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After years of being estranged, award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and Aremu Reconcile ended their age-long feud.
The brothers, sons of the late iconic filmmaker and theatre legend Ade Love, had been at odds over personal differences, but their emotional reunion during the wake-keep ceremony for their late mother marks the end of their public discord.
The Afolayan family, known for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry, witnessed a heartwarming resolution between Kunle and Aremu.
Kunle Afolayan
Kunle Afolayan, born on 30 September 1975, (50 years old as of the time of this write-up) is a trailblazing Nigerian actor, producer, and director renowned for redefining Nollywood with groundbreaking innovations.
From larger budgets to 35mm film shoots and compelling narratives, Afolayan has consistently raised the bar in Nigerian cinema.
Early Life and Career
Hailing from Kwara State and of Igbomina-Yoruba descent, Kunle Afolayan grew up in a family steeped in the arts.
His father, Ade Love, was a respected theatre and film director.
Despite studying economics and working at a bank, Afolayan’s passion for storytelling led him to the New York Film Academy, where he honed his filmmaking skills.
He began his film career as an actor, debuting in the 1999 political drama Saworoide.
In 2006, Afolayan directed his first feature film, Irapada, a supernatural thriller that won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Film in an African Language.
Kunle Afolayan’s Cinematic Milestones
Afolayan’s portfolio includes The Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1, and Citation. His 2014 film, October 1, dominated the African movie scene, winning 16 awards and becoming the second-highest-grossing Nigerian film upon release.
He repeated this feat in 2016 with The CEO.
In 2021, Kunle Afolayan signed a groundbreaking deal with Netflix to produce three feature films. The first, Swallow, adapted from Sefi Atta’s novel, premiered in October 2021.
The second, Aníkúlápó, described as “Game of Thrones recreated in Nigeria,” was released in September 2022.
It topped Netflix’s non-English originals chart within 11 days. The third, Ijogbon, a coming-of-age adventure film, showcases Afolayan’s dedication to diverse storytelling.
Golden Effects Pictures
As the CEO of Golden Effects Pictures, Afolayan has spearheaded several notable productions, including Irapada, Phone Swap, The Figurine, The Tribunal, and Mokalik. Since its incorporation in 2005, the company has become synonymous with excellence in Nigerian filmmaking.
Netflix Partnership
Kunle Afolayan’s partnership with Netflix highlights his global appeal.
With Aníkúlápó receiving 16 nominations at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Afolayan continues to cement his legacy as a cinematic pioneer.
Personal Life
Kunle Afolayan married Tolu Afolayan in 2007, and they have four children. Although the marriage ended in 2019, Afolayan remains a committed artist and identifies as a freethinker.
Legacy and Global Impact
From his award-winning The Figurine to Netflix blockbusters like Aníkúlápó, Kunle Afolayan has reshaped Nollywood with cultural authenticity and innovation.
His films bridge the gap between local stories and global audiences, establishing him as a visionary filmmaker.
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Aremu Afolayan
Aremu Afolayan (born August 2, 1980) 44 years old as of the filing of this report, is a Nigerian film actor and the brother of fellow actor Kunle Afolayan.
Early years and career
Aremu Afolayan is from Kwara State and is of Igbomina-Yoruba heritage.
He is the son of Adeyemi Afolayan, a well-known theatrical and film director and producer (Ade Love).
He was best known for his film Idamu Akoto (2009).
Private life
Kafilat Olayinka Quadri and Aremu Afolayan are married.
Their daughter’s name is Iyunade Afolayan.
Awards and nominations
Nominated in 2021: Net Honours as the Most Searched Actor in Nigeria
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Kunle Afolayan and Aremu Reconcile
The siblings had previously been estranged due to differences in lifestyle and personal choices.
Their feud, which gained public attention in 2018, played out in various media outlets, causing strain on their relationship.
Kunle, known for his filmmaking achievements, publicly criticized Aremu in a 2018 interview, where he called his brother “stupid” for making disparaging comments about their father’s financial status.
Public Spat and Emotional Reconciliation
The public spat between Kunle and Aremu reached its peak in 2023 when Aremu posted a profanity-filled Instagram video criticizing his family.
Despite the tension, the brothers’ reconciliation came after the passing of their mother on November 2, 2024.
During the wake-keep ceremony in Oyo State, Kunle expressed his feelings of fatherhood towards Aremu, emphasizing his role in raising him and the love that ultimately brought them back together.
Kunle stated, “I’m not his brother but his father. I trained him, and love conquers all.”
Aremu, reflecting on his past actions, admitted his mistakes and the difficult journey to repairing his relationship with Kunle.
In a heartfelt tribute to their late mother, he acknowledged her role in bringing them together, admitting that she had often tried to reconcile the siblings, despite his resistance.
Aremu’s apology to Kunle was a significant moment, expressing his regret for his past behavior and recognizing Kunle’s contributions to the family.
Family Legacy and the Influence of Their Late Mother
Kunle, whose career began with the 1999 political drama Saworoide, shared how his late mother was pivotal in fostering connections within the family and the community.
He recalled how she would always encourage him to embrace everyone around him, including his romantic interests.
Kunle, who later became a director with the 2006 supernatural thriller Irapada, praised his mother’s ability to maintain family ties and relationships, often ensuring that everyone stayed connected.
Aremu, who has often been viewed as the “black sheep” of the family, acknowledged the significant role Kunle had played in supporting the family.
He revealed that Kunle had built a house for their mother, even though he had not financially contributed to its construction.
Despite the tension, Aremu expressed his love and gratitude towards Kunle, stating that the house they were in was a testament to Kunle’s dedication to their family legacy.
The Path to Healing and Forgiveness
The emotional reconciliation between Kunle Afolayan and Aremu marks a new chapter in the Afolayan family’s history.
Their mother’s influence and prayers were the foundation of this reunion, reminding us all that love, family, and forgiveness can overcome even the most challenging of conflicts.
At the after-party for the wake-keep, Kunle and Aremu embraced warmly, dancing and singing together, showing that their bond was stronger than ever.
The Sanctuary of Liberty church program for their late mother was held on Saturday at Temidire First Baptist Church in Komu, Oyo State, where the family will continue to honor her memory and the legacy of reconciliation that she helped foster.
