Veteran Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun received the devastating news of his daughter, Zinat Balogun’s, passing on Friday, while preparing for his second stage performance at Terra Kulture, Lagos. The 57-year-old actor was performing in the stage play Asiyanbi: Ti Oluwa Nile, alongside notable actors Aisha Lawal, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Yaw, and Kareem Adepoju, popularly known as Baba Wande.
The news of Zinat’s passing, which has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, came at a particularly difficult time for Saidi, who was in the midst of delivering a major theatrical performance. Despite the heavy emotional toll, the actor is being supported by colleagues and fans during this tragic period.
Zinat was his first child from his former marriage to Sherifat which produced two children.
It was initially reported that veteran actor Saidi Balogun was in the midst of a stage performance when he learned of his daughter Zinat’s tragic passing. However, a source later clarified that Saidi had completed the first stage of his performance and was preparing for the second at Terra Kulture, Lagos, when he received the heartbreaking news. This brought an abrupt end to his participation in the play Asiyanbi: Ti Oluwa Nile.
As of the time of this report, the cause of Zinat’s death remains undisclosed. Earlier on Saturday, Saidi took to Instagram, sharing a poignant image of a candle surrounded by flowers, accompanied by heartbroken emojis, hinting at his deep grief. The post was met with an outpouring of condolences from both his colleagues and fans.
Actress Faithia Williams, Saidi’s ex-wife and former stepmother to the late Zinat, also expressed her sorrow on Instagram, quoting, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (from Allah we come, to Him we shall return). Her words reflected submission to the will of God during this difficult time.
Several Nollywood stars, including Ronke Oshodi Oke, Allwell Ademola, Kunle Afod, Yomi Fash-Lanso, and Adeniyi Johnson, joined in offering their condolences. Allwell Ademola shared a picture of a lit candle with the emotional caption, “I am speechless, I pray this is all a dream oh God! My Osenatu.” Other messages echoed their sympathy and support for Saidi as he mourns his beloved daughter.
Saidi’s marriage to Faithia produced two children, Aaliyah and Khalid, both of whom are also mourning the loss of their sister. The entire Nollywood community stands united in grief with the family during this painful time.