Celebrated Nigerian special effects artist Hakeem Onilogbo, popularly known as Hakeem Effect, has opened up about the painful journey he and his wife endured due to fertility challenges — and how public pressure, stigma, and hurtful accusations made the experience even more difficult.
In a revealing conversation with actress Biola Bayo on her show Talk to B, Hakeem shared that people around them, including some of his own employees, were approached and urged to pressure his wife to conceive. Over time, the public scrutiny turned ugly.
“People would say, ‘Tell your boss’s wife to go and conceive. A woman’s pride in marriage is her children, not following him around,’” Hakeem recounted.
“They started calling her my mother. Others went as far as accusing me of using her womb for rituals because my life improved after we got married.”
Despite the emotional toll, the couple remained strong. Eventually, they turned to surrogacy, and in a surprising turn of events, his wife became pregnant naturally when their surrogate was already six months along.
“God Gave Me the Best”
Reflecting on his personal life, Hakeem shared that he was previously in a nearly 10-year relationship but never married his ex-partner. While he described her as “a good and better wife,” he referred to his current wife as “the best,” crediting her for much of his peace and success.
“There is a saying that behind every successful man is a woman. My ex-wife was good, but God gave me the best.”
How Murphy Afolabi Changed His Life
Hakeem also paid tribute to the late Nollywood actor Murphy Afolabi, who helped introduce him to the film industry and gave him the nickname “Hakeem Effect,” which would go on to define his brand.
A Shocking Encounter
In another part of the interview, Hakeem shared a disturbing experience while working on a project. He revealed that during a professional visit, an elderly man made inappropriate sexual advances toward him.
“We were taken to a place, and one old man suddenly put me on his lap and started kissing me. He said, ‘Can I take it from the back?’” Hakeem recounted, visibly shaken.
While the experience was deeply troubling, Hakeem continues to stand tall in his profession, with resilience shaped by both personal and professional trials.
