Nigeria’s movie industry practitioners are an optimistic lot. Perhaps, nowhere is the optimism more apparent in recent times than in their approach to marriage. This is in spite of the fact that one out of every two certifiable marriages in Nollywood is bound to end in crisis if not tears.
Still, 75 percent of Nigerian actresses wish to marry and call friends for big celebrations.
Of the 75 percent, investigations have shown that 60 percent of Nollywood marriages fail within their third anniversary leaving spouses broken-hearted and never want to get married again. Actress Tonto Dike is the latest disappointment in Nollywood celebrities’ marriages. There are some powerful elements that contribute to vulnerability in a marriage, and there is the issue of outside forces that potentially undermines fine marriages.
Within six months, this year alone, Nigerians have witnessed the breakup of a number of actresses’ marriages. Just before the Tonto Dike saga, actress Ibinabo Fiberesima announced to the public that her two-year old marriage to Uche Egbuka was over. A fast-rising actress, Mimi Orjiekwe’s marriage to actor, Charles Billion packed up within one year. Another actress, Lillian Esoro’s marriage to music producer, Ubi Franklin, hit the rocks too soon, while an upcoming actress, Damilola Adegbite’s marriage to Ghanaian actor, Chris Attoh also packed up.
Actor David Nnaji and Jodie’s marriage also broke up. Singer Waje is looking to remarry ‘a Godly man’ after her first trial.
In February 2017 too, Nigerian actor, Prince Eke came on the social media to announce his marriage crash with singer and actress wife, Muma Gee.
Also, you have singer Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz whose marriage broke up bitterly. Of late, actor Emeka Ike and his wife, Suzanne, had their marriage dissolved by the court.
Meanwhile, there are some movie celebrities who have been struggling to weather the storm despite that the marriage’s roads are rocky. A Yoruba actress, Opeyemi Ayeola, has been married for many years to Babatunde Olayiwola. The couple relocated to the UK immediately after their wedding celebration in Lagos and have since remained stuck together with joy. Mosun Filani is another actress who is managing to keep intact her marriage to politician, Kayode Emmanuel Oduoye. The marriage still stays blissful. Mercy Aigbe is married to hotelier, Lanre Gentry. Mercy has her unique way of making her marriage work and it has remained so. Foluke Daramola was into a marriage before she married businessman, Olukayode Salako. The first marriage did not work due to unforeseen reasons. Now, Foluke with Salako appears indivisible in happiness.
Kogi State born actress, Mercy Johnson stands out in marriage. Since she got married to Prince Odianosen Okojie, hers has remained one of the most scandal-free marriages. Perhaps actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is a role model to Mercy Johnson. Beautiful Omotola a.k.a. Omo Sexy has been married for over 20 years without a scandal. It is never a joke. With her hubby, Captain Matthew Ekehinde, Omotola remains one of the very few women in the entertainment industry that have survived marriage troubles. Stephanie Okereke had her dream of a sweet and lasting marriage come to pass when she met Linus Idahosa. The union has remained one of the best marriages ever. Stella Damasus’ marriage to Daniel Ademinokan is another fulfilled dream in Nollywood marriages. Though, sexy Stella had had a taste of two marriages, it appears that her present union to Ademinokan has come to stay.
Funke Akindele seems to be the focus of movie fans regarding marriage issue. Before she met her present husband, JJC Skillz, she got broken up from her first trial with one Al-Moroof. It is a fact that the beautiful actress wishes to make this new marriage work.
To single Nollywood actresses and those who are out of their first marriages, love deludes. This is because people’s ability to learn about relationships shuts down when marriage begins to get tough and develops disagreements. And many of them are scared to go into marriage or return to marriage not realizing that conflict is even an inevitable part of relationships.
-Folorunsho Hamsat with Rahman Is’mail
