The glamorous world of celebrities often paints an image of wealth, luxury, and success.
However, behind the dazzling lights and red carpets, many celebrities struggle with an unspoken burden—family members and close acquaintances who feel entitled to their wealth and success.
This entitlement mindset is a growing issue, particularly in societies where family support and communal wealth-sharing are ingrained cultural values.
The recent case of Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, highlights this phenomenon and sparks a broader discussion on the pressures celebrities face from their families.
The Case of Asake and His Alleged Father
In a viral video, an elderly man named Fatai Odunsi publicly claimed to be Asake’s father and accused the singer of neglecting him despite battling a stroke since 2022. He alleged that despite numerous attempts to reach his supposed son, he had been ignored.
The video quickly gained traction online, leading to public debates on whether Asake had a moral or financial duty to provide for the man.
In response, Asake took to social media to counter the allegations, expressing his frustration in a cryptic message.
Singing in Yoruba, he stated, “You can’t please everyone, you can’t please the world. But anything you are doing, just do it for God. My own father wants to cajole me, and I have sent so much money to him. I have struggled for so many years, but they want to make life tire me.”
His words suggest a history of financial assistance, yet an ongoing demand for more. This highlights a pattern often seen in the lives of successful individuals—where no amount of giving is deemed sufficient.
The Burden of Family Expectations
In many cultures, especially in Africa, Asia, and parts of Latin America, there is a strong communal belief that one person’s success should uplift the entire family. This is particularly true in cases where a celebrity comes from a humble background.
When someone attains financial success, family members often feel entitled to continuous support, sometimes without considering the sustainability of such generosity.
Celebrities across the globe have spoken about the immense pressure they face from relatives. Nigerian-American singer Davido has often mentioned how he takes care of numerous family members.
American rapper Cardi B once expressed frustration over how friends and family expect constant financial favors. The reality is that many celebrities become the de facto breadwinners for extended families, sometimes leading to financial strain.
When Support Turns into Entitlement
While it is noble for successful individuals to help their families, entitlement becomes an issue when family members expect continuous financial assistance without contributing meaningfully to their own well-being. This entitlement can manifest in various ways:
- Unreasonable Financial Demands: Family members may constantly ask for money, sometimes for non-essential luxuries rather than necessities.
- Public Shaming: As in Asake’s case, when demands are not met, some relatives resort to calling out celebrities publicly, hoping societal pressure will force them to comply.
- Manipulation and Emotional Blackmail: Celebrities often deal with guilt-tripping tactics where family members claim neglect or hardship to extract financial help.
- Lack of Gratitude: No matter how much a celebrity gives, some family members feel it is never enough and constantly demand more.
The Psychological and Financial Toll
Living under constant financial pressure from family members can take a toll on celebrities. Some end up bankrupt due to excessive generosity, while others suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression. The fear of being labeled as stingy or ungrateful can make it difficult for celebrities to set boundaries, leading to a cycle of endless giving at their own expense.
Many stars who failed to set financial boundaries early in their careers ended up losing their wealth.
Former NBA players like Antoine Walker and Allen Iverson lost millions due to reckless spending, often on family and friends.
Nollywood stars have also spoken about how family expectations drained their finances. The truth is, financial responsibility goes beyond giving—it requires sustainability planning.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
To break the cycle of entitlement, celebrities must establish clear financial boundaries. Here are some ways they can manage the expectations of their families:
- Financial Literacy: Teaching family members how to be financially responsible rather than just giving them money.
- Structured Support: Instead of handing out cash, celebrities can create trust funds, invest in family businesses, or provide educational opportunities.
- Saying No: Learning to say no without guilt is crucial in maintaining financial and mental stability.
- Clear Communication: Having open conversations about finances and limitations can help manage expectations.
The case of Asake and his alleged father is just one example of the many pressures celebrities face from their families.
While there is nothing wrong with helping loved ones, entitlement becomes problematic when it turns into a lifelong expectation with no appreciation or effort from the recipients.
The key to resolving this issue lies in setting firm boundaries, promoting financial independence, and fostering a culture where success does not automatically translate into an obligation to carry others indefinitely.
