Why I Regret Strained Relationship With My Late Dad – Actor
Popular Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has opened up about one of the most painful regrets of his life — the strained relationship he shared with his late father, Samuel Oyindobra Egbuson, and the missed opportunity to heal it before death struck.
The Bayelsa State-born actor, widely admired for his versatility and charming lover-boy roles in Nollywood, lost his father in January at the age of 78 in Texas, United States. But beyond the grief of loss, Timini says what haunts him most is the fact that reconciliation never happened.
Speaking on the JayOnAir podcast, the 38-year-old filmmaker and actor described the shocking turn of events that marked the beginning of his year. According to him, 2025 had been an exceptionally successful year, and he entered 2026 full of optimism and plans — including one very personal goal: rebuilding his relationship with his father.
“It was a fantastic year of 2025. I was very optimistic about 2026,” he said.
“But then on the first of January, I found out that I lost my dad. The positive energy went down. I then used the next few days to recuperate. And I am currently still dealing with it.”
Timini revealed that although his father had been ill, the family remained hopeful, which made the loss even more devastating. The shock was compounded by unresolved emotional distance between them.
“We did not have the best of a relationship,” he admitted. “That was one of the things that I wanted to really work on in 2026.”
The actor, who is also the younger brother of celebrated actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande, said the grief he feels is unlike anything he has experienced before, describing it as deeply consuming and confusing.
“He was sick. But we were hopeful. Honestly, I have never really had to deal with this type of grief before, as I do not think any real close family member has died,” he said.
“And it is actually worse for me because I did not have the best relationship.”
Adding to the emotional burden is the harsh reality of public life and celebrity expectations. Despite mourning, Timini had to return almost immediately to work, promoting movies and appearing cheerful in public.
“What was crazier was that you had to go straight to work. That is one of the things that life teaches you. Life goes on,” he said.
“I have my movie, which I am trying to promote. I need to make happy videos. Meanwhile, I am really burning inside of me.”
Reflecting on what went wrong, Timini pointed to his demanding 2025 work schedule, admitting that his career became his priority at the expense of family presence.
“I had the opportunities. But last year, I was so swamped with work. I prioritised work so much that I should have been more available. I guess I have to deal with that,” he added.
Now, the actor says he is left with the painful reality of unspoken words, unresolved emotions, and a reconciliation that will never happen — a deeply human story behind the fame, spotlight, and success.
