Nigerian actress Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, has explained why she chose to adopt her husband’s surname after getting married.
Temi Otedola and singer Mr Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, recently tied the knot in a lavish three-part wedding held in Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland, reportedly costing $15 million.
Soon after the wedding, the actress updated her Instagram bio to “Temi Otedola Ajibade,” incorporating her husband’s surname.
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The change sparked mixed reactions online, with some critics questioning her decision to “drop” her well-known family name.
However, in a BBC Pidgin interview on Wednesday, the 29-year-old actress said it felt “natural” to adopt her husband’s surname after the wedding, calling it her “personal choice.”
She stressed that while taking her husband’s name brought her joy and peace, she completely respects the choices of other women.
“To be deeply honest with you, it’s not anything I had thought about. It was obvious that when I became a married woman, the obvious thing for me was to take my husband’s name, but it’s my choice,” she said.
“I respect everybody’s personal choice. It’s what I’m comfortable and happy doing it.”
The actress also revealed why she chose to marry the 34-year-old singer, whom she started dating in 2017. Mr Eazi proposed in April 2023, after six years of being together.
“There are too many that made me marry him. How would I choose one? I mean, first and foremost, he’s my best friend, that’s my person. And I think when you meet your person, you will know,” she added.
“I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anybody else. He’s the person I’m excited about and can’t wait to spend every day with and build our lives together, work through our ups and downs together, celebrate together, and solve problems together. He’s simply my person. So, we’re just excited for what’s to come.”
