Actress Remi Surutu says she was mocked over her daughter’s death for supporting Tinubu

Veteran Nollywood actress Remilekun Oshodi, popularly known as Remi Surutu, has revealed that she faced harsh online attacks during the 2023 general election for publicly supporting President Bola Tinubu.

The actress shared her experience while speaking at the launch of EKO57, a Lagos-based support group for Tinubu, on Sunday. 

In a video from the event that has since circulated widely online, Surutu recounted how critics on social media mocked her and even linked her political stance to the death of her daughter.

According to the actress, some online users accused the president she supported of being responsible for her daughter’s death, a claim she described as deeply hurtful.

“I am not afraid. I have been involved in political campaigns for many years. During the election period, people attacked me online and said many unpleasant things,” she said.

“They even insulted me and, a day before the election, claimed that the person I was supporting had caused my child’s death. But I did not let that stop me.”

Surutu stated that despite the backlash, she remained determined to exercise her civic duty and participate in the election.

“I still went out the next day to vote. Your vote is your right. Nobody should deceive or intimidate you,” she told the audience.

She also encouraged Nigerians to appreciate the complexities of governance, noting that leadership comes with significant responsibilities and sacrifices.

According to her, those criticising the president should consider the challenges of managing a country before making sweeping judgments.

“When I met Tinubu, he was doing well. If anyone thinks he is not doing well, they should bring someone from their own family to govern the country, even for one day. Then they will understand what it takes,” she said.

The actress further insisted that she would not withdraw her support for the president despite the criticism.

“I have decided I will not back out. I will continue to campaign for him, and he still has my vote,” she added.

Surutu also used the occasion to address what she described as political opportunism among some individuals who change allegiances for personal gain.

She argued that many people claim loyalty only when it benefits them, urging supporters to remain committed to their convictions.

The actress suffered a personal tragedy in July 2017 when she lost her first daughter, Ayomikun Elizabeth Oladayo, to complications arising from Sickle Cell Disease.

Following the loss, Surutu had publicly expressed gratitude to God for giving her the strength to cope with the difficult period. She also spoke about the comfort she found in her granddaughter, who she said bears a striking resemblance to her late daughter.

Despite the challenges she has faced in her personal life, Surutu has continued to remain active in the Nigerian film industry, building a career that spans several decades.

The EKO57 campaign launch in Lagos was attended by several Nollywood figures, including Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ayo Adesanya, and Lege Miami, among others.

Reaffirming her stance, Surutu maintained that criticism or threats would not stop her from supporting the political causes she believes in. She stressed that standing by one’s convictions is important, regardless of public opinion.

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