Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has been making headlines again—though this time it’s her ex-husband, entrepreneur Lanre Gentry, drawing attention. On his new wife’s recent birthday, he showered praise on her with sweet sentiments on Instagram, but not without a subtle jab aimed at his former wife.
The Birthday Tribute
Gentry posted a warm message for his wife, publicly celebrating her special day:
“Today is my one and only wife’s birthday. I want everyone to help me pray for her because she is a very good friend and sister and mother to me, and I pray to God to protect her always for me. Thanks very much, my wife, and happy birthday to you, my beautiful wife, mummy Maya @busayo_gentry”
Accompanying the caption was a loving photo of the couple—he in a dapper suit, she smiling radiantly in celebratory mode.
Shade in the Celebration?
Though the post was ostensibly positive, some social media users didn’t miss the undertone: the Instagram handle @asiwajulanregentry (highlighting Gentry’s political leanings and past marriage to Aigbe) subtly hinted that “he hasn’t fully moved on.”
And with Gentry still officially tied to a messy divorce from Mercy—which involved claims of domestic violence—his public affection for his new wife raised eyebrows. Digest commentators wondered if the post masked a quieter dig at his ex.
A Tenuous Ex-Romance
Lanre Gentry and Mercy Aigbe, who wed in 2013, officially separated in 2017. The divorce, sparked by allegations of domestic violence, played out publicly—with the couple engaging in heated back-and-forth online and in court.
From 2017 to 2018, they traded barbs on social media, as Gentry denied and later confirmed paternity of their son, Olajuwon. He also welcomed a daughter with his new wife in 2022.
Social Media Reactions
Supporters of Gentry praised him for celebrating a loving relationship and moving forward.
Critics, however, felt the message carried a punch at Aigbe, interpreting it as a calculated move.
Neutral observers expressed concern about using a personal celebration to revisit past marital discord.
Why This Matters
Public Image & Privacy
Gentry’s family-based Instagram tribute reveals how personal life can become a public soap opera—where even heartfelt moments carry hidden subtext.
Healing & Moving On
The post may be a sign of bygones fading as he builds a new family. Yet the shade complicates the narrative—especially given the unresolved issues with Aigbe.
Celebrity Relationships Under Scrutiny
Their saga underlines how celebrity relationships are often magnified by fans and followers—every social media post becomes fodder for analysis.
Final Take
While Lanre Gentry’s birthday tribute to his wife appears heartfelt on the surface, the layers of public perception, divorce drama, and lingering tension add complexity to what should have been a simple celebration. In the world of Nollywood and social media, even a “happy birthday” can become a statement.
