Nollywood star Laide Bakare’s recent birthday took a truly memorable twist when her daughter, Simi, decided to pull a light-hearted prank that left everyone talking. Instead of a typical gift, Simi presented her mother with picture frames, lavishly wrapped and full of anticipation. Laide, expecting to find cherished photographs of herself, was in for a playful surprise.
Her mood was instantly light and excited as she began to unwrap the gifts. But upon opening the frames, she discovered that every single picture was of Simi instead! The moment was both hilarious and unexpected. According to onlookers who captured the moment, Laide’s stunned face shifted to a mix of mock outrage and genuine amusement. She could not hold back her laughter, playfully warning her daughter that she might “enter the same trousers” with her for orchestrating such a stunt—using a well-known Nigerian idiomatic expression to express playful payback.
“@simlineboss and I will enter the same trousers in this house o,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing the hilarious moment.
Simi later explained that the prank was motivated by love and a wish for her mother to have more of her pictures around the house. “I just wanted mummy to have lots of pictures of me so she can always remember me wherever she is,” Simi reportedly said, as featured in various Nigerian entertainment news outlets. For many Nigerian families, such playful banter between parents and children resonates closely, reflecting the lively and affectionate nature typical in many homes across West Africa.
But this loving prank was not the only thing in the spotlight. It comes after Laide Bakare faced online criticism for a comment she made regarding taking Simi to a nightclub at the age of 17. In a now-viral interview, the actress claimed she introduced her daughter to nightlife earlier than most, stating her aim was to give Simi an “early exposure to the real world.” The statement stirred up widespread debate across Nigerian social media platforms, with many users divided about the appropriateness of this unconventional parenting approach.
Some social media users argued that introducing such experiences to teenagers could act as a form of guidance and preparation, while others accused Laide of being a “bad influence” and encouraging risky behaviour. These heated discussions reflect the broader societal conversations happening in Nigeria about balancing traditional family values with modern upbringing, especially as parents navigate raising children in a digital and rapidly changing world.
Reacting to the criticism, Laide Bakare took to her Instagram page to clarify her comments, emphasizing that she never introduced her daughter to alcohol, and her intentions were misunderstood. She urged followers not to jump to negative conclusions, stating that her efforts to protect and educate Simi about the realities of the world were done out of love. Her social media statement, posted shortly after the interview went viral, tried to set the record straight and calm the storm of public opinion.
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Fans react to Laide Bakare’s video
The internet did not hesitate to weigh in on Laide and Simi’s heartwarming prank moment. Responses from fans flooded social media, revealing a lively mix of opinions and jokes, many of which became trending topics in Nigeria’s online entertainment space. Below are some of the unforgettable and relatable reactions from social media users:
@ayinkesglobalproperties:
“Mama no vex ooo… we love our babygirl more”
@one adeyemi_princesse:
“Afisuru”
@Sturbyrich65562:
“Low-key this thing normal, at least her daughter will be free to talk to her about anything, if she no carry her go club she’ll still go by herself and might even do more worse things”
@One terh_me:
“Is there any surprise bigger than this, even me sef I shock”
One olaide8430:
“Abiamo ni now. Still your day”.
@boseelebiyo:
“This woman with fake life na 1.2 she talks too much”
@big_dhammy___:
“Simi once said ……… you can have me in your room abiamon nii”
@theunfamousdave:
“Introduction to life at 17 na club, no worry the really life always shows up and when it shows up she better not be damaged cos e go hard. Introduction to life is never pleasure it’s reality check. When adulthood comes, either early or not”
@hekhundhayor:
“Someone should hold me,I don laugh fall for ground”
@officialmegatestimony:
“Eh yah mommy sorry forgive simi she too love herself”
Laide Bakare gets political appointment
In another significant turn in her career, Laide Bakare reportedly received a political appointment from the Osun state governor. According to official state announcements, the actress was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Arts and Entertainment—an influential role designed to promote and develop the creative industry in Osun state.
Bakare’s appointment generated applause from colleagues in Nollywood, fans, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, who acknowledged her strong presence both on screen and off it. The move comes amid a growing trend in Nigeria where prominent entertainers take up political or advisory roles, a reflection of the increasing recognition of the creative sector’s impact on local and national development.
However, opinions were divided. While many congratulated the actress and expressed hope that her influence will foster youth empowerment and investment in the arts, some concerned citizens raised questions regarding the criteria and transparency of such appointments. According to entertainment analyst Ada Omatseye, “It’s important for appointees to demonstrate a strategy for making tangible impacts, not just for the entertainment elite but for aspiring creatives across Osun and Nigeria.”
The appointment highlights how Nollywood personalities are increasingly viewed as cultural ambassadors and catalysts for social change, mirroring a pan-African trend seen in Ghana, South Africa, and beyond. For the Nigerian youth hoping to break into the industry, appointments like Bakare’s may signal increasing opportunities for support and funding, though only time will tell how much direct impact will trickle down to the grassroots.
As the entertainment landscape in Nigeria and West Africa evolves rapidly, such stories drive ongoing conversation about parenting styles, youth empowerment, and the merging boundaries between celebrity and public service. The playful family moment between Laide and Simi, coupled with her new political responsibility, offers much food for thought for the average Nigerian observer: a reminder of the multifaceted pressures and opportunities facing today’s public figures.
What do you think about Simi’s birthday prank and the wider conversation on parental guidance in Nigeria? How do you feel about celebrities taking on political positions? Drop a comment below and join the discussion.
