The burial of their beloved mother has set the stage for a renewed bond between Nollywood siblings Kunle and Aremu Afolayan. The brothers, who had been estranged for over five years, used the emotional event to take the first steps toward reconciliation, signaling hope for a stronger family connection.
The strained relationship between the two had been well-documented, with the rift reportedly beginning after a controversial social media post by Aremu. The younger Afolayan allegedly referred to their father, the legendary filmmaker Ade Love, as a poor man, sparking outrage and deepening tensions within the family.
Their late mother had made numerous attempts to mend fences between the brothers during her lifetime, but both parties remained adamant, with Kunle asserting his role as both an elder brother and a father figure, given their ten-year age difference. Despite her best efforts, reconciliation seemed impossible—until her passing brought the family together under one roof.
The funeral, held at Kunle Afolayan’s movie village, drew a large gathering of family, friends, and industry colleagues, creating a rare opportunity for the estranged siblings to interact. Witnesses described the moment as heartwarming and emotional, especially when teary Aremu publicly apologised to Kunle, acknowledging the strain his actions had caused.
“This is what their mother always wanted,” remarked a close family friend at the event. “Her passing has achieved in death what she struggled to do in life—bring her children together.”
Kunle, known for his big contributions to African cinema, has often collaborated with his other siblings, Gabriel and Moji Afolayan, on major projects. Aremu, however, had been noticeably absent from these collaborations, fueling speculation about the depth of their divide.
Aremu, a talented actor with a strong following, admitted in private conversations that he deeply regretted the estrangement. Sources at the burial disclosed that both brothers had committed to rebuilding their relationship, with plans to foster better communication and overcome their differences.
Family members at the burial expressed optimism about the reconciliation, noting that the brothers spent time engaging with each other during the event. While the relationship may take time to fully heal, many saw their interactions as a promising step in the right direction.
The Afolayan family, a significant force in Nigerian entertainment, has long carried the legacy of their father, Ade Love. With Kunle’s international acclaim and Aremu’s contributions to Nollywood, their collective talents have kept the family name alive. However, the feud between the two brothers had cast a shadow on this legacy, making their reunion all the more significant.
Social media reactions to the news of their reconciliation have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans and colleagues expressed joy at seeing the brothers take steps to mend their relationship. One fan wrote, “This is the healing we love to see. Family is everything.” Another added, “Their mother would be so proud to see her sons coming back together.”
Although neither Kunle nor Aremu has made a public statement about their reconciliation, their actions at the burial spoke volumes. The brothers were seen engaging warmly with guests and even sharing moments of laughter, a sight that gave many hope for the future of their relationship.
As the Afolayan brothers work toward rebuilding their bond, many believe their renewed unity could pave the way for exciting collaborations that honour their family’s storied legacy.
READ ALSO: After film village success, all I want is to build people, tell impactful stories —Kunle Afolayan
