It Was a Mixed Feeling Apologising to Laura, Says Carolyna Hutchings

Vanessa Obioha

In the second episode of The Real Housewives of Lagos Season 3, Carolyna Hutchings, who had a well-publicized feud with Laura Ikeji-Kanu (sister to popular blogger Linda Ikeji), offered a long-awaited apology during Mariam’s tea party for the ladies. The pair’s altercation initially grabbed public attention during the show’s debut in 2022, eventually leading to Carolyna’s exit. Their fallout stemmed from past posts by the blogger about Carolyna, with heated exchanges occurring on the show.

Since Carolyna’s return in the third season, fans have been eager to see how her relationship with Laura would evolve.

In a recent chat with THISDAY, Carolyna described her decision to apologise as “a mixed feeling.”

“I’m not gonna lie, it was a mixed feeling for me in the sense that I know that I needed an apology, not just for me but for my daughter as well,” she explained. “At no point in time did I mention her sister’s name, Linda on the show. It was Laura who first mentioned her name. I now have to start talking about my innocent daughter, Laura didn’t even show any empathy towards her afterwards. And there were a lot of talks.”

However, Carolyna acknowledged her decision to take responsibility for her actions, regardless of the situation.

“I know a lot of people would ask why I did that because I also deserve an apology. But that is why I’m Carolyna, I will always do things that I think are right,” she said. “It was a mixed feeling when I got to Mariam’s place, but I knew that I needed to apologise for what I said to her. So I’m happy that I did that.”

The episode also featured a touching scene with Carolyna and her daughter. Known for being protective of her family, she wanted to reveal a more personal side of herself but noted that it would be the only scene involving her daughter on the show.

“I don’t want my children to be in the media space until they are ready and the decision would be solely theirs. I would not put them in the media space when they are yet to understand and manage it.

When asked about her decision to return to The Real Housewives of Lagos series, Carolyna admitted that many advised against it, though she also received support from fans—both women and men—who admired her courage.

“They said I taught them to stand up for themselves, that I gave them hope and that I was real. Even though I had my moments, they were able to relate with me.”

She further reflected on a conversation with fashion designer Toyin Lawani, after the two reconciled.

“After I had settled with Toyin Lawani, she called me up for a meeting; that was when she was styling me for the AMVCA. And she said ‘Carolyna, you are one person that is so conscious of what people are saying about you, forgetting the fact that you are such an amazing woman. You have a lot of people looking up to you and getting inspiration from you. Do not aim your life for anyone. Those who don’t like you will be fine but there are a whole lot of people that want to be associated with you. Don’t hide in the shadows. Come out and shine.’”

“And that was just what I needed. Me coming back (on the show) is not for fame; it’s because there are quite a lot of people who are inspired by who I am, and I’m just being myself, really,” she concluded.