In a jaw-dropping revelation that has sent shockwaves through Nollywood and beyond, Tracy Okoli, the daughter of veteran Nollywood actor Obi Okoli, has opened up about her deeply fractured relationship with her famous father — and it’s not the story fans were expecting.
In a now-viral video posted to social media, Tracy tearfully revealed that she has only seen her father once in her entire life, and that was when she was just a junior secondary school student.
“I’ve seen my dad only once in my life. That was when I was in JSS1,” Tracy said, her voice trembling. “It hurts. Knowing your father is alive and doing well in the public eye but has never been there for you… it breaks something in you.”
This revelation has ignited a firestorm of debate online, with many Nigerians calling out the double standards of some Nollywood stars who portray loving fathers on-screen but fail to mirror those roles in real life.
Obi Okoli, 72, who hails from Ogboji town in Orumba South LGA, Anambra State, is a household name in Nigerian cinema, having graced screens since the 1980s with roles in hit films such as Explosion, African Gods, and No More War. He is also a respected lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he trains the next generation of actors. But his daughter’s emotional statement has raised serious questions about the man behind the screen legend.
The most painful part? Tracy insists that there has been no effort from him to reconnect, despite her attempts to understand or accept his absence.
“We are like cat and rat,” she added. “It’s a strange feeling when the world praises someone you’re supposed to call ‘dad,’ but you feel like an orphan.”
As expected, the internet has exploded. Social media users have flooded platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), with hashtags such as #ObiOkoli, #AbsentFather, and #TracyOkoliSpeaks trending in Nigeria for hours. The backlash has been swift, with fans expressing disbelief, disappointment, and support for Tracy.
“Is this not the same man who played a protective father in ‘No More War’?” one Twitter user wrote. “Real life and movie roles are clearly miles apart.”
Others defended the actor, suggesting that there may be more to the story — including rumors of a secret relationship between Obi Okoli and Tracy’s mother, which allegedly ended in conflict. However, neither party has confirmed those rumors.
The controversy deepens further with long-circulating rumors that actress Uju Okoli, who is often mistaken as Obi Okoli’s daughter, might in fact not be related to him at all — or may be from a different branch of the family. This confusion over family ties has only added fuel to the public firestorm.
Despite the buzz, Obi Okoli has yet to respond to the allegations or issue any public statement. Sources close to the actor claim he is “aware” of the trending controversy but is choosing to remain silent “for now.”
Whether that silence is a legal strategy, emotional restraint, or simply avoidance remains to be seen.
This isn’t just a family feud gone public — it’s a rare peek behind the glamorous curtain of Nollywood, showing that not even stardom can shield one from the consequences of fractured family ties.
As Nigerians continue to weigh in, many are calling on Obi Okoli to “man up,” take responsibility, and make amends before it’s too late.
Stay tuned as we await further developments in this emotional and unfolding Nollywood saga.
