Nollywood veteran Antar Laniyan has captured widespread attention on social media after revealing the extraordinary and emotional story behind how he got his name, a tale that intertwines cultural beliefs, maternal sacrifice, and childhood experiences.
The actor shared the story during an appearance on the show Behind The Fame, where he spoke extensively about his late mother and the remarkable circumstances surrounding his birth. His narrative not only highlights his mother’s resilience but also underscores the deep cultural significance attached to naming and childbirth in Yoruba tradition.
“I Stayed 18 Months in Her Womb” – Actor Reveals
Laniyan explained that, according to his mother, he remained in her womb for an unusually long period of 18 months, far exceeding the normal gestation period. This prolonged delay caused concern among those around his mother, with many speculating that there might have been spiritual complications rather than medical ones.
He noted that the situation drew significant attention and worry from family members and neighbors, who were unsure why the pregnancy was taking so long. This period of uncertainty became a pivotal point that led to a unique intervention rooted in Yoruba traditional beliefs.
His Mother Ate a Creature Called “Anta”
During the interview, Laniyan shared that his mother was advised to consume a creature known in Yoruba as “Anta,” a lizard-like animal believed to help induce labor and resolve spiritual obstacles to childbirth. Trusting the guidance, she agreed, and the dish was carefully prepared for her. Remarkably, within an hour of eating it, Laniyan was born.
This extraordinary event not only marked his entry into the world but also inspired the unusual name that he would carry for life, reflecting both the cultural practice and his mother’s personal sacrifice.
Why She Gave Him the Name
Because of this rare and culturally significant experience, his mother decided to name him after the creature, a decision that carried a deep and symbolic meaning. Laniyan explained that the name serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that mothers endure to bring life into the world, a lesson he proudly shares with others.
He emphasized that many people do not fully appreciate what their mothers go through during pregnancy and childbirth, a process often fraught with challenges that remain unseen by their children until revealed through such personal stories.
How “Anta” Became “Antar”
Laniyan also revealed that the original name underwent a minor change during his early school years. When he began primary school, classmates teased him about his name, prompting him to add the letter “R,” transforming it from “Anta” to “Antar,” the name by which he is widely known today.
He explained in his own words: “There’s a story behind it, and I like telling it at times because I want every individual to know the importance of having a mother: a good mother, a great one. The kind of things that our mother passed through before they gave birth to us individually, we do not know because we were not there. But when a mother goes into telling you how you came to be, you will weep for yourself.
“I overstayed in my mother’s womb; I stayed 18 months, according to her. People around were wondering what was wrong. I mean, something must have gone wrong, not medically. So it could be spiritual. She had to eat something in Yoruba called Anta. It looks like a lizard, smaller than a crocodile. So my mother didn’t see anything wrong with adding that thing to my name. She had to take it. They had to prepare it for her. She took it. An hour later, I came. When I got to primary school and my friends were playing with the name, I added an R to make it Antar.”
Fans React to Viral Video
The video of Antar Laniyan sharing this unusual and touching story quickly went viral, sparking a wave of discussions and reactions online. While many fans praised the actor for honoring his mother’s incredible sacrifice, others expressed surprise and fascination at the unusual circumstances surrounding his birth and the cultural practices involved.
Viewers noted the story as a testament to the lengths mothers go to ensure the safe delivery of their children, while also highlighting the way cultural beliefs can shape personal identity and naming conventions.
See the video below for the full story;