As the curtains draw on 2023, the Nigerian entertainment scene echoes with the echoes of shattered love stories.  2023 witnessed the unraveling of some high-profile celebrity marriages, leaving fans in a whirlwind of surprise and speculation. Join us as we dive into the top-profile splits of Nigerian celebrities in 2023.

5)  Ireti Doyle and Patrick Doyle

In January 2023, the news broke that the well-known Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle and her longtime husband, veteran broadcaster Patrick Doyle, were officially getting a divorce. This means they are no longer a married couple. In an interview with Chude, Ireti Doyle shared that her marriage with Patrick had come to an end. The couple had been together for a significant amount of time and had six children together.

Interestingly, Patrick Doyle made headlines on December 11 when he legally married someone else named Funmilayo. This event added another layer of attention to the situation, as it occurred shortly after the news of the divorce. The public and fans were taken aback by the developments, and the divorce announcement marked a significant chapter in the lives of both Ireti Doyle and Patrick Doyle.

4)  Yomi Alore and  Ameenat Abisola (Meenah)

In January 2023, Yomi Alore, a popular Yoruba actor and producer known as Yomi Gold, shared on his Instagram page that he and his wife, Ameenat Abisola (Meenah), were going through a separation. Yomi explained that the decision to part ways was mutual, emphasizing that it wasn’t a result of external judgment but rather an acknowledgment of their imperfections.

Yomi openly admitted his flaws and expressed that he believed his Nigerian ex-wife deserved someone better. The actor, who had a private wedding with Ameenat in January 2022 and welcomed a child in April of the same year, conveyed that their separation was a consequence of a shared understanding that love had faded between them.

He emphasized that he didn’t want their situation to be judged by others, asserting that when love diminishes, it should not be artificially sustained. Yomi Gold’s previous experience with divorce was mentioned, as he ended his first marriage with Victoria Ige in 2019 after 15 years. Together, Yomi and Victoria have two children.

In sharing his second divorce publicly, Yomi Gold aimed to be transparent about the situation, taking responsibility for his part in the relationship’s challenges while also emphasizing the importance of respecting the natural course of love.

3)  BRed, born Adebayo Adeleke, and his wife Faith Johnson 

 

 

The marital journey of Nigerian singer BRed, born Adebayo Adeleke, and his wife Faith Johnson took a tumultuous turn, culminating in their divorce in 2023. The dissolution of their union was marked by allegations of abuse and infidelity, creating a storm of speculation and public attention.

BRed and Faith Johnson, who once appeared to be a picture-perfect couple, found themselves at the center of controversy as rumors of marital discord surfaced. The accusations of abuse and infidelity added complexity to their narrative, casting a shadow over the once-happy partnership.

Despite the public scrutiny, both BRed and Faith Johnson adamantly denied the allegations, further complicating the understanding of the true reasons behind their separation. The lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances leading to the divorce has left fans and observers grappling with an ambiguous narrative, unsure of what transpired behind closed doors.

2)  Gumsu Abacha and Mai Mala Buni 

The brief union of Gumsu Abacha, daughter of the late Nigerian Head of State, Sani Abacha, and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, has left many scratching their heads, wondering what went wrong within two short years. Announced in March 2021 as Governor Buni’s fourth marriage, the union seemingly had all the trappings of a high-profile Nigerian power couple. However, Ms. Abacha’s December 2023 declaration of their divorce on her X page (formerly Twitter) sparked speculation and ignited curiosity about the reason behind the swift dissolution.

While the official reason for the divorce remains unknown, whispers fill the air. One key piece of speculation revolves around a potential clash of lifestyles. Ms. Abacha, accustomed to the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Abuja, might have found the transition to Yobe, a state facing security challenges and a different pace of life, a stark contrast. This divergence in preferences could have created friction and ultimately led to their parting ways.

Adding another layer to the narrative, Ms. Abacha’s previous long-term marriage to a Cameroonian billionaire ended in 2019. This raises questions about potential compatibility issues and whether similar challenges resurfaced in her union with Governor Buni.

However, it’s crucial to avoid unsubstantiated rumors and respect the privacy of the individuals involved. It’s likely that only Ms. Abacha and Governor Buni fully understand the complexities that led to their divorce.

 1)  Bolanle Ninalowo and Bunmi

In a surprising turn of events, Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo recently revealed that he and his wife of 16 years, Bunmi, have decided to go their separate ways. This announcement was made on the 1st of September, marking the end of a significant chapter in their lives. The story of Bolanle and Bunmi began in 2004 when they first crossed paths. The connection between them deepened, leading to their marriage in 2007. Throughout their union, they welcomed two children into their lives, a son and a daughter, named Aliyah and Morakinyo, respectively.

However, their journey was not without its challenges. In 2019, the couple faced a rough patch due to allegations of infidelity, which led to a temporary separation. Despite the difficulties, Bolanle Ninalowo and his wife managed to reconcile in 2021, giving their relationship another chance.

Unfortunately, it seems that the challenges proved insurmountable, as Bolanle Ninalowo has now decided to part ways with his wife. In explaining the reasons behind this difficult decision, the actor pointed to his children, Aliyah and Morakinyo, as well as his mental health. These factors played a significant role in shaping his choice to pursue a new chapter in his life.

Conclusion

In the rollercoaster of fame, 2023 has proven to be a year of unexpected twists and turns in the love lives of Nigerian celebrities. As we bid farewell to the year, we reflect on the resilience of these stars, who faced public scrutiny with grace, even during personal turmoil. 

The lessons learned from their high-profile splits serve as a reminder that, beyond the glamour, celebrities are human too, navigating the complexities of love and loss just like the rest of us. We hope that the new year brings healing and new beginnings for these stars and a reminder to us all that empathy should always accompany our fascination with the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world.