Nollywood actress Laide Bakare threw a grand celebration for her daughter Similoluwa’s 17th birthday on September 7, 2025, at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos, but the event has stirred a wave of reactions online. The lavish party, attended by Nollywood stars like Biola Bayo and Ayo Olaiya, featured a highlight moment when Similoluwa delivered an emotional speech, breaking down in tears as she praised her mother’s unwavering support. However, the teenager’s mature appearance in a viral video has sparked debates about her age, with some netizens questioning if she truly is 17.
In the video circulating on social media, Similoluwa, who graduated high school earlier this year with a 4.80 GPA at age 16, was seen dancing with friends serenading her. Her sophisticated look led to comments like, “She looks way older than her age,” with one user, easemow, remarking, “Kids of nowadays grow like they eat fertiliser.” Others, like justxx_vee, noted, “All the new generation stature just get as e be,” fueling discussions about the rapid physical maturity of today’s youth. The controversy echoes past scrutiny of Similoluwa, particularly in 2022 when Laide claimed her then 13-year-old daughter gifted her brother a Mercedes Benz for his 9th birthday, a claim that drew skepticism online.
During her speech, Similoluwa tearfully lauded her mother for organizing the extravagant event despite Nigeria’s economic challenges, saying, “She is the best person I have ever met. The money she spent on me, from the photoshoot to 3 to 5 expensive outfits, is so crazy. She is the strongest person I know.” Laide, a proud mother of three, reciprocated the love, describing Similoluwa as a better version of herself and a source of strength. The actress, who also serves as a special adviser to the Osun State Governor, has often celebrated her daughter’s achievements, including her recent acting debut alongside Nollywood veterans Ayo Mogaji and Femi Branch.
While many praised the mother-daughter bond, with fans on X calling Laide “Mummy of the Year,” others criticized the extravagance, questioning its necessity amid economic hardship. The event has reignited conversations about celebrity culture and parenting in the public eye, with some applauding Laide’s dedication and others debating the pressures of such high-profile displays.
As Similoluwa steps further into the spotlight, following in her mother’s footsteps in Nollywood, the reactions to her birthday celebration underscore the polarized views on wealth, youth, and fame in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.