Laide Bakare is no stranger to the spotlight. For over two decades she has been a familiar name in Nollywood, especially in the Yoruba film industry. She is more than just an actress; she is also a producer, entrepreneur and recently a political appointee in Osun State where she serves as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, Arts, Culture and Tourism. Her career started in 1999 with her debut in the film Adeyemi and over the years she has appeared in more than fifty movies including Okun Omo Iya, Asiri Owo, Ore Meta and Jejere, which she also produced.
The actress studied History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos and also holds a Diploma in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan. She has built a reputation as a strong woman with a versatile career but also one who is often in the news for bold choices and statements that stir up conversations. The latest controversy surrounding her is a perfect example of that.
The Interview That Went Viral
A few hours ago, an interview featuring Laide Bakare began making the rounds online. In the clip, she explained that she personally took her 17 year old daughter, Similoluwa to a nightclub and that she wanted it to be part of her daughter’s memory that her first night out in a club and her first taste of alcohol would come through her mother. She described this decision as intentional, framing it as a way of introducing her daughter to the nightlife experience directly under her supervision.
The statement quickly went viral and triggered heavy criticism from Nigerians across social media. Many described her admission as irresponsible parenting, especially the part about alcohol, arguing that she was exposing a minor to things that should be off limits until adulthood. For a country where traditional family values remain strong, the idea that a mother would take pride in ushering her teenage child into club culture struck a nerve.
Her Clarification and Attempt to Calm the Storm
Facing the wave of outrage, Laide Bakare took to her Instagram page to offer a clarification. In her post, she wrote that she did not drink alcohol with her daughter, Similoluwa. She explained that what really happened was simply taking her to the club for exposure, not to engage in drinking. According to her, she only wanted her daughter to have that first experience in a safe and guided environment with her own mother present. She added that Nigerians should not forget Similoluwa is still a minor, a teenager who happens to have a grown up look because of her robust figure.
The clarification was her way of drawing a line between alcohol and the club outing. She insisted she was not as bad as people were painting her to be and that it was about preparation for the future rather than corrupting her child.
Nigerians React with Mixed Feelings
The public reaction has been divided. On one side, critics maintain that regardless of her clarification, the decision was reckless. They argue that no responsible parent should expose a teenager to adult nightlife where alcohol, smoking and other vices are normalised. For them, her statement reinforced the wrong message and risked encouraging other parents or even teenagers themselves to believe such early exposure is acceptable.
On the other side, some Nigerians are more sympathetic to her explanation. They argue that Laide Bakare may have wanted to create transparency and openness in her relationship with Similoluwa. They see her action as a way of saying she would rather her child experience these things under her watch than secretly behind her back. A few have also said that the backlash was exaggerated and blown out of proportion by blogs and netizens.
The Larger Debate Around Parenting and Exposure
This controversy raises deeper questions that go beyond Laide Bakare herself. It touches on the balance between strict parenting and liberal exposure. Nigerian parents often struggle with how much freedom to allow their children, especially teenagers, in a world where social media and peer influence already expose them to so much. Some believe that shielding them too tightly only makes them more curious and likely to rebel, while others insist that setting clear boundaries is non-negotiable until adulthood.
Clubbing is often associated with alcohol, loud music, nightlife freedom and an adult lifestyle. Even if no alcohol was consumed on that particular night, the symbolism of a teenager being ushered into that space by her own mother was enough to spark a storm. The debate has now moved from Laide Bakare’s personal choices to broader discussions about Nigerian parenting styles, cultural values and the pressures of raising teenagers in today’s society.
How This Affects Laide Bakare’s Public Image
For someone who has spent years building a name in Nollywood and recently stepped into public service, the controversy is a delicate one. Laide Bakare has always been outspoken but being outspoken can sometimes backfire when the audience feels lines are crossed. While she may have clarified her intentions, the incident could linger in public memory and shape how people perceive her as both an actress and a mother.
Conclusion
Laide Bakare’s viral interview has done more than stir gossip. It has pushed Nigerians into a conversation about what is right and wrong in parenting, about when exposure becomes too much and about how parents in the public eye must balance their personal lives with public expectations. Whether you see her decision as bold parenting or a reckless move, one thing is clear. This controversy has put both Laide Bakare and Similoluwa at the centre of a national debate on family values, celebrity influence and the realities of raising teenagers in today’s world.
