Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video that showed her warmly embracing a man many believed looked like her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, at her son’s birthday celebration.
The football-themed party, held at BMO Event Centre in Abuja, brought both parents together to celebrate their son’s 10th birthday in grand style, complete with a match-day atmosphere, cheers, and family moments.
However, a clip from the event quickly went viral online after it captured the actress hugging a man who closely resembled Churchill, sparking speculation and criticism from social media users.
Responding in a blog’s comment section, Dikeh firmly dismissed the rumours, clarifying that the man in the video is not her ex-husband but his uncle, someone she considers family.
“This is completely inappropriate and inaccurate. He is Churchill’s uncle and, by extension, my uncle as well,” she wrote.
She went further to explain the deep personal bond they share, revealing that her son was born in the man’s home in the United States, where she received significant support during childbirth.
“My son was born in his home, under his care and protection. His wife… was the one who took me to the hospital when I went into labour.
“They opened their home to me for six months… feeding us, clothing us, and giving us a safe roof over our heads.”
Describing the online narrative as unfair and disrespectful, the actress urged people to think carefully before jumping to conclusions.
“Please… this narrative is deeply disrespectful to him, to me, and to our families. I would appreciate more thoughtfulness and sensitivity moving forward.”
The video had earlier drawn criticism from Ossai Success, who publicly questioned the appropriateness of the embrace, noting that Churchill is now married and advising the actress to respect boundaries.
The clarification comes months after Dikeh publicly extended an olive branch to her former husband, signalling a new chapter after years of public tension. Their reunion at their son’s celebration appears to reflect a more peaceful co-parenting relationship.
Tonto and Churchill married in 2015, but their union ended after two years. Despite past disagreements, recent events suggest both parents are prioritising family moments, even as public scrutiny continues to follow them.