Former Big Brother Naija housemate and performance artist, Chibuzor Iyele, popularly known as Hermes, has shared a deeply emotional account of his early life, revealing the painful experiences he endured while growing up without his mother.
In an eye-opening and heartfelt conversation on the show WithChude, Hermes opened up about the emotional weight of being raised by his father after his mother chose to walk away from the family during their most difficult time. He recalled the moment when their lives changed drastically after his father lost his job, forcing them to move from a stable home into an uncompleted building.
“When things got bad, we moved into an uncompleted building. My mum didn’t want to come with us, so she left that night and didn’t return for seven years,” Hermes recounted. His voice filled with emotion as he described how that night marked the beginning of a long and lonely chapter in his life, one filled with confusion, pain, and eventual acceptance.
He further revealed that his father, who was once employed by UNICEF, faced serious financial hardship after losing his job. Despite these challenges, Hermes said his father remained a pillar of strength and love, raising the children on his own and never letting them feel abandoned or unloved.
“My dad raised us with love, and that’s why I still have love for my mum today. Their marriage wasn’t happy, and maybe she just did what she had to do,” Hermes said, expressing understanding for his mother’s decision even after years of emotional absence.
The story struck a chord with many of his fans, especially those who followed his journey during his time on Big Brother Naija. Hermes won the hearts of viewers not only for his unique personality and artistic expressions but also for the visible care and dedication he showed towards his mother with special needs when she later re-entered his life.
Tragically, Hermes lost his mother in 2024, a painful loss that brought his life full circle—from childhood abandonment to adult caregiving and eventual farewell. Through it all, he has remained open about his story, using it as a platform to inspire others facing similar challenges.
Watch the emotional video below as Hermes shares his journey...