By Prosper Mene
Nollywood actress and producer Teniola Aladese has sparked widespread discussion with her candid advice that many women should experience living independently before entering marriage, arguing it helps build self-awareness, set boundaries, and avoid regrets in relationships.
In a recent episode of the That’s What She Said vodcast/podcast, the actress shared her perspective on the common cultural pattern in Nigeria where women transition directly from their parents’ home to their husband’s without an interim phase of solo living. She emphasized that this lack of independence often leads to surprises and challenges once married.
“A lot of women just go from their family’s houses to their husband’s house,” Aladese stated. “But they don’t particularly know what they like, they don’t know what kind of trait their husband-to-be has. So they are shocked when they enter into the home and they see some mannerisms that they haven’t experienced before.”
She continued: “But I feel like when you live alone before getting married, you get to know yourself, you get to know what you like, you get to know the nonsense you would take and the nonsense you would not take. But when you just enter into marriage without any experience of living on your own, that is when everything starts shocking you and regrets creep in.”
The 32-year-old actress, born on September 18, 1993, in Lagos State (the sixth of six children), studied Mass Communication at Covenant University, Ota. She has built a multifaceted career in Nollywood, starting behind the scenes as a production coordinator and line producer on projects like Africa Magic Original Films and Jemeji (where she also acted as Akweyon). She gained prominence for her role as the villainous Folashade “FK” Kuku in the TV series Unbroken, and has appeared in films and series such as Fade, Her, Déjà Vu, Lara of Lagos, and Perfectly Flawed. Aladese has also worked as a casting director and consultant.
Her comments, shared widely across social media platforms including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and blogs have ignited debates online. Many fans and commentators praised her for promoting self-discovery and independence, while others weighed in on cultural norms around marriage and gender roles in Nigerian society.
Aladese’s statement aligns with growing conversations in entertainment circles about personal growth, mental preparedness for marriage, and challenging traditional expectations. As one of Nollywood’s rising talents known for her thoughtful insights both on and off screen, her views continue to resonate with audiences navigating modern relationships.
