Lagos, Nigeria – October 4, 2025 – Nollywood actress and Osun State political appointee Laide Bakare has fired back at waves of online criticism after admitting she introduced her 17-year-old daughter, Similoluwa, to clubbing and alcohol, insisting it’s a calculated move for “exposure towards the future” rather than reckless parenting. In a follow-up video amid the storm, the 44-year-old screen diva addressed the uproar head-on, declaring, “It’s just to give her a bit of exposure towards the future. I’m not as bad as you think,” doubling down on her unconventional approach that’s split social media down the middle.
The controversy erupted earlier this week during a chat with content creator Mr Lilgaga, where Bakare proudly recounted taking Similoluwa – fresh off her high school graduation in Canada with a stellar 4.80 GPA – to a nightclub for the first time at 17. “I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,” she beamed, framing it as a bonding ritual to ensure her daughter’s “firsts” happen under her watchful eye, not with strangers. The clip went viral, racking up millions of views and igniting #LaideBadMom debates on X and Instagram, with critics slamming her for “exposing a minor to vice” and “glamorizing underage drinking.”
Bakare, known for Yoruba flicks like Jejere and her 2024 self-help tome Becoming Laide Bakare: Make Millions in 6 Months, didn’t backpedal in her response. “People are judging without understanding – it’s about trust and guidance, not abandonment,” she elaborated in the new footage, shared Friday on her Instagram (@laidebakare), where it quickly hit 150,000 likes. She highlighted Similoluwa’s maturity, noting the teen’s recent lavish 17th birthday bash – complete with viral dance videos in a shimmering gown – as proof of her grounded vibe. “She’s 17 now, that’s just how we are in our family; even me, I’m 44 and still fabulous,” Bakare quipped, tying it to generational body positivity amid trolls fixating on the girl’s physique.
The backlash has been fierce: Parenting experts and netizens like @DebbieOjy labeled it “dangerous normalization,” warning of health risks and peer pressure in Nigeria’s nightlife scene, where underage clubbing scandals are rife. “At 17, she should be studying, not sipping,” one X user raged, echoing concerns over rising youth alcohol abuse stats from the NDLEA. Yet, defenders – including some celebs – are rallying behind her “cool mom” ethos. “Low-key this thing normal, at least her daughter will be free to talk to her about anything,” tweeted @Sturbyrich, praising the open-door policy as a trust-builder in a conservative society. Bimbo Akintola even chimed in indirectly, backing progressive parenting amid her own polygamy talks.
Bakare’s bold stance aligns with her no-regrets persona – from her 2023 Osun APC women’s leader gig to navigating co-parenting post her split from ex-hubby Alhaji Mutiu. As the dust settles, her rebuttal has only amplified the conversation: Is this enlightened exposure or enabling excess? One thing’s clear – Laide Bakare’s raising a storyteller, memoir and all.
Cool mom or cautionary tale? Weigh in below, and follow @laidebakare for the unfiltered family files.