Actress and entrepreneur Temi Ajibade, daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, has addressed public reactions to her decision to officially adopt her husband’s surname after tying the knot with Afrobeats star Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi.
New Daily Prime reports that Temi, who now goes by Temiloluwa Ajibade, faced online criticism from fans who argued that she abandoned the influential Otedola name that has shaped her public identity for years.
In an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, Temi explained that the move was a purely personal choice.
Read Also: Temi Otedola officially changes name to Ajibade
“I’m now a married woman, and the obvious thing for me was to take my husband’s name. But it’s my decision, and I respect that every woman has the right to choose,” she said.
The actress further revealed that privacy has been a deliberate strategy in her relationship with Mr Eazi.
“Moving in silence allows you to build your own story and share it when you’re ready,” she noted, emphasizing how maintaining boundaries has helped her control her public image.
Temi also spoke on her father’s recently released memoir, describing it as a powerful insight into his decades-long entrepreneurial journey. She praised Femi Otedola’s resilience, adding that his initial decision not to involve his children directly in his companies had felt disappointing but later proved to be a blessing.
“At first I was disappointed, but it turned out to be a blessing. It encouraged us to create our own way,” she explained. “His determination during difficult times remains my greatest source of inspiration.”
The fashion and film star also acknowledged her privileged upbringing, stressing the importance of being transparent about her background.
“Oh, absolutely. You will never hear me deny it. It’s important for people born into privilege to acknowledge the advantage they’ve had,” she said.
Read Also: Mr Eazi says music alone couldn’t fund his wedding to Temi Otedola
Temi, who made her acting debut in Kunle Afolayan’s critically acclaimed film Citation, has steadily carved her own space as both a creative and entrepreneur.
Her marriage to Mr Eazi, himself a global music sensation, has kept her in the spotlight, but she maintains that her decisions remain guided by her personal values rather than public opinion.
With her new surname, Temi Ajibade continues to balance her private life, career, and family legacy, while charting her own path in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
