Why I Was Chased Away From My Father’s House At A Young Age – Jim Iyke Opens Up

Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke has narrated how his father chased him from his home over his decision to become an actor.

The award-winning actor made this known on the latest episode of the Is This Seat Taken podcast, hosted by actress Chinasa Anukam where he disclosed that his dad wanted him to continue his education after he got his first degree at 18.

Jim revealed that his late mother supported his decision to join the film industry, stressing that she gave him the opportunity to realize himself.

He said:“I was a straight A student. And the course was already, I mean, you know the Igbo parent, they decide your life before you are born and probably after you die if they outlive you,” he began.

“I was about 18 and a half when I finished my first degree. The idea was, ‘Get your MBA.’ That was the whole plan. My dad’s boss is American, so he already had a setup. And I came home one day and said, ‘I think I really want to be an actor.’”

Jim explained further, “Now, my dad’s fair argument then was that I’m excruciatingly shy. Now, how come you come out? A well-known introvert comes out to say, ‘You want to be an actor?’ But I think there was something—you know, call it female intuition or whatever. She (my mum) just believed, even before I did. I just saw a glimpse of something that made me believe this is what I wanted to do, but it wasn’t hard-formed. 

“There was no core to it. There was no master plan. There was no road map. It was just a simple conviction. But she believed before I did. And I think that is what makes mothers as unique as they are.

“She started supporting. It became unbearable to stay at home. So much so that one day, my dad woke up and said, ‘Listen, there can’t be two captains on this ship. You either go get this master’s going as quickly as possible. Take one year, go do whatever nonsense you want to do, come back, and then we set the course again or you leave my house.’ So I left.”

In June 2022, Jim debunked the rumour that he had converted to Islam after photos of him in a Muslim outfit circulated on social media.