Nollywood actress Bukky Raji has pulled back the curtain on her complicated relationship with renowned actress Remi Surutu, revealing that despite their blood connection, the sisters remain emotionally distant from one another. In a candid interview with fellow actress Biola Bayo, Raji spoke openly about family tensions that culminated in Surutu’s notable absence from her wedding introduction ceremony.
The revelation has sparked conversations across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where both actresses have established themselves as respected figures in Yoruba cinema. Raji’s disclosure illuminates the often-unseen personal challenges faced by public figures whose family dynamics don’t always mirror the unity portrayed in their on-screen roles.
Remi Surutu is my blood sister, my older sister. She is my father’s daughter, we are from the same father,” Raji explained during the interview. Biologically, she is my sister, but otherwise, I don’t know.” This poignant qualification underscores the distinction between genetic connection and emotional bonds, highlighting a relationship that exists more on paper than in practice.
The absence of Surutu at Raji’s wedding introduction ceremony in Ikorodu struck a particularly sensitive chord, especially given the geographical convenience. She wasn’t at my introduction despite living in Ikorodu. I did my introduction in Ikorodu; when planning the wedding, I invited her, and she said okay, but eventually, she didn’t come,” Raji recounted, the disappointment still evident in her voice.
What makes the estrangement more poignant is Raji’s evident admiration for her sister’s professional work. “If she wasn’t my blood sister and I was seeing her from afar, I would have been her die-hard fan,” Raji admitted, suggesting that under different circumstances, she might have been among Surutu’s most devoted followers rather than a distanced sibling.
The roots of their strained relationship appear to stem from longstanding tensions between their mothers. Both actresses share the same father but different mothers, a situation that has apparently created lasting divisions. We shouldn’t be bringing the fight between our mums into our relationship,” Raji observed, expressing a desire to transcend the previous generation’s conflicts. “So far, we are on the same page; bonding isn’t bad.”
Despite these aspirations for reconciliation, Raji’s attempts to bridge the gap have yielded little success. “I tried to reach out to her. My mum made sure I called every necessary people,” she explained, suggesting concerted efforts at family diplomacy that ultimately proved ineffective.
The interview also shed light on Raji’s delayed entry into marriage, a path she attributes to her unique family circumstances rather than her career in entertainment. “My getting married late was because I am the last born of the family. My father died at 7, and my mum took it upon herself not to remarry. I never thought it was important to get married,” she revealed, connecting her perspective on marriage to early experiences of family structure and loss.
This disclosure offers a window into how childhood experiences shape adult relationships and decisions. Losing her father at such a young age and witnessing her mother’s choice to remain unmarried appears to have profoundly influenced Raji’s own timeline for marriage, creating a generational echo of family patterns.
The tension between the sisters represents a scenario familiar to many Nigerian families, where polygamous arrangements can create complex sibling relationships fraught with loyalty conflicts and inherited resentments. While polygamy has deep historical roots in various Nigerian cultures, the resulting family structures often produce complicated dynamics between half-siblings, especially when maternal rivalries exist.
Raji’s story highlights a broader cultural conversation about family obligations versus personal boundaries. In Nigeria’s collectivist society, family relationships typically carry significant weight and social expectations. The public acknowledgment of this estrangement challenges traditional expectations of family solidarity, particularly among public figures who often present carefully curated images of their personal lives.
For fans of both actresses, this revelation adds new context to their separate career trajectories. Remi Surutu, whose real name is Remilekun Oshodi, has established herself as a powerhouse in Yoruba cinema with decades of memorable performances. Similarly, Bukky Raji has carved out her own space in the industry. That these parallel careers have developed without the mutual support typically expected between siblings in the same industry speaks to the depth of their estrangement.
Industry observers note that such family complexities are rarely discussed openly in Nigeria’s entertainment circles, where public image management often takes precedence over transparent discussions of personal struggles. Raji’s willingness to address these sensitive topics represents a departure from typical celebrity discourse, offering audiences a more authentic glimpse into the human experiences behind the fame.
The disclosure comes at a time when Nigerian cinema continues to gain international recognition, with storytelling that increasingly explores complex family dynamics and intergenerational conflicts. Ironically, the real-life scenario between the sisters mirrors themes often dramatized in the very films that have made them household names.
As both actresses continue their respective careers, fans will undoubtedly watch with interest to see whether this public discussion might eventually lead to reconciliation. For now, Raji’s story stands as a poignant reminder that even in the glamorous world of entertainment, family relationships remain as complicated and sometimes painful as they are for ordinary Nigerians.
What remains clear from Raji’s interview is her lingering hope for healing, suggesting that despite the distance between them, the door remains open for the sisterly bond she envisions—one that transcends the conflicts of the past and builds on their shared heritage rather than the divisions between their mothers.
