In Nollywood, romance is often the heart of the stories we watch on screen—whether through comedies, dramas, or thrillers. But beyond the scripted love stories, some of Nollywood's most beloved actors write their romantic sagas off-screen, navigating the pressures of fame, lengthy shoots, and intimate scenes with their real-life partners.
From seasoned veterans to newlyweds, these Nollywood stars prove that "for better or for worse" extends beyond their movie roles into their personal lives. Despite the challenges of being public figures, their relationships remain solid, a testament to love and commitment.
Toyin Abraham & Kola Ajeyemi
It’s the second time around for the star actress, who was once married to actor Adeniyi Johnson.
Fredrick Leonard and Peggy Ovire
Fedrick and Peggy became a couple after seven years of an on-and-off, rollercoaster relationship. Leonard, a top Nollywood actor and successful content creator, has openly expressed that Peggy is the one woman he cannot live without.
Peggy Ovire, an actress and model, has made significant strides in her career since her debut in 2014. She first gained recognition as Isioma in the popular TV series Husbands of Lagos before starring in over 30 films, including Royal Switch, Loving Ellen, Butterflies for Christmas, and Wife for Rent. Peggy has also ventured into film production with projects like Sinister and Famously Single.
Fredrick Leonard, known for his impressive career in Nollywood, has appeared in over 190 films, particularly excelling in romantic dramas. Some of his notable works include Disclosure, Doctor May, and Promise Beyond. In addition to acting, he has expanded his reach as a content creator on YouTube, where his films have garnered millions of views.
The couple married traditionally in November 2022, and their union has been marked by public displays of affection and a sense of fate. Leonard has often emphasised that Peggy is the only woman he truly cannot imagine living without.
Fausat & Rafiu Balogun
Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, and her husband Rafiu have been one of Nollywood’s longest-married couples. They tied the knot in 1979 when Fausat was 18, having already chosen to pursue a career in acting. Rafiu, her second theatre boss, faced financial difficulties that caused many members to leave his troupe. However, Fausat remained by his side, offering support through those challenging times. In gratitude, Rafiu asked her to be his partner for life. The couple has two children: Afeez, a movie director, and Bintu, a promising actress.
Mide Funmi Martins married Afeez Owo, her late mother’s manager, in 2004, defying the odds. Initially, Mide saw Afeez as a brother, so it took time before she considered a romantic relationship. However, she eventually realised that he was the most reliable person in her life, and she fell in love with him.
The couple officially wed in September 2013 and have since built a life together, raising their two children, Mimi and Zainab, in a loving and supportive environment while balancing their careers. The media often celebrates Mide and Afeez for their warm, enduring relationship. They regularly share moments of their life on social media, showcasing their love and dedication to each other and their family.
Gloria made her acting debut in the 1992 hit movie Glamorous Girls after a TV career as a producer of the one-time famous Charly Boy Show. Nobert, on the other hand, began his career with a solid foundation in theatre before transitioning to film and television. He became a familiar face in popular Nigerian TV series such as Checkmate and Tinsel, earning widespread recognition for his compelling performances.
Although the details of how they met remain vague, reports suggest that their romance intensified as they worked together. Married in 2002 and blessed with three children, Gloria and Nobert have built a strong relationship that has withstood the pressures of fame and public scrutiny. Their marriage is admired in Nollywood, particularly because both have maintained successful acting careers while keeping their personal lives private and drama-free. They are celebrated for their longevity and stability, showcasing the possibility of balancing a successful career in the arts with a fulfilling family life.
Stan Nze and Blessing Obasi are a talented celebrity couple and prominent figures in the industry. Nze gained widespread fame for his lead role in the 2020 remake of the Nollywood classic Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story. Renowned for his versatility, he has also starred in popular films and TV series such as Charge & Bail and Afamefuna.
Obasi, an accomplished actress and producer, left a successful career in banking to follow her passion for acting. She has made a name for herself with standout roles in films like Momiwa, Progressive Tailors Club, and Mis Behaviour, among others. Beyond acting, she has also produced several projects alongside her husband.
The couple married in September 2021 and are blessed with a son. Despite their age difference, with Nze being younger, they have defied societal expectations, building their relationship on love, mutual respect, and a strong friendship. They are admired for their unwavering support of each other’s careers and are often seen celebrating both personal and professional milestones together.
