Antar Laniyan Shares Emotional Story Behind His Unique Name

Nollywood veteran Antar Laniyan has sparked widespread conversation online after revealing the extraordinary and deeply personal story behind his name. The actor shared the account during an appearance on Behind The Fame, where he reflected on his late mother and the unusual events surrounding his birth.

“I Stayed 18 Months in Her Womb”

Laniyan disclosed that, according to his mother, he remained in her womb for an astonishing 18 months—far beyond the typical pregnancy duration. The prolonged delay reportedly caused concern among those around her, who began to suspect that the issue was more spiritual than medical.

His Mother Was Advised to Eat a Creature Called Anta

During the interview, the actor explained that his mother was advised to eat a creature known in Yoruba culture as Anta—a reptile similar to a lizard and believed to help induce labor. Trusting the advice, she ate the prepared dish, and within an hour, she went into labor and gave birth to him.

The Origin of His Name

Because of the unusual circumstances that surrounded his birth, Laniyan’s mother chose to name him after the creature, believing the experience held significant meaning. He noted that the name carries a powerful story of sacrifice, one he shares to emphasize the invaluable roles that mothers play.

According to Laniyan, many people are unaware of the challenges their mothers endure during pregnancy and childbirth, and he hopes his story encourages greater appreciation for maternal sacrifice.

How “Anta” Became “Antar”

The actor added that the original name, Anta, evolved once he began primary school. After enduring teasing from classmates, he modified it by adding the letter R, resulting in the name Antar—the version he is known by today.

In his words:

“There’s a story behind it, and I like telling it because I want everyone to understand the importance of having a good mother. The things our mothers go through before giving birth to us—we don’t know because we weren’t there. When a mother tells 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 wondered what was wrong, as it didn’t seem medical. It could have been spiritual. She had to eat something in Yoruba called Anta. It looks like a lizard, smaller than a crocodile. She took it, and an hour later, I was born. When I got to primary school and my friends teased me, I added an ‘R’ to make it Antar.”

Reactions to the Viral Video

The actor’s emotional revelation has generated widespread reactions online. While many fans praised him for honoring his mother’s resilience and sacrifice, others were stunned by the unusual events leading up to his birth. The story continues to generate conversations across social media platforms.

Source:Gistreel