Nigerian actor Olaniyi Afonja, popularly known as Sanyeri, has revealed the intense strain his acting career placed on his relationship with his parents, admitting he now wishes he had pursued further education.
In a recent interview, Sanyeri recounted how his passion for acting often conflicted with his parents’ vision for his future. They believed formal education was the key to success and strongly opposed his involvement in the entertainment industry.
The actor shared that whenever his parents discovered he was on a movie set or attending rehearsals instead of being in school, the punishment was severe.
“There was a day Iya Niyi [my mother] came with a cane to beat me on stage,” he recalled. “My hands and legs were tied during a performance in front of the audience and my fans.”
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Despite the public embarrassment and parental pressure, Sanyeri said he could not abandon the craft that brought him fulfillment. Ultimately, he ran away from home to live with his employer at the time, pursuing his passion.
Prompt News reports reflecting on his journey, he admitted the personal cost of his choices: “I regret not furthering my education,” he said, acknowledging that his parents only wanted to protect him and ensure a stable future.
