Nollywood actress, Regina Chukwu has broken her silence following the heavy tribal criticisms she received for calling herself a Yoruba name.
The Yoruba star, who was present at Funke Akindele’s A Tr!be Called Judah movie premiere had shared a video of her at the event on her TikTok page, with the caption, ‘Arike Ni Mi’.
Her caption didn’t sit well with many of her Igbo fans, who took to her comment section to remind her of her ethnicity.
Now reacting to it via her Instagram page, Regina stated that she has loved ones who are Yorubas and they have accepted her wholeheartedly so it’s proper she has a Yoruba name.
She added that her man gave her the name and she cherishes it so much. She further recounted how while growing up, her landlord gave her a Yoruba name on her naming ceremony.
“So I posted this video on TikTok with that ARIKE NI MI’ caption and some people have been on my neck reminding me that I am Igbo (which I obviously can’t forget) but I have loved ones who are Yorubas and they have accepted me wholeheartedly so it’s proper I have a Yoruba name but in this case, it’s name.
Storytime
I was born in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos, i grew up to be called ABOSEDE by an eldërly landlord on my street, one day I asked my mum why does that man call me Abosede and my mum told me cos I was born on a Sunday and that man (baba Sunday) personally gave me that name on my naming and ever since, he addressed me as such
Now to the ARIKE
My Man gave me that name and I cherish it so much
So ARIKE NI MI, gbogbo eni to ba ri mi ko ma kemi.
Meanwhile pls follow me on TikTok @regina.chinedu.chukwu”.
Regina Chukwu isn’t the only one who has had a change of name.
Recall that Mercy Aigbe following her marriage to Marketer, Kazim Adeoti gave herself another name, a Muslim name, Hajia Minnah.
Speaking on the meaning behind the name, Mercy Aigbe revealed that her husband, Kazim Adeoti was the one who gave her the name, and it means Mercy… Gift from Allah.
Though she understands that it isn’t a common name, the meaning behind the name is powerful, sweet, and unique hence why her husband suggested it to her.
In other news, Regina Chukwu voiced her disappointment at the unending TikTok videos about the late singer, Mohbad’s death.
Regina stated that if anyone wanted to be mentally drained, all they had to do was go on TikTok, search for one of the live videos talking about Mohbad and his family, and go through the comment section. She added that it would leave one stressed, especially with the kind of words that comes out of people’s mouth.
Regina questioned how we got to this stage as a country, as she made note of the curses, shouting, fighting, analysis, accusations, and all surrounding his death.