Linda Ejiofor and Ibrahim Suleiman
Ejiofor and Suleiman's marriage is celebrated as one of the most admired unions in the Nigerian entertainment industry. The pair first met on the set of the long-running Nigerian soap opera Tinsel, where they formed a close friendship that eventually blossomed into romance.
Before pursuing acting, Suleiman was a dancer and choreographer. He later gained recognition for his roles in films such as Up North, A Lot Like Love, Namatshe Wahala, and Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti. Ejiofor, known for her dynamic and versatile acting, has portrayed many characters on screen. She is especially noted for her role as Bimpe in Tinsel and her lead performance as Ejura in the 2012 comedy The Meeting.
The couple wed in November 2018 in a stunning ceremony that garnered attention from fans and fellow actors alike. They are now blessed with a son and are often praised for balancing personal and professional lives while remaining supportive of each other’s careers.
Afeez Owo & Mide Martins
The couple officially wed in September 2013 and have since built a life together, raising their two children, Mimi and Zainab, in a loving and supportive environment while balancing their careers. The media often celebrates Mide and Afeez for their warm, enduring relationship. They regularly share moments of their life on social media, showcasing their love and dedication to each other and their family.
Gloria Anozie & Nobert Young
Gloria Anozie and Nobert Young are veteran actors with distinguished careers in Nollywood and television. Their marriage is regarded as one of the strongest unions in the industry.
Gloria made her acting debut in the 1992 hit movie Glamorous Girls after a TV career as a producer of the one-time famous Charly Boy Show. Nobert, on the other hand, began his career with a solid foundation in theatre before transitioning to film and television. He became a familiar face in popular Nigerian TV series such as Checkmate and Tinsel, earning widespread recognition for his compelling performances.
Although the details of how they met remain vague, reports suggest that their romance intensified as they worked together. Married in 2002 and blessed with three children, Gloria and Nobert have built a strong relationship that has withstood the pressures of fame and public scrutiny. Their marriage is admired in Nollywood, particularly because both have maintained successful acting careers while keeping their personal lives private and drama-free. They are celebrated for their longevity and stability, showcasing the possibility of balancing a successful career in the arts with a fulfilling family life.
Stan Nze & Blessing Obasi
Obasi, an accomplished actress and producer, left a successful career in banking to follow her passion for acting. She has made a name for herself with standout roles in films like Momiwa, Progressive Tailors Club, and Mis Behaviour, among others. Beyond acting, she has also produced several projects alongside her husband.
The couple married in September 2021 and are blessed with a son. Despite their age difference, with Nze being younger, they have defied societal expectations, building their relationship on love, mutual respect, and a strong friendship. They are admired for their unwavering support of each other’s careers and are often seen celebrating both personal and professional milestones together.
Rasaq Olayiwola & Moji Afolayan
Moji Afolayan and Rasaq Olayiwola met on a movie set in 2002, began courting, and after two years, married in 2004. Over their 20 years of marriage, the couple—Moji, a veteran actress, and Rasaq, widely recognised for his iconic role as 'Ojopagogo'—have navigated the challenges of life as actors while raising four children. Together, they have established an acting academy, RAZOL, where they continue contributing to the industry's growth.
Joke Silva & Olu Jacobs
After 35 years of marriage, the couple has built a strong, enduring partnership and is blessed with two sons and a grandchild. They have consistently supported each other’s careers and collaborated on numerous film projects, including founding the Lufodo Group, their media production company.
Their impact on Nollywood is profound, having inspired generations of actors. Despite Olu Jacobs' recent health challenges due to dementia, the couple's legacy remains one of strength, love, and unwavering dedication to both their craft and each other.
Banky W & Adesua Etomi
Adesua Etomi, known for her roles in films such as King of Boys, Set Up, and Sugar Rush, has garnered widespread praise for her exceptional acting skills. Notably, British-Nigerian actor David Oyelowo has expressed a desire to collaborate with her, highlighting her talent on an international scale.
Banky W is a versatile artist, musician, and actor who has also ventured into politics and part-time pastoring. As a musician, he was a first-generation Afrobeats pioneer with the hit single "Ebute Metta" and founded the record label EME, which propelled Wizkid to global fame. In acting, he debuted alongside Adesua in the critically acclaimed 2016 romantic comedy The Wedding Party. He later starred in the inspirational film Up North before transitioning his focus to politics and ministry.
