Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo recently shared heartfelt insights about his relationship with his 18-year-old daughter, Aliyah, and the ways he supports her choices. During an interview with VJ Adams, Ninalowo discussed how he navigates parenting while also respecting his daughter’s growing independence. One particular moment he reflected on was when Aliyah expressed her desire to get a body piercing, a decision that sparked a deeper conversation between father and daughter.
Ninalowo explained that Aliyah initially asked to have her tongue pierced, a request that made him feel uneasy. “She wanted to pierce her tongue, and I wasn’t comfortable with that,” he admitted. He explained that his hesitation came from concern for her well-being, as he wasn’t sure about the potential risks associated with tongue piercings, which can be more difficult to reverse than other types of body modifications.
However, Ninalowo’s approach to parenting seems to lean towards understanding and compromise. When Aliyah shifted her request to a navel piercing instead, the actor agreed. “She asked to pierce her navel, and I was okay with that because a navel ring can be easily taken out if she changes her mind,” he said. His decision to allow the piercing was motivated by his desire to bond with his daughter and support her autonomy as she navigates her teenage years.
Reflecting on his own youth, Ninalowo recalled how different his relationship with his father was. He explained that, unlike his daughter, he did not feel comfortable discussing personal matters with his father. “I never had the courage to tell my dad I wanted to grow a beard, let alone talk about other things,” he remarked. This comparison highlighted the generational shift in how he relates to his own child, where open communication and mutual respect seem to be key components of their bond.
Ninalowo also mentioned that Aliyah’s desire for a tongue piercing was influenced by her friends, many of whom had already pierced their tongues. “I knew her friends had pierced their tongues, and that’s why she wanted to do it,” he explained. Despite his reservations about the tongue piercing, Ninalowo’s decision to eventually support her request for a navel piercing illustrates his desire to strike a balance between being a protective father and a supportive one.
To make the experience special, Ninalowo went beyond simply giving his approval. He took Aliyah to the piercing studio himself and covered the cost, further demonstrating his commitment to being present in her life. “I drove her to the place and paid for it,” he said, emphasizing that this was an opportunity for them to bond over a moment that was meaningful to her.
