and gist partner wrapped in the invaluable gift of a mother,” Williams wrote.
She added that she was drawing strength from her faith following the loss.
“Whilst I have taken solace in Allah (SWT), the Williams’ family has decided to keep things very private for now,” she said.
Williams requested prayers and support for herself and her siblings, noting that burial arrangements would be communicated later.
“Your love and prayers will mean a lot to me and my siblings this period. Burial details will be announced later,” she added.
The actress said she only learned about her mother’s death after the birthday celebration had ended.
The birthday party, held in Lagos, was attended by several figures in the entertainment industry, including Funke Akindele, Pasuma, Kazim Adeoti, Wumi Ajiboye, Regina Chukwu, Fausat Balogun, Shaffy Bello and MC Oluomo.
Williams, formerly known as Faithia Balogun, was previously married to actor Saheed Balogun, with whom she has two children.
She also has a son from an earlier relationship.
She began her acting career in 1999 and has featured in several Yoruba-language films as both an actress and producer.
She converted to Islam during her marriage to Saheed Balogun and adopted the name Faithia.
Following her announcement, colleagues and fans in the entertainment industry have shared condolence messages across social media platforms.