The couple married in a traditional ceremony on November 19, 2017, followed by a white wedding on November 25, 2017. Their union was widely covered by the media and celebrated by fans and celebrities alike, showcasing their love story and strong bond. They are still going very strong with a son called Zaiah
Sunday Omobolanle & Peju Ogunmola
Ogunmola is a well-known Yoruba Nollywood actress known for her versatile acting skills, which allow her to portray a wide range of characters. Papi Luwe is a veteran Yoruba actor, comedian
They have been married since 1989 and have been deeply embedded in the Yoruba movie and theatre film world for years. They are regarded as one of the long-standing couples in Nollywood. The longevity of their marriage has been admired by many, as they have successfully balanced their careers and personal lives over the years. Despite their public personas, they have kept much of their private life away from the media, focusing on their craft.
Yul Edochie and Judy Austin
Judy Austin, a notable Nollywood actress, producer, and entrepreneur, began her career in entertainment as a model and musician before transitioning into acting in 2013. She gained recognition for her role in Dancer and other films, which paved the way for her to venture into movie production. Austin has since established herself as a significant figure in Nollywood, both in front of and behind the camera.
Yul Edochie, the son of Nollywood legend Pete Edochie, has been a prominent Nollywood actor since 2005. Known for his versatility, Yul has appeared in over 50 films, becoming one of the industry's most recognised faces. He and Judy reportedly started their relationship while collaborating on various projects, including Native Girl, a movie she produced and he directed.
Lateef & Bimpe Adedimeji
Lateef and Mo Bimpe Adedimeji are two of the most admired couples in Nigeria's entertainment industry. Although they have portrayed on-screen lovers for years, many were unaware that their off-screen romance had blossomed privately.
Lateef Adedimeji is a highly versatile actor, praised for his effortlessly switching between comedic and dramatic roles. He has starred in numerous films and is known for his emotional depth and powerful performances.
Mo Bimpe, a talented actress and model, is making her mark with captivating performances. Her beauty, grace, calm demeanour, and strong acting skills have earned her several award nominations. She often takes on complex roles in romantic and dramatic films.
After years of speculation and public denials, the couple surprised their fans by tying the knot in December 2021. They continue to act as on-screen lovers, while Lateef has expanded his career with leading roles in high-profile films. Meanwhile, Mo Bimpe has been building her reputation behind the camera as a producer. In 2024, they released the critically acclaimed epic movie Lisabi, with Lateef playing the title role.
Fathia and Saheed Balogun
Despite their separation, Saheed and Fathia remain prominent figures in Nollywood. Their status as a famous Nollywood couple endures, as fans fondly remember their partnership both on and off-screen. They’ve maintained a cordial relationship, successfully co-parenting their two children, and have been seen together at various events, fueling ongoing speculation about a potential reconciliation.
Even after their divorce, Saheed and Fathia's lasting fame as a Nollywood power couple remains intact, with fans continually hopeful for a reunion.
Ireti and Patrick Doyle
Patrick and Ireti were married for much of their professional careers, raising six children together. Rumors of their separation began in 2017, but it wasn't until 2023 that Ireti, a renowned actress, officially confirmed their divorce. Their long-standing marriage had made them one of Nollywood's most recognised and admired couples.
Ireti Doyle is a celebrated Nollywood actress, producer, and television host known for her versatility and impactful performances. With a career spanning over 20 years, she gained widespread recognition for her role in the TV series Tinsel. She has also starred in numerous box-office hits such as Sitanda, The Arbitration, Fifty, and The Wedding Party. In addition to her acting, Ireti hosted the fashion show Oge with Iretiola for over a decade, further solidifying her influence in the industry.
Patrick, a veteran actor, broadcaster, and filmmaker, has made significant contributions to Nigerian cinema and television as a performer and behind the scenes. He began his career as a radio presenter and voice-over artist before transitioning into acting and film production. Known for playing fatherly or leadership roles, Patrick's presence spans both English and Yoruba Nollywood films. The couple first met when Ireti was a university student, and their marriage became one of Nollywood’s most prominent unions until their eventual separation.
These Nollywood couples remind us that love, like any great film, requires dedication, patience, and commitment to stand the test of time. While their lives are often under public scrutiny, these stars continue to balance fame with family, embodying the essence of "for better or for worse." As they share their journeys with us, their stories inspire fans and colleagues alike, proving that real love can thrive even in the spotlight.
- Jimi D Baldheaded Guy