22nd July, 2011
The Nigeria entertainment industry, just like others around the world, is no doubt an integral part of the society and this is so because of the works of art with which players of this industry entertain members of the public. Meanwhile, some things are generally regarded as bane of the players among which is incessant breakup of marriages. However, while numerous marriages of entertainment personalities have crashed, it is also worthy to note that there are still marriages of some couples that have actually stood the test of time. These marriages that are celebrated in the society are the focus of this piece:
OLU JACOBS AND JOKE SILVA: One of the marriages of entertainment personalities that have become enviable in Nigeria today is sure that of Olu Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva. Jacobs, a veteran actor and Joke, also an actress of repute, have been able to build a near perfect union worthy of emulation because the union, unlike some, has been scandal-free and wonderful. The marriage of these iconic acting partners has passed the test of time. The couple got married over 15 years ago and children.
T.W.O.: The union of Tunde and Wunmi Obey, alson known as T.W.O., is another marriage that has not ceased to be celebrated because the couple has demonstrated that the marriage was indeed made in heaven. Tunde, an actor cum singer, who can be described as a ladies’ man judging by his good looks and his equally beautiful wife. Apart from the fact that they are wonderful to behold whenever they are performing together as singers, they have also endeared many to themselves as husband and wife off stage because of the affection and love they usually show each other. The popular couple has been married for over 10 years.
CHARLY BOY AND LADY D: The marriage of former president of Performing Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa a.k.a. Charly Boy and his American wife, who is popularly known as Lady D, also falls into the category of the most celebrated entertainment couples. The couple has a number of grown up children and the marriage has stood the test of time and has not ceased to blossom. Although the weird one, Charly Boy, had been engaged to two women earlier, it did not work out until about 27 years ago, when he met his missing rib in the person of this stylish and beautiful American, Lady D. With so much love, understanding and trust, the singing couple is admired by fans and those who appreciate the essence of successful marriage.
ISAAC AND NNEKA MOSES: Neither Isaac nor Nneka is an actor or singer, but the fact that the couple has a popular television programme, Goge Africa, that makes people to stay glued to their seats whenever it is on air, automatically qualifies them as entertainment personalities. Having said that, it is then an understatement to say that this couple is a perfect one although the couple appears to have kept a low profile in recent times. They have demonstrated over many years now, that they are indeed meant for each other and the fire of their love as husband and wife is still burning.
JIDE AND HENRIETTA KOSOKO: Another marriage that is worth celebrating is that of popular actor, Jide Kosoko and his plum wife, Henrietta, who has also registered her name in the minds of the public as an actress who knows her onions. Unlike some marriages between some entertainment couples that are usually characterised by trouble till they eventually hit the rocks, Jide and Henrietta have been able to make theirs worth emulating. The fact that the actor is a polygamist has not made a mess of his love for the Delta Stat-born wife.
SEYI AND AZIZAT ALLEN: When popular singer, Azizat and her manager, who also happens to be a singer, started dating over 10 years ago, many had dismissed the relationship, thinking it was going to end up in a short while. But instead, days rolled into weeks and so on till it became clear that they really meant business. As a matter of fact, the true and real love they have for each other has made them to go through thick and thin together and are still waxing stronger in love to date.
SUNDAY OMOBOLANLE AND PEJU OGUNMOLA: Many do not really know that Yoruba comic actor who seems to have gone underground, Sunday Omobolale a.k.a. Aluwe and super Yoruba actress, Peju Ogunmola, are actually husband and wife because they have made sure their union is devoid of noise and are rarely sighted together at events. But the truth of the matter is that the couple has been able to make a perfect match so much so that Aluwe’s polygamous nature has not affected his love and affection for Peju, having been married for several years now.
ORLANDO JULIUS EKEMODE AND LATOYA: Veteran highlife musician, Orlando Julius Ekemode and his black American wife, Latoya, are also a compulsory item on this list because they indeed score more than the required mark to be named among celebrated entertainment couples despite the age difference between them. The couple has proved beyond doubt that what they feel for each other is genuine love because they are indeed inseparable. Orlando Julius met Latoya many years back during his long sojourn in the United States of America and the bond is so strong that Latoya is also a dancer in her husband’s band.
ZACK AND NGOZI ORJI: The appearance of gifted actor and his wife, especially the wife, may have seriously declinedd in movies but they are certainly an entertainment couple to celebrate because they have not been teaching people values through the tube alone, but also engaged in making it a practical thing and have successfully lived as a perfect match. The good thing about them is that their love is still so strong like that between new lovers.
PATRICK AND IRETI DOYLE: This is another couple in the entertainment world whose uniqueness is inspiring. Patrick, described as entertainment personified and his actress wife, Ireti, have been married for some years now and still have the newness of love blossoming in their union. This explains why they have been enjoying a union that is devoid of interference of the third party. Stylish Patrick sought the hand of Ireti in marriage after the death of his wife some years back and both have to date remained best of friends.
—Bayo Adetu