Celebrity marital discord has taken center stage as comedian Ayo ‘AY’ Makun’s notable absence from his estranged wife Mabel’s mother’s funeral ignites fresh controversy in Nigeria’s entertainment circles. The somber ceremony, held at Garden Ikoyi, Lagos State, saw Mabel Makun laying her mother, Mrs. Rose Temietan Eyesan Nwanegbu, to rest surrounded by friends and supporters, but without her children’s father.
High-profile attendees including Sandra Okagbue, Medlin Boss, and Annie Idibia’s former manager from Naomad Agency gathered to support the grieving Mabel, who was captured on video being consoled by family and friends. The emotional footage, shared by Media Room Hub, showed Mabel dressed in traditional black mourning attire, receiving comfort from her support network.
The comedian’s absence has drawn sharp criticism from social media users, particularly in light of his recent public appearances with May Edochie. Critics have pointed to the contrast between AY’s social media activities and what many view as a missed opportunity to show support during his former partner’s time of grief.
The situation has reignited discussions about their separation, which became public in April 2023 when AY confirmed the end of their nearly two-decade relationship. At the time, he expressed regret over the marriage’s dissolution while hinting at complexities in their relationship, including his own “compromising” behaviors.
Recent developments have added layers to their ongoing separation saga. Reports from blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus suggest escalating tensions between the former couple, particularly regarding access to their second daughter. According to these claims, communication has become so strained that AY allegedly had to resort to speaking with his daughter through her nanny – an arrangement that reportedly ended when Mabel discovered and terminated the nanny’s employment.
The funeral’s timing and circumstances have brought renewed attention to the challenges of maintaining dignity and co-parenting relationships during high-profile separations. Mabel’s previous statement about her shattered dreams of a lifelong marriage has gained new poignancy in light of these recent events.
Social media reaction to AY’s absence has been swift and largely critical. Users have expressed particular concern about the timing of his public appearances with May Edochie coinciding with his ex-wife’s period of mourning. Comments across platforms reflect public disappointment in what many view as a failure to put aside personal differences during a time of family crisis.
The incident highlights the broader challenges faced by public figures attempting to navigate personal loss and family obligations in the spotlight. While Mabel has maintained relative privacy regarding her marriage’s dissolution, requesting space to “navigate their new phase,” public interest in their relationship dynamics continues to grow.
The support shown by fellow celebrities and industry figures at the funeral demonstrates the entertainment community’s solidarity during personal crises, even as it underscores the notable gaps left by absent family members. The presence of influential friends and colleagues suggests a strong support network exists beyond immediate family ties.
As this story continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the obligations of separated partners during family crises and the impact of public scrutiny on private grief. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between personal loss, public persona, and family responsibilities in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
