Nollywood actor Antar Laniyan has shared a remarkable personal story. He recently disclosed his unusual birth experience. Laniyan stated he remained in his mother’s womb for a staggering 18 months. This prolonged pregnancy required an extraordinary solution to induce labour.
During an interview on ‘Behind The Fame,’ the veteran actor recounted the details. His mother received unusual advice. She was told to consume a ‘lizard-like creature.’ This creature is known locally as ‘Anta.’ The aim was to facilitate his birth.
Laniyan explained the concerns surrounding his extended gestation. Many believed it was not a medical issue. Instead, they suspected a spiritual problem. His mother followed the unconventional advice. She consumed the prepared ‘Anta’ dish. Remarkably, Laniyan was born just one hour later.
As a tribute to this incredible ordeal, she named him ‘Antar.’ Laniyan proudly shares this name today. It serves to highlight the immense sacrifices his mother made for him.
Laniyan also shared another detail about his name. His original name faced teasing in primary school. Classmates often made fun of it. Consequently, he altered it slightly.
The Story Behind His Name
Speaking further, Laniyan emphasized the importance of his story. “There’s a story behind it,” he stated. “I like telling it. I want every individual to know a mother’s importance. Especially a good, great mother.”
He continued, “We often do not know our mothers’ struggles. These are the struggles they faced before our birth. We were not present to witness them. But when a mother shares your origin story, it can bring tears to your eyes.”
Laniyan detailed his prolonged gestation. “I overstayed in my mother’s womb,” he recalled. “I stayed 18 months, she told me. People around wondered what was wrong. It wasn’t medical, they thought. It must be spiritual.” He added, “She had to eat something. In Yoruba, it’s called Anta. It looks like a lizard. It is smaller than a crocodile.”
He concluded, “My mother saw no issue adding that creature’s name to mine. She had to consume it. They prepared it specifically for her. She took it. An hour later, I was born.” He explained the name change: “In primary school, friends teased the name. So, I simply added an ‘R’ to make it Antar.”
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