Lagos came alive over the weekend as Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe hosted a grand celebration of life in honour of her late mother, Mrs. Abisola Grace Owodunni. After laying her to rest on Friday, November 28, the actress shut down the city on Saturday with a lavish burial party that drew royalty, politicians and some of the biggest stars in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The event was a colourful display of culture, glamour and solidarity, as Mercy’s colleagues and friends turned out in large numbers to support her.
Familiar faces from the film industry filled the venue, with top stars like Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Abraham, Kiekie, Aisha Lawal, Odunlade Adekola, Mide Martins and Afeez Owo, Eniola Ajao, Faithia Williams, Omowunmi Dada, Eniola Badmus, Nkechi Blessing, Femi Adebayo, Saidi Balogun, Foluke Daramola, Sikiratu Sindodo, Bakare Zainab, Seyi Edun, Kemi Korede, Laide Bakare, Bimbo Thomas, and even singer Israel DMW all gracing the occasion in full aso-ebi elegance.
It wasn’t just Nollywood that showed up for Mercy. The fourth wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Ashley, made a regal appearance at the celebration, while former lawmaker Abike Dabiri-Erewa was also among the high-profile guests who came to honour the actress and stand with her family.
The atmosphere was both festive and emotional, with videos from the event capturing Mercy in stunning outfits as she was surrounded by loved ones who danced, prayed, and celebrated the life of her late mother. The turnout reflected just how deeply respected she is within the entertainment community.
In the days leading up to the burial, Mercy poured her heart out in a touching message, praying for strength to walk through the painful season. She described her mother as “a blessing, a quiet light, and a gentle guide,” noting that her heart was full of memories she would carry forever. Her grief became public in September when she first announced her mother’s passing with a simple candlelight photo captioned, “RIP mum.”
The actress later expressed gratitude to fans and colleagues for their prayers and overwhelming show of love. But she also revealed how emotionally draining the process had been, admitting that visiting cemeteries, looking at vaults and choosing coffins broke her in ways she struggled to explain.
Despite the pain, Saturday’s ceremony stood as a powerful tribute — a gathering of love, support and honour for a woman who clearly touched many lives. For Mercy Aigbe, it was a chance to celebrate her mother’s memory surrounded by the people who matter most.