By Prosper Mene
Nollywood actress and podcaster Abiola Adebayo has publicly addressed the criticism and ridicule she faced online after announcing her separation from her husband, Oluwaseyi Akinrinde. The announcement, which coincided with her ex-husband’s birthday, sparked significant backlash, with some fans accusing Adebayo of deliberately choosing the timing to humiliate him.
In a heartfelt video posted on her YouTube channel, Adebayo clarified that her decision to share the news was intentional, aimed at controlling her narrative and preventing misinformation. Speaking in a mix of English and Yoruba, she stated, “I am human too. I posted about my marriage because I didn’t want people to tell my story for me, yet you all used it against me.” She emphasized that her ex-husband was informed of the announcement beforehand and that it was not intended to tarnish his image.
Adebayo, who married Akinrinde in April 2021 after a brief courtship, confirmed that the couple had been separated since April 2024. The pair, who share a son born via surrogacy in April 2023, are now focused on co-parenting. Addressing rumors, Adebayo firmly denied allegations of domestic violence in their relationship, stating, “No form of physical abuse or violence occurred.”
Looking back on the emotional toll, Adebayo revealed she had endured private struggles, saying, “While I go about making other people happy during the day, my pillow is drenched with my tears almost every night for the past 14 months.” She expressed regret that the marriage did not work out but prioritized her well-being, noting, “It’s better to stay alive to tell the story.”
The actress also faced comments from controversial singer Portable, who questioned her ability to interview wives on her podcast given her marital challenges. The remarks sparked further outrage online, but Adebayo urged her followers to show kindness, emphasizing that people often face silent battles.
Adebayo, a prominent figure in Nollywood known for roles in films like Fist Hit and her work on the TalkToB podcast, remains committed to her career and co-parenting her son. She concluded her response by calling for empathy, stating, “Let’s learn to be kind to people. You have no idea what others are going through.”
Fans and colleagues, including actress Regina Chukwu, have rallied in support, praising Adebayo’s resilience and transparency.
