Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and his brother, Aremu Afolayan, have ended their long-standing feud during their mother’s wake-keep ceremony in Oyo State.
Their mother, who passed away on November 2 at 81, played a significant role in reuniting her sons before her death.
The two brothers, sons of the late filmmaker and theatre legend Ade Love, had been at odds for years due to personal differences. Their siblings include Moji, Gabriel, and Anu Afolayan.
Reports suggest that the strained relationship between Kunle, founder of KAP Film & Television Academy, and Aremu stemmed from lifestyle choices and family disagreements.
The feud became public in 2018 after Kunle criticized Aremu for claiming in an interview that their father lived in poverty despite his fame.
This comment led to embarrassment for Kunle, especially since he and Aremu bear a striking resemblance, prompting people to confuse them.
Over the years, Aremu Afolayan made several public outbursts against Kunle and other family members.
The most recent incident occurred in March 2023 when he shared a profanity-laden Instagram video accusing his family of neglect.
However, during the wake-keep, Kunle and Aremu publicly reconciled.
Kunle, 50, emphasized his role as Aremu’s elder, referring to himself as a father figure since he is ten years older.
He said, “One thing I want to tell all his (Aremu’s) friends is that I’m not his brother but his father. Ask him; I trained him. I’m ten years older than him, but you, his female friends, push him. But love conquers all.”
In his tribute to their mother, Aremu, 44, admitted he often disobeyed family advice and referred to himself as the “black sheep” of the family.
He expressed gratitude to their mother for reconciling him with Kunle and apologized for his past behavior, including public criticisms.
Aremu said, “My mother tried a lot because I had run away from her many times when they said I should go to school, and I said I am not going to High School. My brother (Kunle) punched me for why I didn’t want to go to school.
“My greatest joy today is what has been difficult for me for over 40 years. My mother gave it to me one day because my brother and I don’t talk, but my mother made us talk. She didn’t stop praying because I (Aremu) am the black sheep in the family. I disagree with my brother; he has no excuses because they said we resemble each other.”
Aremu further revealed that Kunle built a house for their mother and included their names despite not contributing a single dime to its construction.
He also apologised to the filmmaker for the Instagram backlash and the challenges he caused him, stating, “It’s because I love you; God knows.
“He (Kunle) said I didn’t go to school, and sometimes I’m womanising in nature, but he made me know many people, such as gospel singer Tope Alabi. He has built a house for our mother, and this is the house we are in today.
“I don’t have a kobo in this house, but he built it in our name. I’m sorry for putting you (Kunle) through the Instagram backlash. It’s because I love you”, said Aremu.
Kunle Afolayan also paid tribute to their mother, describing her as a pillar of support for family and friends.
He shared that she played a key role in maintaining relationships within the family and praised her for her nurturing spirit.
The reconciliation was celebrated during the wake-keep after-party, where Kunle and Aremu danced and embraced, marking a new chapter in their relationship.
A church service for their late mother was held on Saturday at Temidire First Baptist Church in Komu, Oyo State.
Watch the video below:
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KanyiDaily recalls that Kunle Afolayan recently stirred reactions online over his inappropriate dance moves with his daughter, Eyiyemi.