Actor Saidi Balogun learned of his daughter Zinat’s passing on Friday when he was preparing for his second stage show at Terra Kulture in Lagos.
Alongside Aisha Lawal, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Yaw, and Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), the 57–year-old was performing in Asiyanbi: Ti Oluwa Nile.
Zinat was his first child from his former marriage to Sherifat, which produced two children.
It was earlier reported that the movie star was in the middle of a stage performance when he received the news.
However, a source told Gossipinfo on Saturday afternoon that Saidi had completed the first stage performance and was getting ready for the second when he was informed of Zinat’s passing.
The news ended Saidi’s participation in the stage play.
At the time of this report, the cause of Zinat’s death remained undisclosed.
Earlier on Saturday, the actor made a post on Instagram suggesting bereavement. The post featured an image of a candlelight surrounded by flowers and accompanied by heartbroken emojis.
Condolences messages have been pouring in from his colleagues and fans.
Actress Faithia Williams, who is Saidi’s ex-wife and former stepmother of the late Zinat, also expressed her grief on Instagram with words of submission to the will of the Almighty
She wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (from Allah we come, to Him we shall return).”
Actress Ronke Oshodi Oke sent comforting words to Saidi in an Instagram post.
Actress Allwell Ademola shared a picture of a lit candle on her Instagram page with the caption, “I am speechless, I pray this is all a dream oh God! My Osenatu.”
“No words can ease the pain of losing someone so precious. My heart goes out to you @saidibalogun during this incredibly difficult time. May you find strength in the love and support surrounding you,” she wrote.
Other notable actors, including Kunle Afod, Yomi Fash-Lanso, and Adeniyi Johnson, also extended their condolences.
Saidi’s marriage to Faithia produced two children — Aaliyah and Khalid.