Following the crash of a marriage, some Nigerian celebrities let go of their husbands’ last names while others do not.
OsunDailyNG reports that sometimes, it is difficult for a female celebrity to change back to her maiden name if she is popular and influential.
In recent times, social media verification (Blue tick) has even made changing names difficult for celebrities after divorce as they stand a chance of losing it.
Apart from the loss of social media verification, some female Nigerian celebrities highlighted in this article have shared reasons they still prefer being addressed by their husbands’ names despite divorce or separation.
1. Ireti Doyle: In January this year, Nollywood actress, Ireti Doyle, got social media agog after announcing the crash of her marriage during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.
Shortly after the thespian opened up on being officially divorced from her husband Patric Doyle, she responded to a curious fan on Twitter who wanted to know why she was still bearing ‘Doyle’ despite being separated from her ex-husband.
In response, the actress explained that the name ‘Ireti Doyle’ has been 30 years in the making, and it is hers.
She said, “Ireti Doyle” is a name that is nearly 30 years in the making. It’s mine”
2. Chioma Akpota: Since 2022, there have been reports that Chioma’s marriage has hit the rock, but she failed to address it.
Instead, Chioma gave hints about the crash of her marriage as all her social media posts always come with an emphasis on her maiden name, ‘Chioma Chukwuka’.
A few days ago, veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie confirmed that Chioma has left her husband.
However, the talented movie star is yet to change her name on various social media platforms, and this might be due to issues with loss of verification.
3. Anita Okoye: The marriage crash of Nigerian singer, Paul and Anita Okoye was messy as the wife laid heavy allegations on him while filing for a divorce.
Before a court in Abuja dissolved the marriage, Paul was accused of infidelity, fraud, an absent parent, among others.
The singer has since moved on with a new girlfriend and same with Anita but still uses ‘Okoye’ on her Instagram page.
4. Elsie Okpocha: In 2022, veteran comedian, Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, announced separation from his wife, Elsie Okpocha, after 12 years of marriage.
While his wife failed to respond to the social media post, some Nigerians thought it was a stunt, but Basket has stopped sharing lovey-dovey moments with his wife online.
Elsie still bears ‘Okpocha’ on her social media pages even though she also stopped sharing photos of Basketmouth on her page.
5. Carolyn Danjuma: Nollywood actress cum politician, Carolyn, who has been divorced from her billionaire husband for over ten years, in a recent interview, said she has no problem with using her ex-husband’s name.
When reminded of her separation from Danjuma, the thespian said their divorce is just paper as she and the billionaire still like each other.
