Nigerian rapper and Nollywood actor Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, popularly known as Illbliss or Oga Boss, has shared the emotional story of his journey to fatherhood after an eight-year wait. In a recent interview on the Outside The Box podcast, he revealed the profound challenges he and his wife faced before welcoming their first child.
Eight Years of Waiting
Illbliss described the eight-year period as deeply challenging, noting that life felt incomplete until the arrival of their daughter. He explained that the couple had almost given up hope before the unexpected news arrived.
An Unexpected Hospital Visit
The rapper recounted how the discovery of the pregnancy occurred during a routine hospital visit. His wife had fallen ill and suspected malaria, but tests revealed she was pregnant. The doctor calmly informed them, leaving both parents in shock.
"We ran tests, and the doctor said, 'Yeah, so Madame, you don't have malaria, everything is fine, but you're pregnant.' Whoa. And then I stopped hearing. Everything just went woo in my ear. And then my wife broke down. I broke down as well," Illbliss recalled.
The doctor was surprised by their emotional reaction, unaware of the years of struggle they had endured.
High-Risk Pregnancy and Faith
Following the discovery, the couple focused on ensuring a safe pregnancy, which was considered high-risk due to their age. They eventually traveled abroad for the delivery. Their second child was born during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, arriving prematurely at just 23 weeks.
Doctors advised terminating the pregnancy, but the couple, staunch Catholics, refused. "Doctors told us to flush, get rid of her, and we refused. We're staunch Catholics who believed that God would come through, and God did come through," Illbliss said.
Fatherhood and Family Life
Today, Illbliss describes life with his daughters as full of joy and energy. He shared a recent moment when his younger child resisted going to school after the Eid break, preferring to sleep longer. He said the atmosphere in his home is incredible, filled with love and vibrant energy, making fatherhood the most rewarding chapter of his life.
Reflections on Tribalism and Unity
In other remarks, Illbliss spoke about the importance of Igbos in Lagos State, condemning tribalism and urging Nigerians to embrace unity. He emphasized that non-indigenes have contributed massively to the economic growth of the commercial city through trade.
Illbliss concluded that fatherhood has transformed his life, bringing a new sense of purpose and joy to his household.
