Toyin Adewale: Marriage Is Not a Do-or-Die Affair, But Violence Is a Red Line

Veteran Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale has opened up about her views on marriage, saying she does not believe marriage should be treated as a do-or-die commitment, especially in cases involving domestic violence.

Speaking on actress Biola Bayo’s podcast, Adewale said disagreements and minor misunderstandings are normal in marriages and should not automatically lead to separation. However, she stressed that she would never remain in an abusive relationship.

According to her, staying in marriage should never come at the expense of personal safety.

“Marriage isn’t a do-or-die thing for me. I wouldn’t stay if he beats me. If there’s no violence and it’s just a minor misunderstanding, it’s normal. Why do I leave? Do I know what will happen where I am going? I got married with the determination of never leaving my marriage, provided there’s no violence,” she said.

The actress revealed that she got married in January 1993 and welcomed her son, singer Mayorkun, in March of the same year. She said their union has lasted for over three decades and described herself as the calm partner at home.

“I got married in January 1993 and had Mayowa in March 1993. I have been married for 33 years. I am the gentle one,” she added.

Reflecting on her career journey, Adewale said she discovered her passion for acting at an early stage and has remained committed to the profession.

She disclosed that she began acting professionally in 1988 and earned N5,000 for her first paid role — a milestone she still remembers.

“I just found myself in acting, and I enjoy doing it. I started acting in 1988. They paid me N5,000, I can’t forget. They gave us clothes, and we performed before the president. It was my first job that brought me to the limelight,” she said.

Adewale also spoke about her upbringing, revealing that her father had four wives, each with one child. She described him as disciplined and highly organised.

According to her, her father made extensive preparations for his eventual passing, including paying church dues and making burial arrangements in advance to reduce the burden on his children.

“My father had four wives, and each wife had one child. I am the lastborn. He was a disciplinarian, so he fixed a lot for us. He bought his grave cloth, did his grave and all. He paid all the necessary dues to the churches so they wouldn’t stress us when he died,” she said.