The phrase “my mother is a witch” carries heavy cultural weight. In most Nigerian homes, it’s an accusation steeped in fear and taboo — one that evokes images of malice rather than misunderstanding.
Yet in Niyi Akinmolayan’s My Mother Is A Witch, the expression becomes a lens to examine generational hurt, control, and the complicated ways love can wound.
The film tells the story of Jess (Efe Irele) and her mother Adesuwa (Mercy Aigbe), whose toxic bond is marked by silence, resentment, and misguided affection. Through their volatile relationship, the film invites viewers to question how far love can go before it becomes harmful. It also offers, intentionally or not, a few lessons on parenting — both what to do and what to avoid.
1. Never fake a death to teach a lesson
Even as a prank or a misguided attempt at reconciliation; like Dr. Ayo and Adesuwa’s scheme — faking death is cruel. Death is never a teaching tool. Manipulation disguised as love only deepens emotional wounds.
2. Love isn’t control
A parent’s love should protect, not possess. Adesuwa’s overbearing approach, her sharp words and constant interference may come from care, but it leaves scars. The film reminds us that love without boundaries becomes control.
3. Beware of “tough love”
In many African homes, beatings and harsh words are often justified as discipline. But as My Mother Is a Witch shows, such “tough love” can crush self-worth. True guidance requires empathy, not fear.
4. Listening is an act of love
Reconciliation requires patience and genuine listening. Forgiveness can’t be forced, as Jess and Adesuwa’s story painfully illustrates. Sometimes, the best closure is simply allowing someone to speak and be heard.
5. Friendship strengthens family
Beyond being parent and child, connection thrives on mutual respect. Had Jess and Adesuwa truly seen and understood each other, their relationship might not have fractured so deeply. The film reflects that love and friendship can and should coexist in family.
At its heart, My Mother Is a Witch is less about witchcraft and more about the inherited wounds we pass down. It is both a cautionary tale and an invitation to empathy , one that asks parents and children alike to confront the ways they love, hurt, and heal.
My Mother Is a Witch is currently streaming on Kava TV.
