Nollywood Star Faithia Williams Buries Mother in Emotional Lagos Ceremony
Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Faithia Williams, popularly known as Faithia Balogun, has laid her mother to rest in a deeply emotional private ceremony at Ebony Vaults, Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos. The burial took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, following the passing of Mrs Gloria Uzoamaka Williams Ikperha at age 78 on February 4.
A Sorrowful Farewell
The ceremony was strictly by invitation, as previously announced by the actress on social media. Faithia Williams broke down in tears multiple times during the burial proceedings, with her ex-husband, actor Saidi Balogun, standing by her side throughout the sorrowful event. Family members and colleagues provided constant support as the actress struggled to contain her emotions.
Mrs Ikperha's passing occurred just one day before Faithia Williams celebrated her 55th birthday, adding to the emotional weight of the occasion. The actress had first announced her mother's death on February 9, followed by burial arrangement details on March 2.
Celebrity Support and Mourning
The burial drew numerous Nollywood colleagues who came to pay their respects, including Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Ireti Osayemi, Bimbo Thomas, Bimbo Oshin, and Toyosi Adesanya. Mourners dressed in white accompanied the casket in solemn rites as Faithia Williams and her siblings paid their final respects to their mother.
A wake-keep service held on Friday, March 6, saw the actress breaking down in tears as her sons consoled her. Videos circulating online captured the emotional moments at the graveside, where Faithia Williams wept uncontrollably as her mother's body was lowered into the ground.
Netizens Offer Condolences
Social media reactions poured in following the burial, with netizens expressing sympathy for the grieving actress. One user commented, "My Condolences.. May Her Soul Rest In Peace..." while another wrote, "The pain is always an everlasting one. God should continue to shield us."
Another netizen reflected on the difficulty of losing a mother, stating, "It's not easy to lose one's mom." The outpouring of support highlighted the actress's standing within both the entertainment industry and among her fans.
The private ceremony maintained its intimate nature despite the presence of notable industry figures, focusing on family mourning and final respects for Mrs Gloria Uzoamaka Williams Ikperha, who was laid to rest surrounded by loved ones in Lagos.
