Actress Tonto Dikeh has clarified a viral clip from her son’s recent birthday party after many people online said she was hugging her ex‑husband, Olakunle Churchill.
The video showed Tonto embracing a man who looks similar to Churchill. The clip sparked reactions online with many saying Churchill is married, and suggested the hug was inappropriate.
On Tuesday, the actress addressed the speculation in the comments section of a blog post. She said the man in the video is Churchill’s uncle, not her former husband. Tonto explained the elder man played a part in her life when she was vulnerable, noting that her son was born in his home in the United States. She said his wife took her to hospital when she went into labour and that they cared for her and her baby for six months.
In her comment, Tonto wrote:
“This is completely inappropriate and inaccurate. He is Churchill’s uncle and, by extension, my uncle as well. My son was born in his home, under his care and protection. His wife, Aunty Vivian, was the one who took me to the hospital when I went into labour.
They opened their home to me for six months … They did this out of love, with no hesitation.
Please, Oremi, this narrative is deeply disrespectful to him, to me, and to our families. I would appreciate more thoughtfulness and sensitivity moving forward, please.”
Some online users had assumed the man was Churchill and criticised Tonto’s behaviour. A media aide to the Delta State governor, Ossai Success, had earlier called out the actress, saying she should respect the fact that Churchill is now married to actress Rosy Meurer and avoid public displays that could be misunderstood.
The video came from a football‑themed party Tonto and Churchill hosted in Abuja for their son’s 10th birthday. In another clip from the event, Tonto praised Churchill’s role as a father and offered prayers for his family before the celebratory moments between them.
