Veteran actor Saidi Balogun has mourned his former mother-in-law, the mother of actress Faithia Williams, describing her as a parent and grandmother whose death came as a shock.
Reacting to the loss on his Instagram page on Monday, Mr Balogun said the death was difficult to accept, noting that some people are often assumed to have long lives.
“Sometimes, it feels like good people will live forever, so it cuts deeply when they pass,” he said.
The actor also spoke about her role within the family, describing her as a supportive mother and grandmother.
“You were a wonderful mother and a grandmother,” he stated.
Balogun further expressed confidence in her faith, praying for her eternal rest.
“One thing I am sure of is that you will go to heaven, Insha Allah. Rest well, sweet mother,” he added.
Faithia Williams confirmed her mother’s death in a statement posted on her Instagram page on Monday.
The actress disclosed that her mother died on Saturday, February 7, a day before her birthday celebration held in Lagos.
According to Williams, she turned 55 on Thursday, February 5, but scheduled her birthday party for Sunday.
She said family members withheld the news so she could celebrate.
“Dear friends, it was my 55th birthday on Thursday, February 5. However, I chose to have a party on Sunday. Unbeknownst to me, my mother died on the eve of my party and the news was kept away from me,” she said.
Williams noted that she only learned of the death after the celebration.
She described her mother as a central figure in her life and said the reality of the loss had not fully settled.
She added that the Williams family had decided to keep arrangements private for now and requested prayers and support.
“Burial details will be announced later,” she said.
The birthday event was attended by several Nollywood figures, including Funke Akindele, Pasuma, Kazim Adeoti, Wumi Ajiboye, Regina Chukwu, Fausat Balogun, Shaffy Bello, and MC Oluomo.
Faithia Williams was previously married to Saidi Balogun and they share two children.
Condolence messages have continued to trail the death from colleagues and fans within the entertainment industry.
