Nigerian actress and politician opens up about her personal journey and lessons learned from divorce.
In a candid Instagram post this week, celebrated Nigerian actress and politician Tonto Dikeh reflected on her decision to end her marriage to businessman Olakunle Churchill. The 38-year-old star described the move as “the best decision I ever made,” revealing that it was a necessary step for her well-being and that of her son.
Responding to a private message from a fan, Dikeh shared that, despite her efforts to make her marriage work, the emotional and personal toll had become unsustainable. “First and foremost, I was the one who walked away from my marriage, not the other way round,” she wrote. “I needed to escape a difficult situation, not just for my own sake but for my child as well.”
Dikeh’s honesty struck a chord with many of her followers, as she detailed the inner strength it took to make such a pivotal life choice. The former Nollywood star, who finalized her divorce from Churchill in 2017, has often spoken about the challenges of navigating public scrutiny while managing her personal struggles. The couple, married in 2015, share a son, King Andre.
In her Instagram post, Dikeh offered heartfelt advice to a single mother who reached out for guidance, encouraging her to prioritize her children’s well-being and draw strength from faith. “Dear Single Mothers, I don’t have a manual for these things. I am neither a pro in this movement,” she said. “My biggest teacher has been love. I just let God do his thing, and his thing is enough for me. Draw strength from God, and most especially, keep your family matters private.”
Her words resonate deeply with many single mothers and women in similar situations, underscoring the importance of self-care and emotional resilience in the face of personal challenges. Dikeh also encouraged her follower to fight for her family if it was worth saving, reminding her that the road to healing is often personal and faith-driven.
Tonto Dikeh has successfully balanced her career in entertainment with her philanthropic efforts and, most recently, her foray into politics. In 2022, she announced her candidacy as the deputy governorship candidate for Rivers State under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2023 elections, marking her transition from the screen to public service.