No one walks down the aisle with plans of walking out on their marriage. However, life is unpredictable and it has its ups and downs. While entertainers bring smiles to the faces of their audience, oftentimes, little do the viewers know that these talented people face personal battles at their home front.
Daily Trust highlights some shocking divorces and separation cases that shook both fans and the Nigerian entertainment industry in 2023.
Bolanle Ninalowo
No doubt, popular Nigerian actor, Bolanle Ninalowo is a hunk of a man and admired by lots of ladies. He had been married to his wife, Bunmi, for about 17 years till they both parted ways some months ago.
It came as a shock to his friends and fans as the actor often posted lovey-dovey pictures of him and his wife on his verified Instagram handle. In his message, he noted that the split ‘was for the best of everyone involved.
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While being together for 17 years, it was gathered that the couple has had their ups and downs in the institution called marriage. For instance, during an interview with a magazine the actor revealed that after 12 years together then, he and his wife decided to end things. However, they reunited in 2018.
The union produced two children; Aliyah and Morakinyo Ninalowo.
Israel Afeare
He might not be a singer, dancer or actor but he definitely entertains thousands if not millions of people online being the logistics manager of iconic Nigerian musician, Davido.
Afeare succeeded in worming his way into the hearts of thousands of social media users due to the passion and loyalty he expresses towards his boss, Davido, hence he became somewhat of a social media influencer.
Moreso, he opened one of Davido’s shows at the prestigious O2 Arena in London. Inasmuch, there was jubilation when he announced that he was walking down the aisle with his then-sweetheart, Sheila David.
Congratulatory messages thronged both online and offline as the marriage was held in October 2022. But it came as a rude shock when Isreal — Davido’s logistics manager — in November of 2023 announced that he was facing a marital crisis and his marriage had hit the rocks. This news hurriedly sparked a debate on social media.
Fondly known as Israel DMW, he took to his Instagram account to announce his separation from his estranged wife barely a year after marriage. However, the union has not produced any offspring.
BRed
Popular Nigerian singer Adebayo Adeleke was also one of the celebrities whose marriage hit the brick wall in 2023. The son of the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke got separated from his wife, Faith Johnson, the mother of his child over allegations of infidelity and abuse.
The estranged couple stopped following one another on Instagram and took some time to accuse and counter-accuse each other online sometimes spreading their dirty linen in public in the process.
Damola Olatunji
Olatunji, an ace Nollywood actor famed for some of his roles in the Yoruba movie-speaking sector also experienced a love loss with his estranged spouse and colleague Bukola Awoyemi, fondly known as Arugba.
While announcing their separation in May via her Instagram account, the mother of two (twins) which the marriage produced cleared the air stating that she was never married to the actor.
In a statement signed by her lawyer, Samuel Abimbola, she also noted that they have both agreed to jointly ensure that their children’s welfare is guaranteed.
“Please NOTE that our clients, Bukola Awoyemi and Mr. Damola Olatunji are no longer an item. They have parted ways and this is without any hard feelings or ill will.
“They are blessed with two lovely kids (twins) but have never been married to each other. They have both agreed to jointly ensure that the well-being and welfare of their two children is guaranteed. Our client wishes Mr. Damola Olatunji God’s continued blessings. Thank you,” the statement read.
Yomi Gold
Filmmaker, Yomi Alore also known as Yomi Gold who is more recognised for his contribution to the Yoruba movie sector of the country left jaws dropping when he announced to his fans that he had parted ways with his wife Meenah, in January 2023. That was the end of the road for his second marriage.
His first wife, Victoria had sometimes taken to social media to claim that he had abandoned her and their two children. The actor also birthed another child with Meenah.
Announcing the end of his second marriage on his Instagram page, the thespian wrote, “I and Meenah decided to go our separate ways. I want all our families, friends, and fans to understand. This is no time to judge anyone. When love dies, No one should force it.”
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