“Why My Mother Named Me After a ‘Lizard’” – Veteran Actor Antar Laniyan Reveals the Whimsical Cultural Story Behind His Unique Name in Exclusive Interview

 Nollywood icon and thespian Antar Laniyan has captivated audiences once again, this time not with a dramatic script or on-screen charisma, but with a deeply personal and humorous anecdote about the origins of his unconventional name. In a candid interview aired on Cool FM Lagos on December 6, the 70-year-old actor, producer, and broadcaster shared the charming tale of why his mother chose to name him after a "lizard," shedding light on the playful yet profound cultural traditions that shaped his identity.

Laniyan, best known for his commanding roles in classics like Living in Bondage and Wale Adenuga's Super Story, recounted the story with infectious laughter: "My mother named me Antar because, in our Yoruba culture, names carry stories, omens, and a bit of mischief. She saw a lizard scurrying across the compound the day I was born—quick, resilient, and always adapting. Lizards don't die easily; they shed their skin and keep going. She wanted me to have that spirit: unyielding, clever, and full of life. So, Antar it was—a nod to the swift-footed warrior from Arabian folklore, but with a local twist, like the lizard that outsmarts the world."

The revelation, delivered during a segment on the radio show hosted by the late OAP Tolu "Toolz" Oniru-Demuren, has resonated widely, blending folklore with family lore. Laniyan elaborated that his full name, Antar Laniyan, draws from the legendary pre-Islamic poet and warrior Antarah ibn Shaddad, symbolizing bravery and eloquence. Yet, the "lizard" connection—rooted in the Yoruba word for the creature's agility (alangba)—adds a layer of everyday magic. "It's not just a name; it's a blueprint for survival in Nollywood and life," he quipped, crediting it for his five-decade career spanning theater, film, and television.

The interview has sparked a wave of nostalgia and discussion on social media, with fans sharing their own naming stories under #NameLikeALizard and #AntarLaniyanTales. Celebrities like Jide Kosoko and Funke Akindele have praised Laniyan's storytelling prowess, with Akindele posting, "Uncle Antar's lizard wisdom just leveled up my day! Legends name legends." The clip has garnered over 1 million views on YouTube and X, trending nationwide and reminding audiences of the rich oral traditions that fuel Nigerian creativity.

Laniyan, a founding member of the Association of Nigerian Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP) and recipient of multiple industry awards, used the moment to advocate for preserving cultural narratives in modern media. "In a world of quick trends, let's not forget the stories that make us who we are—like a lizard clinging to the wall, holding on through the storm."

Fans eager to hear more can catch Laniyan's upcoming guest spot on EbonyLife TV's cultural series Roots & Wings, airing December 15.