Beauty entrepreneur Tara Durotoye has penned an emotional tribute to her husband, motivational speaker and former presidential candidate, in celebration of his 54th birthday, recalling a powerful moment from the recently held #ChudeLive event in Lagos.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, Tara shared a photo of her husband and described a poignant encounter at the talk show hosted by Chude Jideonwo on April 27.
The event, which was attended by nearly a thousand young people, featured high-profile guests including author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, pastor Jerry Eze, actress Funke Akindele, and others.
Tara, who attended without Fela—then away in Kigali for work—shared how a deeply personal segment from the event moved her to tears.
“Chude had invited @feladurotoye and I and had eagerly followed up with me building up to the event, mainly to see if FD would attend. FD was away in Kigali for work, so I told him, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be there.’ There was one particular presentation he really wanted FD to see live.
“Chude took the stage to read an excerpt from his soon-to-be-released book. A deeply vulnerable section where he opened up about his battle with depression… and how one encounter with FD brought him light and healing,” she revealed.
As the story unfolded with orchestral music playing in the background, a photo appeared on the large screen—an old note and drawing from Fela Durotoye, given to Chude nearly eight years ago during one of his lowest moments.
“A note that brought him comfort, strength, and hope,” Tara said.
“I sat there in tears as Chude read aloud their conversation. It was his sensitivity, honesty, and his consistent desire to express God’s perspective on a matter. It was beautiful to see.”
Reflecting on her husband’s character, she added, “And in that moment, I was both deeply proud and still in awe of the man I’ve been married to for 24 years. His wisdom. His sensitivity. His unwavering ability to lean into his God-given gift to bring healing and touch lives quietly, powerfully, across the world.
“This is the man I know. A man who doesn’t need a stage to make an impact because he is the impact.”
She ended the post with a heartfelt message to the father of her children:
“Mr. Durotoye, you make the boys and I so proud to carry your name. Thank you. Happy Birthday to the head of our home. Pls pray for him as he turns 54 today.”
Tara and Fela Durotoye have been married for 24 years and share three children together.
