From heartbreak to success: 9 female celebrities who conquered failed marriages

Nigeria’s entertainment industry is packed with talented women who have conquered the stage, television, and movie screens.

But like every other facet of life, some of these women have faced challenges in their personal lives, including failed marriages. Despite these challenges, they have been able to rise above the fray and still excel in their careers. Top Naija brings you some of Nigeria’s female entertainers who have blossomed despite their crashed marriages:

Funke Akindele: The talented actress has been a fan-favorite for years, with her witty humor and remarkable talent. She had her first marriage to Kehinde Oloyede in 2012, which ended just a year later.

In 2022, her second marriage to Abdulrasheed Bello, better known as JJC Skillz, ended after a few years.

However, Funke has kept her acting and production skills intact. Her company, Scene One TV, is still flourishing, and she has produced a new movie titled, ‘Battle on Buka Street,’ which broke records after its release.

Aside from her professional work, Funke has been able to maintain a positive public image, staying out of drama and embracing a philanthropic lifestyle. In 2022, she was announced as the Lagos deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, which shows that she is still a woman of influence.

Tiwa Savage: Tiwa Savage has been a force to reckon with in the music industry, with her exceptional voice and lyrical prowess. She got married to her erstwhile manager, Tunde Balogun, aka Tee Billz, in 2013.

However, the marriage crashed three years later amid accusations of infidelity from both parties. Tiwa has since moved on, delivering hit songs such as ‘Koroba’ and ‘Loaded.’

The talented singer has clinched multiple awards, including ‘African Video of the Year’ at the Soundcity MVP Awards 2020, ‘Best Female West Africa Artiste’ at the AFRIMA Awards 2019, and ‘Best African Act’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2018. In addition to her music career, she has featured as a judge on the singing reality TV show, ‘The Voice Nigeria,’ and has also starred in the movie, ‘Citation.’

Iyabo Ojo: Iyabo Ojo is one of Nollywood’s most talented actresses, with a career that spans over a decade. She got married to Adewunmi Ojo in 1999 when she was just 21, but the marriage ended just two years later.

Despite the heartbreak, Iyabo rose to stardom after she and her ex-husband went their separate ways. She has since won several awards, including ‘Best Actress of the Year (Yoruba)’ at the 2015 City People Movie Awards and ‘Best Actress of the Year’ at the 2013 CAMA Awards.
Iyabo is also known for creating and posting interesting contents online, with a large following on TikTok and Instagram. She was awarded the ‘Best Tiktok Influencer’ at the 2021 Social Media Hangout, which shows that she has been able to use social media to maintain a strong connection with her fans.

Osas Ighodaro: The beautiful Osas Ighodaro is one of Nigeria’s most successful actresses, with an impressive resume that includes top movies and TV series.

She got married to Gbenro Ajibade in 2015 in what could be described as a star-studded wedding. Sadly, the marriage barely lasted four years, as the duo went their separate ways in 2019. Osas has since been able to move on with her life, channeling her energy towards professional life.

Since her divorce, Osas Ighodaro has continued to put in much energy in her career. She has starred in top movies and series such as, ‘Shuga,’ ‘King of Boys,’ ‘Rattlesnake,’ and ‘Bad Comments.’ The actress has also delved into production, with her works being featured on major platforms such as Netflix. Her ability to deliver quality work has earned her several awards and nominations, including ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

Etinosa Idemudia: Etinosa Idemudia is a talented actress known for her impressive roles in movies and series. She tied the knot with a Benin-based lawyer in September 2020, but barely a year after, the marriage hit the rocks. However, Etinosa has been able to keep her career on track despite her personal challenges.

In 2021, the same year she got divorced the second time, Etinosa Idemudia bagged the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards as ‘Best Actress in a TV Series (Africa)’. She also recently produced a movie titled, ‘Dear Sister.’ Etinosa has continued to show her dedication to her craft and has remained resilient in the face of personal challenges.

Kate Henshaw: Kate Henshaw is a veteran actress who has been in the entertainment industry for over two decades.

She got married to her British ex-husband, Roderick Nuttal, whom she married in 1999, but their marriage was dissolved 12 years later in 2011. The talented actress has since moved on to bigger things and has taken on lead roles in notable movies such as ‘Chief Daddy,’ ‘New Money,’ ‘Fourth Republic,’ and ‘Blood Sisters.’

In 2017, Kate Henshaw bagged the Best of Nollywood awards as ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for her role in the movie, ‘The Women.’ She has also been recognized for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry, as she was honored by the Federal Government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

Toke Makinwa: Toke Makinwa is a media personality known for her exceptional skills as a host and presenter.

She got married to Maje Ayida in 2014, but their marriage crashed in 2017. After her divorce, Toke Makinwa published a book titled, ‘On Becoming,’ where she detailed her experiences in marriage. The book was an instant hit and became a bestseller in Nigeria.

Toke Makinwa has continued to excel in her career as a media personality, hosting several notable events, including the third season of ‘The Voice Nigeria’ and the ‘Guilder Ultimate Search’ season 12. She was also the host of BBNaija-affiliated show, ‘The Buzz.’ She has won several awards, including Net Honours 2021 as ‘Most Popular Media Personality (Female)’ and Africa Youth Award 2018 as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans. She also has a fashion line called, Toke Makinwa Luxury.

Ini Edo: Ini Edo is a versatile actress who has continued to leave her mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry. Her marriage to Philip Ehiagwina may have ended in 2014, but that has not stopped her from achieving success in her career.

She has remained focused on her craft, delivering exceptional performances and taking on challenging roles in movies and TV series.

In 2021, Ini Edo debuted a luxury fashion and cosmetic brand called ‘Secrets of April’, adding businesswoman to her impressive resume. Earlier in the year, she produced ‘Shanty Town’, a crime thriller released on video streaming platform, Netflix, which was well received by audiences.

Ini Edo’s success serves as an inspiration to many young Nigerians who aspire to have a successful career in the entertainment industry. She has shown that with talent, hard work, and perseverance, one can achieve greatness in the face of adversity. Her story reminds us that while life may present us with challenges, we should always stay focused on our dreams and work hard to make them a reality.

Ireti Doyle: Ireti Doyle is a seasoned actress who has been in the Nigerian entertainment industry for several years. She was previously married to Patrick Doyle, and the couple had six children together. Ireti has been recognized for her outstanding performances on both the big screen and television, and has received several nominations and awards.

In 2016, she was nominated at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in the Best Actress In A Leading Role category for her portrayal of Dr. Elizabeth in the Ebony Life film Fifty. Ireti has also appeared in other notable movies such as The Arbitration, The Wedding Party, Dinner, and Madam President. On television, she has created characters on shows like Fuji House Of Commotion, Dowry, and Gidi Up.

During the EndSars protests in Nigeria in 2020, when some palliatives were looted, Ireti took to her Twitter handle to voice her opinion, stating that the situation was a result of acute hunger and not greed. Her activism and social consciousness continue to inspire many of her fans and followers.

The journey of these female entertainers may have been marred by failed marriages, but their resilience and determination have kept them going. Through their struggles, they have continued to produce quality work and inspire their fans to pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges they may face. These women have not let their past define them, but rather, they have used their experiences to become stronger and better versions of themselves.