By Clement Abayomi
It was meant to be a fairy-tale wedding. A famous Nollywood star was at the peak of her career, a well-connected businessman had political ambitions, and the Lagos ceremony was filled with celebrities. Yet, barely a year later, it was all over. For years, fans speculated about what really happened in Funke Akindele’s first marriage. Now, the box-office record-breaker has finally shared her truth and her warning.
Speaking on the talk show With Chude, hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, the award-winning actress reflected on the events of 2012, when she tied the knot with businessman and politician Adeola Kehinde Oloyede, also known as Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede.
The wedding, held on May 26, 2012, in Lagos, drew Nollywood colleagues, political associates, and admirers. On the surface, it was a perfect match: a beloved actress riding high after hits like Jenifa, and a rising political figure destined for public office.
But behind the glamour was a woman under intense personal and societal pressure.
“I just wanted to get married. Children, pressure, and all that,” Funke admitted. “I rushed into the marriage out of pressure, and it didn’t end well.”
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On July 11, 2013, barely one year later, her husband announced their split on Facebook. Funke learned about it while filming. “I wanted to die. I cried and lost a lot of deals,” she recalled.
A Year of Heartbreak, A Lifetime of Lessons
For many, such a public separation could have meant retreat. For Funke, it became fuel.
“I survived that period by channelling my pain into work,” she explained. “I was collecting every script from the East and acting.”
The work paid off. That period became one of the most productive phases of her career, expanding her role from actress to director, producer, and screenwriter.
No Regrets — Only Growth
Years later, Funke refuses to see the marriage as a failure. Speaking in another interview with Wazobia Max TV, she credited her late mother for teaching her resilience.
“Without failure, there can’t be success. My mental health is very important. My career is very important. I must inspire young people. Yes, I cry, yes, I break down — but after I cry, I clean my tears, look in the mirror, and keep moving.”
Her advice to women — especially those facing family and societal pressure — is direct:
“If you rush in, you might rush out. Take your time. Don’t let anyone pressure you. Your mental health, your happiness, and your purpose come first.”
Marriage Under Pressure: A Widespread Reality
Marriage counsellors say Funke’s story reflects the experience of many Nigerian women. Dr. Tolu Adeleke a Lagos-based family therapist, notes that “societal pressure remains one of the top reasons young women rush into marriage before they are ready, often prioritising public perception over compatibility or emotional preparedness.” The expert added that the divorce rate in Nigeria reached 2.9% in 2023, based on available data on marriage and divorce, which translates to 1.8 divorces per 1,000 people in the same year. Many of these marriages end within the first five years, with incompatibility, unmet expectations, and family interference among the leading causes.
From Pain to Purpose
For Funke Akindele, the scars of her first marriage have become the foundation for a message of self-worth and intentional living. Today, she is not only one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars but also a political figure, philanthropist, and mentor to young creatives.
Her journey offers a reminder that while heartbreak can break you, it can also make you, if you decide to rebuild.
