Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Mercy Aigbe, has revealed that she recently apologised to her daughter, Michelle, over the strict upbringing she gave her as a single mother.

The 47-year-old made this known on Sunday during the premiere of the upcoming film, “My Mother Is a Witch,” in Lagos.

According to Aigbe, the emotional conversation happened just three days earlier, after reflecting on the way she raised Michelle during her early years as a single parent.

“I’ve been a single mother before I got married. For years I was a single mom to Michelle. Three days ago, I had to send an apology text to her for the harsh upbringing I gave her. I said, ‘I am so sorry, you might think the upbringing I gave you was so hard.’ Yes, it was harsh, I can’t lie. But I raised a vessel for God,” she said.

The actress recalled a moment that made her realise the emotional weight her daughter carried.

“One day I was calling her, she didn’t pick my call. I had to call her friend who later called me to call her back. When I called, I said, ‘Michelle, I have been calling but you didn’t pick my call.’ She responded, ‘Mommy, I’m traumatised. I remember you hit a bucket on my head one day.’”

Mercy, who plays the role of a complicated mother in the soon-to-be-released film, draws parallels between the on-screen drama and her real-life parenting journey.

“My Mother Is a Witch”, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and written by Anthill Studios, tells the story of a woman returning from London to face her estranged mother and uncover long-buried family trauma.

Efe Irele, who plays the lead role and also serves as executive producer, stars opposite Mercy Aigbe in the psychological drama, which is slated for nationwide cinema release on May 23.
The movie, set between Benin City and London, also features Timini Egbuson and Neo Akpofure, and focuses on themes of forgiveness, childhood trauma, and healing across generations.