By Omotayo Edubi
Dieko Afolayan, son of renowned Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, has attracted mixed reactions on social media after sharing stylish photographs to celebrate his 21st birthday, with his blonde hairstyle and fashion choices drawing attention from fans and critics.
Related: Kunle Afolayan on the Nigerian film industry
The young influencer marked his birthday on Friday, November 6, 2026, with studio photographs in which he appeared in a fitted black suit, blonde hairstyle, necklaces, bracelets and other accessories.
Key Highlights
- Dieko Afolayan celebrates his 21st birthday with a striking blonde photoshoot.
- The photographs spark mixed reactions on X, with some users praising his appearance and others making critical remarks.
- His birthday celebration renews discussions about his fashion choices and self-expression.
- Dieko previously faced online criticism following his appearance at the premiere of his father’s movie, Recall, in March 2025.
- The influencer has described himself as ambitious, hardworking and determined to establish his identity.
- He is a fashion model, content creator and founder of ITGlow, a mental wellness platform.
Dieko Afolayan’s Blonde Birthday Photoshoot Sparks Online Reactions
The birthday photographs, taken against a neutral studio background, showcased Dieko’s fashion sense as he struck different poses while displaying his new look.
His appearance quickly generated conversations on X, formerly Twitter, where users expressed contrasting opinions about his hairstyle, clothing and overall presentation.
While some praised the photographs and described him as beautiful, others made humorous comments and revisited discussions surrounding his unconventional style.
One X user, identified as @Ooluwabusolaa, wrote: “I for talk wetin dey my mind but Xmas is near I don’t want to wear blue uniform instead of aso odun.”
Another user, Paul Bushman (@Paul_Bush_man), commented: “This life just funny. Papa go one side dey hustle, earn a good reputation, keep traditional ideals, focus on promoting Yoruba heritage. Pikin go dey another side dey adopt western shenanigans, misappropriate gender in a very colourful setting.”
Similarly, King Savage (@King_Sa_vage1) reacted with the brief comment: “Juicy settings.”
The reactions have once again placed Dieko’s personal style and public image at the centre of social media conversations.
Dieko Afolayan’s Previous Experience With Online Criticism
The birthday celebration has also renewed attention to Dieko’s previous experiences with social media criticism, particularly over his appearance, fashion choices and mannerisms.
In March 2025, the young influencer attracted widespread attention after videos of him at the premiere of his father’s movie, Recall, circulated online.
Some social media users criticised his appearance and movements at the event, while others condemned the remarks directed at him.
A user identified as @anythingmimi defended him, writing: “It’s disturbing how Dieko Afolayan gets dragged for his body type. Like y’all cyberbullied him to the point he’s trying his hardest not to stand a particular way in that video. Like grow up and leave the boy alone.”
Another user, @PreciousJudge5, also expressed support, writing: “Dieko Afolayan is so fine. That’s why y’all be hating.”
Similarly, @CavyJessy criticised those who questioned his self-expression, writing: “You know what? People like Dieko are so comfortable in their femininity. If una like, knack head for wall, nothing dey happen.”
The comments reflected divided opinions, with some social media users defending his freedom to express himself while others continued to question his style.
Dieko Speaks on Identity, Self-Expression and Personal Ambitions
Dieko had previously addressed the criticism in April 2025, describing himself as an ambitious, hardworking and self-aware individual determined to establish his own identity.
He explained that although he came from a family of stars, he was also trying to find himself in a society where people were often expected to conform to certain standards.
“I come from a line of stars, but I am also an individual trying to find myself in a world of chaos, in a world of not being accepted, being made to conform to society’s measures of what they expect of me. It is annoying,” he said.
He also described himself as an influencer, content creator and entrepreneur, adding that he hoped to become a role model to both boys and girls.
His comments highlighted his desire to build an identity beyond his family background and pursue his personal ambitions despite public scrutiny.
Who Is Dieko Afolayan?
Dieko is the son of filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and is building his own identity beyond his father’s reputation in the Nigerian movie industry.
He is a fashion model, lifestyle and wellness content creator, as well as the founder of ITGlow, a platform focused on mental wellness. His professional profile also identifies him as a student of Pan-Atlantic University.
His father, Kunle Afolayan, is one of Nollywood’s recognised filmmakers, known for productions including The Figurine, October 1, The CEO, Citation and Anikulapo.
Kunle Afolayan has built a reputation through films that have attracted attention both within Nigeria and internationally.
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Dieko’s 21st Birthday Puts Personal Style Back in the Spotlight
Dieko’s latest birthday photographs have once again generated conversations about fashion, individuality and public expectations surrounding the children of celebrities.
While some social media users have praised his appearance and confidence, others have continued to express reservations about his fashion choices. The contrasting reactions reflect the scrutiny often faced by celebrity children as they establish their own public identities.
For Dieko, the birthday celebration has provided another opportunity to showcase his personal style and mark a new chapter in his life, even as conversations about his self-expression continue online.
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