Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has revealed that there are times she questions her decision to marry her husband, Captain Matthew Ekeinde, saying marriage is not always about being “lovey-dovey.”
The actress made the disclosure during an interview on the Chude Jideonwo Podcast, excerpts of which have gone viral on X.
Omotola, who has been married to Captain Ekeinde for decades, said she and her husband understand that they are individuals with separate journeys and have chosen to remain together out of mutual commitment rather than obligation.
According to her, there are moments when she wakes up and wonders why she chose her husband, but said such moments are part of the realities of marriage.
“There are times when I wake up and I’m like, somebody needs to remind me why I chose this guy again. Because right now I can’t remember. I’m at loss of memory right now,” she said.
She added that there are also occasions when she sees other men and wonders what could have been, stressing that such thoughts do not necessarily undermine her commitment to her marriage.
“And there are times when I see guys too, that are looking fabulous, and I’m like, whoa, little child. I picked this one over you,” she said.
The actress, however, explained that her commitment to her husband goes beyond romantic feelings, saying she believes her marriage is also anchored on her faith and shared values.
She said: “I’m not with him because I love him all the time. I’m with him because I choose love, because God has given me a mandate to be by his side, and vice versa.
“So the times when I see him and I’m not too much in love with him, I report him to God. And I’m like, hey, what’s up now? Should I sustain this? Are you going to make it come around? Because right now he’s not looking good.
“So I am honouring him, not because I love him too much, but because I am honouring one who is above him, who has given me the mandate to be with him.”
Omotola said she and her husband also give each other space and respect their individual choices, adding that their shared value system has helped their relationship.
She said: “I’m with you because I choose to be with you. He’s with me because he chooses to be with me. So we respect each other’s choices, each other’s space, and each other’s wholesomeness.”
The actress cautioned couples against pretending that marriage would always be perfect, stressing that openness and communication are important to sustaining a relationship.
“Don’t think that when you’re married to someone, it’s always going to be lovey-dovey. That’s not why I got married to him,” she said.
According to her, couples should recognise their humanity, discuss their differences openly and avoid trying to present a perfect picture of marriage.
“You are just who you are. You’re a human being. That’s who you are.
“But when you choose someone as a partner in life, be open with them. Discuss things with them. And if God helps you and you have a good value system, life will be easier,” she added.
