By Rita Okoye, Lagos
In Nigeria, unconventional love stories, especially when the woman is older than the man, can face difficulties due to societal norms. However, some couples boldly challenge these expectations and embrace love in its purest form.
Recently, the Cole family of Victoria Island, Lagos, became the centre of attention on the internet. Taiwo Cole, a member of the esteemed clan, tied the knot with actress and comedian Wofai Ewa, popularly known as Wofai Fada.
Their traditional union took place in the picturesque setting of Ugep, Cross River State, but it had remained secretive until then, hidden from the public eye. However, the Cole family released a statement denouncing the marriage on Sunday. In response, Wofai Fada posted a video on her Instagram page with the caption “Let love lead” on the same day, sparking controversies surrounding their union.
Despite the disapproval from the Cole family, the couple remains committed to each other and their love.
In the Nigerian entertainment landscape, where fame and societal norms intersect, Sunnewsonline highlights ten remarkable personalities who defied age disparities in their relationships. Here are ten popular Nigerian celebrities who chose love over age:
1. Peter and Lola Okoye:
Peter Okoye, one half of the iconic musical duo P Square, found love in Lola Okoye, who celebrated her 50th birthday recently. Despite their nine-year age gap, their love story blossomed over seven years before they exchanged vows in 2013. They cherish their journey as a family with their son Cameron and daughter Aliona.
2. Deola and Darey Art Alade:
R&B sensation Darey Art Alade and serial entrepreneur Deola have embraced their eight-year age difference with grace and contentment. Celebrating over 14 years of marriage, they exemplify how love transcends age, proving that happiness knows no bounds.
3. Mike Edwards and Perri Shakes-Drayton:
Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem runner-up Mike Edwards and British Olympian Perri’s love story is a tale of enduring affection. Despite Perri being two years older than Mike, they navigate life’s milestones together, welcoming their son with shared aspirations.
4. MC Fish and Anita Joseph:
Nigerian comedian MC Fish and Nollywood actress Anita Joseph’s love story transcends age barriers. Despite their eight-year age difference, their bond radiates joy and affection, evident in their expressive displays on social media. Anita Joseph’s daughter from a previous relationship enriches their familial journey.
5. Joseph Ameh and Kaffy:
Renowned dancer and choreographer Kaffy embarked on a love journey with Joseph Ameh, P Square’s drummer, in 2012. Despite their eight-year age gap, their marital union ended in January 2022 amidst unconfirmed reports of extramarital affairs allegations against Ameh.
6. Uche Ogbodo and Bobby Marris:
Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo found love with younger artist Bobby Marris, who is four years her junior. Despite facing opposition, they solidified their relationship, got married in a secret ceremony, and have been living happily together, with Bobby playing a fatherly role to Uche’s daughter from a previous relationship.
7. Toyin Lawani and Segun Wealth:
Serial entrepreneur Toyin Lawani has dated younger men and even gave birth to two children with them. Her relationship with Segun Adebayo Druce, known as Segun Wealth, resulted in their engagement and wedding in 2021, followed by the birth of their first child.
8. Stan Nze and Blessing Obasi:
Nollywood actor Stan Nze married producer and actress Blessing Obasi in 2021. Despite the ten-year age gap, they celebrated their love in a well-attended ceremony, emphasizing that age is just a number.
9. Praise Nelson and Omowumi Omoniwa:
Reality show star Praise Nelson got engaged to Omowumi Omoniwa, who is 45 years old, and they welcomed a son together. Despite facing ridicule during his time on Big Brother Naija due to the age difference, their engagement remains intact, even though they have not officially married.
10. Ann Njemanze and Silver Ojieson:
After her divorce from Segun Arinze, Nollywood actress Ann Njemanze found love with actor and teacher Silver Ojieson. Ann revealed that she is five years older than Silver, emphasizing that age is just a number. Unfortunately, their union ended less than two years after their marriage.