She Was Buried in a Coca-Cola Tray”: Ibrahim Chatta Recounts Losing First Child to Poverty

In a deeply emotional revelation that has left fans heartbroken, veteran Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta has shared a haunting story from his past—the death of his first daughter due to an inability to afford hospital care.  Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The 54-year-old actor, known for his gripping performances and raw authenticity, opened up during an interview with Abiola Orisile of Events & Parties TV, revealing that his daughter died in a hospital while he trekked across Lagos in search of help.

🚶🏽‍♂️ “I Trekked From Ijora to Makoko… But It Was Too Late”

Recounting the tragic event, Chatta described walking endlessly—from Ijora-Badia to Orile, Lawanson, Costain, and Makoko—the same routes he once walked selling puff-puff as a young hustler.

“I didn’t get the money until the child died,” he said, choking back tears.

In one of the most heartbreaking details of the interview, Chatta revealed that he was so broke at the time, he couldn’t even afford a coffin.

“They buried her with the wooden Coca-Cola tray,” he said.

🕊️ A Story He Never Told Until Dubai

For years, the actor said he kept the story to himself, carrying the grief in silence. It wasn’t until a trip to Dubai, while gifting his daughter a diamond anklet, that he finally opened up to his partner.

“Her mother felt somehow and said she wasn’t the one who gave birth to the child. I told her I had a female child before and explained how she died. They all cried,” he revealed.

👨‍👧‍👦 Now a Father of Three – and Hoping for More

Today, Ibrahim Chatta is a father of three, and despite the pain of his past, he radiates gratitude for the joy his children bring.

“I love all my children. God gave me three. But I want more children,” he said with a smile.

🎭 From Puff-Puff Seller to Nollywood Legend

This deeply personal story adds another layer to the legacy of Ibrahim Chatta, who rose from the slums of Ijora-Badia to become one of Nigeria’s most respected Yoruba actors. From hawking puff-puff to starring in blockbusters like Ayinla, Chatta’s journey is a powerful reminder of pain, perseverance, and purpose.

💬 Fans React:

Social media has erupted with support and tears for Chatta:

@sade_speaks: “This broke me. May God bless every struggling parent out there.”
@theYorubaLens: “Ibrahim Chatta deserves more accolades. A national treasure.”
@amaka_grace: “Sometimes celebrities carry pain we can’t imagine. Respect, sir.”

📢 Final Thoughts

Chatta’s story is not just one of loss—it’s a mirror to the reality many Nigerians face daily: the cruel cost of poverty in a country where basic healthcare is still out of reach for many.

His transparency may be painful, but it also brings healing, empathy, and strength to thousands who see their own struggles reflected in his.