Teni reveals how her father was assassinated in her presence at a young age
Teniola Apata MON, a popular Nigerian singer recognized as Teni, has opened up about the enduring impact of witnessing her father’s assassination when she was just two years old.
Simeon Apata, Teni’s father, was a retired Nigerian army Brigadier-General who tragically fell victim to gunmen on January 8, 1995, in Lagos.
In a recent conversation with Temisan Emmanuel Ahwieh, also known as Taymesan, on the Tea With Tay podcast, Teni shared insights into her upbringing, stating, “My father was a disciplinarian. He was a soldier and he owned a school; Apata Memorial High School. He was also a big philanthropist.”
Reflecting on the profound impact of her father’s tragic death at a young age, Teni remarked, “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.”
She further explained that her father’s assassination deprived her of having a paternal figure and led to trust issues in her life.
“They [gunmen] came into our house purposely to kill him,” she revealed.
Despite the traumatic experience, Teni emphasized that her father would always remain her hero.
