Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and his younger brother, Aremu Afolayan, have reconciled after years of a bitter feud.
The brothers mended their relationship during the wake-keep ceremony for their late mother in Oyo State on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Their reconciliation brought tears and joy to family members, friends, and colleagues who witnessed the emotional moment.
The Afolayan brothers, sons of the late Nigerian film legend Ade Love, had been estranged for over six years.
Their feud became public in 2018 after Aremu criticized their late father in an interview, accusing him of living in poverty despite his fame.
Kunle, deeply hurt by the remarks, fired back, calling Aremu “stupid.”
The public exchange worsened their relationship and created a rift that seemed impossible to heal.
Friends and family reportedly made several attempts to mediate, but the brothers remained at odds.
The wake-keep ceremony for their late mother became the setting for an emotional breakthrough.
Addressing the audience, Kunle described his deep connection to Aremu, emphasizing his role as both a brother and a father figure.
“I am not just Aremu’s brother, but his father,” Kunle said. “I trained him, and I’m 10 years older than him. But love conquers all.”
His heartfelt words moved attendees, who applauded his willingness to let go of past grievances.
Kunle also acknowledged the critical role their late mother played in fostering reconciliation.
“She prayed for this day, and her prayers have been answered,” he said.
Aremu, in turn, took the microphone and publicly apologized to Kunle for the hurt caused during their estrangement.
“My greatest joy today is that my mother made us talk,” Aremu said, his voice heavy with emotion.
He admitted that his actions had contributed to the rift and expressed gratitude for Kunle’s forgiveness.
“I’m sorry for putting brother Kunle through the Instagram backlash,” Aremu added. “It’s because I love you.”
The heartfelt apology brought tears to many in attendance and marked the official end of their feud.
The Afolayan family is celebrated in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, thanks to their late father, Ade Love, who was a pioneer in Yoruba cinema.
Kunle Afolayan, the eldest of the siblings, followed in their father’s footsteps and is now one of Nigeria’s most respected filmmakers.
Aremu, also an actor, has carved out his own space in Nollywood, though his career has often been overshadowed by their feud.
The brothers’ reconciliation symbolizes a fresh chapter for the Afolayan family, uniting them in honor of their mother’s legacy.
