Popular blogger Linda Ikeji has explained why her son, Jayce, will continue to bear her surname instead of his father's. Ikeji stated that this has been the case since the birth of her now six-year-old son and that he is free to change his surname when he grows up.
Ikeji shared this on her Instagram on Tuesday while praising her son’s cousin, Ryan Kanu, describing him as “the best little human ever!”
"Jayce Ikeji and Ryan Kanu take Disney/Marvel Paris. Cousins, best friends, and literally growing up together as brothers. Their love for each other is incredible, and when they can help it, are inseparable! Ryan is literally the best little human ever! They’ve been on a few vacations together in the past, but this is the first one they will remember as they are nearly 6 and 7 now," she wrote.
Some netizens have criticized her decision to keep her surname for her son, arguing it goes against African culture. One user, Foluke676, commented, “Which one is Jayce Ikeji again, na your papa you born for ni, Linda?”
Another user, dralwaysrozy, asked, “Why would you give your son your own father’s name, Biko?” Tozz162 added, “It’s okay to be foolish but coming online to let the world know about your descending behavior is something you really need to check with yourself, Madam. Bet me this pikin go find him papa one day! I’m glad we all live in the internet age where finding information is at the tip of your finger.”
Houseofeveryevery suggested, “Kuku change Ryan to Ikeji as well.”
In response, Ikeji clarified, "Just to be clear. I’ve NEVER ever had to change my son’s surname. He’s been an Ikeji right from when he was born! Where do I have the time or patience to be changing names? Changing or keeping his surname (Ikeji) will be up to him when he is of age. Food for my junior colleagues.”
Ikeji gave birth to Jayce in an Atlanta hospital in Georgia, United States, in 2018. Although there were reports that oil magnate Sholaye Jeremi is the father of her son, Ikeji confirmed that her relationship with him is over.
