By Akinsuroju Abiodun Olubunmi
Tragic Revelation: Singer Teni Recounts Father’s Assassination and Its Lasting Impact
Renowned Nigerian singer, Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has opened up about the devastating loss of her father, Brigadier-General Simeon Apata, a retired Nigerian Army officer. He was tragically assassinated by unknown assailants in Lagos on January 8, 1995.
During a candid conversation on the latest episode of the “Tea With Tay” podcast, hosted by actor Temisan Emmanuel Ahwieh (Taymesan), Teni revealed the heart-wrenching memory of witnessing her father’s assassination at the tender age of two.
Teni fondly remembered her late father as a highly respected soldier who played a pivotal role in safeguarding their community from criminal elements. Beyond his military service, he was also the proprietor of Apata Memorial High School, known for his philanthropic efforts.“Teni: My father was a disciplinarian. He was a soldier and he owned a school; Apata Memorial High School. He was also a big philanthropist.
“Teni:Growing up with my father passing at such a young age, the trauma of losing my father at a young age affected me. You know, him being assassinated in the presence of all of us and all that stuff. I was 2 at the time.
“Him passing away robbed me as a child of having a father figure. It sort of made me have trust issues growing up. Because they [gunmen] came into our house purposely to kill him.”
Despite the profound loss, Teni emphasized that her father would forever remain the person she looked up to the most.