Veteran Nollywood actress, Opeyemi Aiyeola, has opened up about the real reason she distanced herself from her industry colleagues after getting married.
The actress made the revelation during a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, where she spoke candidly about the decisions she made to protect her marriage and family.
The actress rose to stardom in the early 2000s, shocking many fans when she suddenly disappeared from the film scene. Now, after more than a decade, she is shedding light on what happened.
According to her, she made a conscious decision to step away from Nollywood shortly after marrying her husband, Olayiwola Abdulwakilu. She relocated to the United States and intentionally cut ties with everyone in the industry, not out of pride or resentment, but out of fear that her marriage might not survive the pressures that come with being a public figure in the entertainment world.
“I was off the scene for more than ten years, and I apologise to my fans,” she said during the interview. “I held my marriage in high esteem, so I blocked everybody’s contact in the industry.”
Aiyeola’s confession struck a chord with many who are aware of the challenges entertainers face in maintaining stable homes. She explained that she wanted to avoid the fate of many of her colleagues whose relationships suffered under public scrutiny and the demands of fame.
“Let’s appreciate our partners,” she added. “They are often the reason things go the way they do. Some people say actors and actresses don’t have stable homes, but they don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. I didn’t want my marriage to end up like that, so I blocked everyone from Nollywood for ten years.”
During this period of silence, she focused on her role as a wife and mother. She described herself as fully committed to building a peaceful home and raising her children without distractions. According to her, stepping away from the limelight was a major sacrifice, but one she made gladly for the sake of her family.
Aiyeola back to acting
Now a proud mother of two boys, Aiyeola believes the time has come to return to her first love, acting.
She has already resumed her career and is gradually reestablishing herself in the industry. She says she has since reconnected with her former colleagues and is open to new opportunities in the film world.
“I unblocked everybody when I finally returned to focus on my career,” she revealed. “I have two boys, and I have sacrificed everything for them. It’s time for me to also chase my dreams and build my career again.”
Her story reflects a familiar struggle faced by many women who must choose between family life and professional growth. While her decision to walk away from Nollywood may have cost her years of progress in her acting journey, she says she has no regrets.
Aiyeola’s return has been met with excitement from fans who missed her presence on screen. Many have praised her for choosing her family first, and now admire her strength in picking up where she left off.
As she settles back into the film world, Aiyeola says she is not in a hurry. She plans to take on roles that align with her values and support the kind of stories she wants to tell.
With years of experience behind her and a fresh perspective ahead, she hopes to use her journey to inspire other women facing similar crossroads.
“This is a new chapter for me,” she said. “I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned and ready to grow from here.”
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