Veteran Yoruba movie legend Abija has opened up about the most painful tragedy of his life — losing his wife on the very day he thought he was preparing for a joyful Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) celebration.

In an emotional interview on FEELRIGHTNEWS TV (August 22, 2025), Abija recalled leaving home that morning in high spirits. He had given his wife money to prepare food, then left with his manager, Dele, to buy a ram for Sallah. Unknown to him, that would be the last moment he ever saw her alive.

“It still hurts me so much. It pains me very, very much,” the actor said, fighting back tears.

How He Got the Shocking News

On his way to the film location, a messenger had already informed his manager about his wife’s sudden death — but kept it away from him. Abija said he noticed whispers among his colleagues but assumed it was about work. He went ahead with filming and even spent the night, completely unaware his wife had passed away.

The next morning, a friend tricked him into returning home, claiming his wife was critically ill and needed urgent surgery. Abija was angry his manager didn’t handle it — only to realize later it was a setup to break the devastating truth to him.

“A Pain I Still Carry”

The actor confessed that the loss left him broken and remains a wound that has never healed. What was meant to be a festive Ileya feast turned into a memory of sorrow.