Reasons Why Nollywood Actors Marry Women Based Abroad

Mr and Mrs Femi Adebayo

Recently, actor and Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Femi Adebayo,  married his US- based girlfriend Maimunat. The October 9, 2016 wedding came eight years after Femi’s first marriage to Khadijat crashed.

Not a few fans were surprised that Femi, who is one of Nollywood Yoruba most sought after actors could not get a ‘brand new wife’ from Nigeria. His wife who is businesswoman in the United States of America came as a surprise to all. Some hours after his wedding ceremony, the fine-faced actor took to his social media and assured his fans of his commitment to them. Femi also thanked them for staying with him all through his ‘divorce years’. He posted, “I’m grateful to everyone that stood thru the darkest times, 8yrs of divorce is indeed a long time, but God indeed is all knowing and perfect, Peace be unto everyone. My fans thank you.” (sic)

But Femi isn’t the only actor enjoying marital life with a woman abroad.

Actor Oreoluwa Jokotoye aka Bigvai also found love again in the arms of a lady in California, United States of America.

Bigvai and wife

The wedding which held earlier in the year 2016 came three years after the sensationalised failed love affair he had with a lady, Bukola Ajayi and the paternity scandal that followed.

In the same vein another actor, Kayode Akinbayo, popularly referred to as Bayo Eleregele, who is now based in the US is also married to a lady called Olamide.The couple met and got married abroad.

Kayode Akinbayo and wife, Olamide

For Soji Taiwo, aka Omo Banke, life seems to be better abroad. The Nollywood Yoruba actor, who is fondly called Omobanke, has been resident abroad for a while now despite the fact that his wife and children are in Nigeria.

Soji Taiwo

Some months ago, the media went agog with the news that he abandoned his wife for another woman in Canada but he refuted it. Now in the United States, his posts on Instagram do not indicate that he would return anytime soon.

Even Tunde Owokoniran, a protégé of Odunlade Adekola, had the love of his life, Tunmise, come all the way from New Jersey. The young actor got married in May 2016 to Tunmise in a grand ceremony that held abroad where she is resident.

Tunde Owokoniran and Tunmise

But why are actors opting for ladies abroad?

First, opinion poll portends that the fact that they are celebrities beams the searchlight on them and any unfaithful acts might get to the media which could eventually ruin their homes. So they opt for ladies abroad who might be the last to hear of their spouses’ infidelity.

On another hand, many of their fans claim that with the recent economic recession, many actors would still marry ladies from abroad.

“It is a good way of avoiding the costs of running a family in Nigeria. With the exception of Femi who has a political appointment, many of Nollywood actors are not as comfortable as fans thought. As soon as there is an opportunity to marry someone and get resident permits, they jump at it,” a fan said.