Nigerian actress and fashion entrepreneur Temi Otedola, the daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, has opened up about her decision to officially adopt her husband’s surname, Ajibade, after marrying Afrobeats star Mr Eazi. The move, which sparked widespread conversations on social media, was clarified by Temi during an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, where she explained the personal reasons behind the change.
Temi revealed that taking her husband’s last name after marriage felt like the most natural step for her as a newly married woman. She emphasized that it was entirely her personal choice and not influenced by external pressures. At the same time, she noted that every woman should be free to make her own decision about whether or not to adopt her spouse’s surname. “I’m now a married woman, the obvious thing for me is to take my husband’s name. But it’s my personal choice… I also respect a woman’s ability to choose,” she explained.
The actress went on to share her perspective on maintaining privacy in her relationship with Mr Eazi. According to her, living life away from the constant spotlight has been key to shaping her personal and marital story. Temi highlighted that deliberately keeping certain aspects of their love life private has allowed them to build their narrative on their own terms. “Moving in silence allows you to build the story you want and share it when and how you’re ready,” she said, stressing the importance of choosing when to let the public in on personal matters.
Temi speaks on privacy
Temi further noted that in an era of social media oversharing, she has learned to embrace discretion, ensuring that her marriage and personal experiences are not dictated by external opinions. She described privacy as an empowering tool that gives her full control over what she wants people to know, thereby protecting both her marriage and her individuality.
In addition to discussing her marital journey, Temi also reflected on her father’s newly released memoir, which documents his extensive entrepreneurial experiences and lessons. She praised the book for capturing the wisdom her father has gained throughout his decades-long business career. “The book is like a window into his journey, and while I’ve benefited from his guidance all my life, now the public has the opportunity to learn from him too,” she explained.
Temi reflects on her privileged background
When asked about her privileged upbringing, Temi was candid in acknowledging the immense advantages it has given her. However, she explained that her father deliberately distanced his children from his businesses, a decision that initially left her feeling disappointed. Over time, though, she came to see it as one of the best choices he could have made for her growth. The actress revealed that being excluded from her father’s empire pushed her to create her own career path and identity outside of her family’s wealth. She added that her father’s resilience during hard times has been a constant source of inspiration for her, motivating her to build something meaningful on her own terms.
[/p]With her new identity as Temi Ajibade, the actress seems fully ready to embrace married life, while also carving out her own place in the entertainment and fashion industries. Her candid revelations about marriage, privacy, family, and privilege shed light on the balance she is striking between honoring her roots and building her own legacy.