Veteran Nigerian actress and producer, Kudirat Abeniade, widely known by her stage name Mama No Network, recently opened up about the painful journey she endured following her divorce from fellow actor and filmmaker, Baba Lanko.
In an exclusive interview with fellow Nollywood actress Biola Bayo, Mama No Network shared candid details about how her professional and personal life took a downward spiral after her marriage ended. Her revelations included not only professional sabotage but also the emotional and physical toll she faced during her battle with infertility.
Mama No Network and Baba Lanko, once a powerful duo in the Yoruba Nollywood industry, initially worked together to create several popular films. The two were known for their dynamic on-screen chemistry, often co-starring in films and working closely behind the scenes as well. Their partnership, both personal and professional, appeared to be solid, with both working towards building a successful career in Nollywood.
“We produced so many films together. We started with nothing, but with hard work and commitment, we were able to create a name for ourselves in the industry,” she said during the interview.
However, their union began to crumble as fame and success came knocking. According to Mama No Network, the troubles started when Baba Lanko sought to marry another woman. The actress recounted how this development created a rift in their relationship, which eventually led to their separation.
Following their divorce, Mama No Network revealed that Baba Lanko took drastic steps to hinder her career in Nollywood. She explained that her ex-husband went as far as blocking her from appearing in films they had once worked on together. In a shocking revelation, she shared that Baba explicitly instructed producers not to feature her in the same projects as him, thus affecting her acting opportunities.
“After we parted ways, he told producers not to feature me in the same projects as him. It was a very difficult time for me. I had worked so hard, only to be sidelined because of personal issues,” she recounted.
This deliberate attempt to sabotage her career placed immense pressure on Mama No Network, forcing her to navigate the Nollywood industry with fewer opportunities. Despite the challenges, she kept her head high, waiting for a time when things would turn around.
Interestingly, years after their split, Mama No Network shared that Baba now hires her for movie roles. She sees this as a testimony to her perseverance and believes that divine intervention played a role in her eventual comeback. “Today, he now uses his money to call me for movie roles, and I give glory to God,” she added.
In addition to the career struggles, Mama No Network also opened up about her painful battle with infertility during her marriage. She revealed that in her quest to conceive, she resorted to extreme and dangerous measures, some of which included drinking kerosene, a decision she admitted affected her health.
“I went through hell trying to have a child. I was given kerosene to drink at one point because we were so desperate. It led to my stomach becoming bloated, and I went through a lot physically and emotionally,” she lamented.
Her struggle with infertility was not only a personal pain but also a strain on her marriage. She explained that Baba Lanko stopped coming home, leaving her to grapple with the emotional weight of their fractured relationship and her desire to have a child.
Despite the harsh reality of her experiences, After years of battling with infertility and even giving up hope, she finally conceived naturally, a miracle she attributes to divine intervention. “When I finally gave up hope, God answered my prayers, and the pregnancy came naturally,” she joyfully recalled.
The actress’ life took a positive turn when she found love again. In May 2023, she remarried, this time to a younger partner, a decision that brought happiness and stability back into her life. Her new marriage has been a source of encouragement, and she remains hopeful for a bright future both personally and professionally.
Mama No Network: A Nollywood Veteran
She is well-regarded in the Yoruba Nollywood film industry, and over the years, she has featured in several popular films that have earned her a large following. Some of her notable films include Aye Ajifa, Iya Meta, Omo Oloja, and Afopina among others. Her role in these films established her as a household name, particularly in Yoruba-language cinema, where she brought humor and depth to her characters.
Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains a respected figure in the industry, with her talent and dedication continuing to shine through her work. Her story is one of resilience and perseverance, a testament to her strength and ability to bounce back even in the face of adversity.
As a veteran actress, her contributions to Nollywood, particularly Yoruba cinema, cannot be overlooked. Her comic roles have endeared her to audiences, while her ability to transition into more dramatic roles has demonstrated her versatility as an actress.
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