“It’s painful that you didn’t live to enjoy the fruits of your labour” – Ayo Olaiya pays emotional tribute to his late mother 26 years after her death.

Nollywood actor Ayo Olaiya has emotionally remembered his late mother as he marked the 26th anniversary of her passing.

Taking to his Instagram page, the Yoruba actor shared a heartfelt tribute, expressing how much he still misses his mother's love, care, guidance, encouragement, motivation, and prayers. He said it feels like only yesterday that she passed away, even though it has now been 26 years.

Reflecting on his early years, Olaiya recalled working as a bakery clerk before his mother's death. He thanked God for giving him the opportunity to support her in his own little way with the small income he earned at the time.

The actor expressed sadness that his mother did not live long enough to enjoy the rewards of her sacrifices and hard work in raising her children. He described the reality as one of the greatest pains he still carries.

Ayo Olaiya also shared the deep bond he had with his mother, saying that if he had the chance to come into the world a million times, he would always choose her to be his mother. He praised her as a loving and devoted parent and affectionately called her by the names she was known by within the family.

Concluding his emotional message, the actor prayed for his mother's peaceful rest and honoured her memory with love and gratitude. His touching tribute has since drawn heartfelt reactions from fans, friends, and colleagues, many of whom offered prayers and words of comfort as he remembered his beloved mother 26 years after her passing.