In Nigeria, traditional beliefs often make unconventional love stories difficult, especially when the woman is older than the man.
Although some couples bravely defy these expectations and embrace love in its purest form despite unspoken disapproval and subtle judgments.
As the world focuses on celebrity marriages, a significant question arises: Does age really determine the success or failure of a relationship, or is it just a insignificant number in the grand scheme of love?
The internet was abuzz with excitement over the weekend as attention was drawn to a captivating story involving the esteemed Cole family of Victoria Island, Lagos.
The centre of the commotion was Taiwo Cole, scion of the illustrious clan, whose recent marriage to actress and comedian Wofai Ewa, also known as Wofai Fada, sparked a storm of conversation.
Their traditional union took place in the picturesque setting of Ugep, Cross River State, an event that had been kept secret until then.
In a Sunday statement, the Cole family denounced the marriage.
In response, Wofai Fada posted a video on her Instagram page the same day with the caption “Let love lead” amidst controversies surrounding her marriage.
Then on Monday, the actress declared that her union with her groom, Taiwo Cole, will be lasting.
In the Nigerian entertainment world, where fame meets societal pressures, PUNCH Online puts the spotlight on five extraordinary individuals who challenge age disparities in their relationships.
Here are five popular Nigerian celebrities who married older women:
1. Peter and Lola Okoye:
Lola Okoye, who turned 50 on Friday, September 2, is the beloved wife of Peter Okoye, renowned as one half of the iconic musical duo, P Square.
Despite the nine-year age gap—Peter and his twin brother Paul were born on November 18, 1981, while Lola was born on September 2, 1972—their love story developed over seven years before they got married in 2013.
Blessed with a son named Cameron and a daughter named Aliona, the Okoye family values their journey as a family.
In 2021, Lola expressed her happiness about the now-defunct music group, P-square, putting their differences aside after a long musical fallout. https://punchng.com/im-happy-p-square-put-their-differences-aside-says-mr-ps-wife-lola/
2. Deola And Darey Art Alade:
Renowned R&B sensation Darey Art Alade found his forever partner in Deola, a dynamic serial entrepreneur when they tied the knot in February 2007.
Celebrating over 14 years of marriage, they have embraced their eight-year age difference with grace and contentment.
Darey once stated, “No pressures at all! Everybody at some time finds what works for him or her.”
With two delightful children, Darey and Deola demonstrate that love transcends age, showing that happiness has no limits.
3. Mike Edwards and Perri Shakes-Drayton:
The romance of Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem runner-up, Mike Edwards, and British Olympian Perri is a story of athletic skill and lasting love.
Married in 2019, they go through life’s important moments in sync, even though Perri is two years older than Mike.
Celebrating the birth of their son, their connection shows the depth of their relationship and their shared ambitions.
4. MC Fish and Anita Joseph:
Nigerian comedian MC Fish and Nollywood actress Anita Joseph have a love story that goes beyond age differences.
Despite being eight years apart in age, the couple's bond shines with happiness and affection, visible in their affectionate posts on social media.
While they haven't had a child together, Anita Joseph’s daughter from a previous relationship enriches their family journey, highlighting the beauty of blended families.
5. Joseph Ameh and Kaffy:
Famous dancer, choreographer, and fitness coach Kaffy, known for her Guinness World Record achievement, started a love journey with Joseph Ameh, P Square’s drummer, in 2012.
Despite their eight-year age difference—Kaffy being the older one—things took a surprising turn when Kaffy filed for divorce in January 2022, marking the end of their marriage.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that allegations of extramarital affairs against Ameh played a significant role in the breakup.
