In today’s world, divorce—whether quick, clean or messy and protracted—is fast becoming the order of the day, especially among celebrities. Going to court to have their marriages dissolved over infidelity, irreconcilable differences or for whatever reason seems to have become an everyday phenomenon for stars.
In what many Nigerians have described as a shocking puzzle, a number of marriages involving some front-line entertainers crashed in the year 2022, which raises questions concerning celebrity marriages.
A foremost Nigerian actress, Funke Akindele, and her now estranged husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, fondly known as JJC Skills, called it quits after six years of marriage, followed by Paul Okoye and Anita, as well as Basketmouth and Elsie, among others.
No doubt, there seems to be an upward trend of celebrities marrying other celebrities in Nigeria. The question, however, is: why are more celebrities tying knots with each other and will this trend reduce the divorce rate amongst celebs, especially entertainers?
While Hollywood often takes centre-stage when it comes to celebrity marriages, the vibrant Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, boasts its own share of power couples whose love stories have captivated audiences both on and off the screen.
Understanding why divorce rates vary globally involves looking at how cultural, legal, economic, and social factors interact, and as societies change, people’s views on divorce may also shift, affecting how individuals approach the challenges of ending a marriage.
Despite the pressures, there are numerous celebrity marriages that stand as shining examples of enduring love and commitment. These couples not only weather the storms of fame but also use their platforms to promote positive relationship values. In the end, the success of a celebrity marriage often boils down to the same principles that apply to any relationship—communication, trust, and a genuine connection that goes beyond the glamour of the spotlight.
Here’s a glimpse into Nollywood celebrity marriages that continue to thrive amidst the glitz and glam of the entertainment world.
Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva
with illustrious careers spanning decades, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva are often referred to as the “First Couple” of Nollywood. They have been married for over 30 years, with grown-up children. Their enduring love story, both on and off-screen, has weathered the storms of fame, making them an inspiration to aspiring actors and couples alike.
Banky W and Adesua Etomi
The on-screen chemistry between Banky W and Adesua Etomi in the hit movie “The Wedding Party” transcended fiction, leading to a real-life love story. The couple’s journey from reel to real has endeared them to fans, proving that sometimes, love does imitate art.
Mercy Johnson and Prince Odi Okojie
Known for her exceptional acting skills, Mercy Johnson and her husband, Prince Odi Okojie, have successfully balanced the demands of fame with the joys of family life. They have been together for over 12 years and the union has produced four children. Their journey is a testament to the belief that a strong foundation of love can withstand the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Captain Matthew Ekeinde
Often referred to as “Omosexy”, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and her pilot husband, Captain Matthew Ekeinde, have celebrated over two decades of marriage. Their enduring love has become a beacon for those navigating the complexities of relationships in the public eye.
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Jumobi Adegbesan-Damijo
Veteran actor RMD and his wife Jumobi have shared a love that has stood strong amid the changing tides of the entertainment industry. Of course, this marriage has had its fair share of controversies, but the marriage has continued to weather the storm, and has lasted for over 20 years. RMD’s charisma on screen is matched only by the couple’s enduring commitment to each other off-screen.
Tunde and Wunmi Obe
Professionally known as T.W.O., Tunde and Wunmi Obe as a musical duo have not only created beautiful melodies together but also a lasting love story. Tunde Obe via X (formerly Twitter) educated couples and other single individuals on the success of his marriage. He wrote: “2023 will make it 35 years of friendship 25 years of marriage.”
Dare Art Alade and Deola
Nigerian singer and songwriter, Dare Art Alade, and his wife, Deola, have been married for 16 years. Despite the eight years difference between Deola and Art Alade, the marriage has been devoid of media scandals and controversies associated with some celebrity marriages. Dare runs a creative agency, ‘Livespot 360’, with his wife Deola. Their marriage is blessed with two children.
Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Olumide Akande
Dakore Egbuson-Akande, a talented actress, and Olumide Akande have built a love story that goes beyond the screens. Their marriage reflects a balance between the demands of a successful acting career and the joys of family life.
Funsho and Victoria Adeolu
Funsho Adeolu, a respected actor in the Nigerian film industry, and his wife Victoria have navigated the complexities of fame together. Their marriage is a testament to mutual support and the belief that a strong partnership is the key to a lasting relationship.
In a world where celebrity relationships are constantly under scrutiny, these Nollywood power couples continue to prove that love knows no boundaries. As their stories unfold both on-screen and in their everyday lives, they remind us that amidst the glitz of the entertainment world, genuine love and commitment are the true stars of the show.
