Nigerian media mogul and blogger Linda Ikeji has issued a clarification regarding her son’s surname change, following backlash from fans.
On Tuesday, Linda faced criticism for giving her son, Jayce, her surname. The controversy began when she shared a photo of her six-year-old son and his cousin, Ryan, on vacation. What was meant to be a sweet post quickly turned sour when followers noticed she referred to her son using her last name.
Addressing the issue on her Instagram story, Linda explained that her son has always been an Ikeji since birth. She questioned the need for the backlash, clarifying that she never changed his surname and that the decision to keep or change it when he grows older will be up to him.
Just to be clear. I’ve never ever had to change my son’s surname. He’s been an Ikeji right from when he was born! Where do I have the time or patience to be changing names? Changing it and keeping his surname (Ikeji) will be up to him when he ages. Food for my Junior colleagues,” she wrote.
To refresh your memory, Linda Ikeji gave birth to her son in 2018, out of wedlock, at the age of 37. She named him Jayce Jeremi, after his father, billionaire businessman Sholaye Jeremi, with whom she had an on-and-off relationship for three years before splitting in 2017. In 2021, Linda removed Jeremi’s surname from her son’s Instagram bio and officially changed his surname to Ikeji before his third birthday.
It has been rumoured that Sholaye Jeremi did not accept Linda’s pregnancy and has not been involved in his son’s life, leading many to label him a deadbeat father. In 2022, rumours surfaced that Linda was expecting another child, which led to online mockery; however, these rumors were false.
Last year, former actress Caroline Hutchins blamed Linda Ikeji for partly wrecking her marriage through malicious blog posts. During a confrontation with Linda’s younger sister, Laura, on the Real Housewives of Lagos reality show, Caroline accused Linda of contributing to her divorce and alleged that Linda had dated her ex-husband, believing Caroline had taken him from her. In response, Linda stated that Caroline often blames others for her failed marriage and emphasized that she holds no grudge against her, as she does not know her personally.
Also Read: RHOL Star Laura Ikeji Opens Up About Parenthood Challenges, “We Don’t Sleep Until Late”
