At a time when several celebrity marriages are hitting the rocks, others have been able to stand the test of time. Saturday Beats takes a look at some of these marriages that have survived against the odds
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Matthew Ekeinde
Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is one entertainer who has not only made strides in the industry, but has also been able to maintain her home for over two decades. Omo Sexy, as she is fondly called, is married to a pilot, Matthew Ekeinde. They recently marked their 27th wedding anniversary and have been blessed with four children.
While celebrating her husband’s birthday and their wedding anniversary on March 23, 2023, Omotola wrote on Instagram, “Happy birthday my forever honey boy and happy anniversary to us; 27 years and we are only just about to get into phase three. Last kiddo is now 21. No more PG. I love you endlessly.”
Charly Boy and Diane Oputa
Veteran singer and activist, Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, has been married to his wife, Diane Oputa, for over 40 years. In an earlier interview with Saturday Beats, Charly Boy spoke on what has been sustaining his marriage.
He said, “Some people are asking me how I have managed to stay in marriage for 45 years. It is hard-work. It is not that it has entirely been a sweet experience for me. My marriage is not perfect but we are a perfect match made in heaven. Every year, rumours have it that I want to divorce. This is not the first time; it has actually been going on for the past 20 years. That is how people see things because we all think differently.”
Omoni Oboli and Nnamdi Oboli
Actress and filmmaker, Omoni Oboli, has been married to her husband, Nnamdi Oboli, for the past 22 years. While celebrating their wedding anniversary last year, the couple took to social media to celebrate their love.
Omoni wrote, “And 22 years later, I’m still in love with the way you love me. Happy anniversary my love, Nnamdi Oboli. I love you forever.”
On his part, Nnamdi said, “And 22 years later, still the one I love. We thank God for the grace to stay on course, but even more that it has been and it still is a joy ride. Happy 22nd year anniversary to us.”
Their marriage is blessed with three children.
Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs
Veteran actors, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva, have been married for 37 years. They are proof that one can be in the entertainment industry and still maintain a home. Speaking on the assumption that celeb marriages cannot work, Silva said in an earlier interview with Sunday PUNCH, “I honestly do not agree that there are more marriage crashes in Nollywood than in any other industry. This is happening because the lives of the people in the entertainment industry are out there. Divorces happen in every industry – whether it’s medicine, law or engineering.
“That being said, I think one of the challenges we have in our industry is that sometimes, people get married to an ‘idea’ of a person and not the real person. Someone could be so in love with Joke Silva because he sees her on the screen. But, that you see Joke Silva in films does not mean that you know her. Sadly, there are a lot of marriages (built on that premise) in our industry today.”
Norbert Young and Gloria Young
Popular entertainers, Norbert Young, and his wife, Gloria, have been married for over 20 years. Theirs is among the few celebrity marriages, which have been scandal-free.
During their 19th wedding anniversary in June 2022, Mr Young wrote on Instagram, “My Itsekiri people will say ‘etsuruntie’ (no be small thing), ‘ebobo’ (wonderful). 19 years, someone’s daughter has been tolerating my excesses. Happy wedding anniversary to us.”
In an earlier interview with Sunday PUNCH, Norbert admitted that marrying an actress was not deliberate. He said, “One falls in love and gets married. If one finds nearly everything one wants in a woman, one would get married regardless of where the woman is from or where she works. One falls in love with the person before thinking about what they do. I did not deliberately say I wanted to marry an actress. I fell in love, felt satisfied with what I saw and the next logical thing to do was to get married.”
Gloria also spoke about how she had been able to achieve a scandal-free marriage. She said, “If one marries one’s friend and one decides that one will make the marriage work, one will not leave any door open. If I have any issues, I don’t bring it to the public space because we (my husband and I) have a way of settling them.”
Richard Mofe-Damijo and Jumobi
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, got married to former Jumobi Adegbesan, a TV presenter, on December 29, 2000. While celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary last year, the 61 year-old actor posted a loved-up photo of himself and his wife with the caption, “22 years and counting. Thank you Abk. Ps Solomon, Glo staff and Bimbo, no need to screenshot and send. I’ve permission to post anything but I’ve chosen to respect myself and post just one.”
While marking their 21st wedding anniversary, the actor thanked his wife for giving up her fame for their home. He said, “I can’t believe we are 21 years old today! My Abike, my Abk, my Abik, strong and courageous. (You) gave up your fame to make us a home! ‘One in the family is enough,’ you said. Unworthy me. Thank you for yesterday, today, and forever. I love you big time.”
Tope Alabi and Soji Alabi
Popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, and her husband, Soji Alabi, have been married for 22 years. They marked their 22nd wedding anniversary on November 16, 2022. The singer described her husband as her ‘forever choice’.
She wrote, “Happy 22nd wedding anniversary to us OluwaSomiji Adoera John. When I think about how far God has brought us I can say with all my mouth that all glory belongs to God. My soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour Luke 1: 46-47. God indeed has been faithful to us. I love you with all of my heart, my forever choice.”
On his part, Olusoji wrote, “Twenty-two years in the journey of a blissful marriage. Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness. My choice. I love you forever. Happy wedding anniversary to us.”
Tony Umez and Patsy Umez
Veteran actor, Tony Umez, got married to his wife, Patsy, in 1999. The actor, who is known for playing stereotypical roles, came into limelight after he featured in the film, ‘Died Wretched: Buried in N2.3m Casket’.
In November 2022, the actor celebrated his wife on their 23rd wedding anniversary. He posted loved-up photos of himself and his wife with the caption, “Happy wedding anniversary to us. God who brought us this far will take us farther. Thank you, my diamond, for completing me.”
Their marriage is blessed with four children.
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